Should Christians Join or Support the Military?

Any preacher who encourages believers to support, offer penance and prayers, or donate to, the country’s military is offering idolatry to those believers ...

Feb 5, 2025 - 18:33
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Should Christians Join or Support  the Military?

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Clearly, the first response from a Christian would be to go to the Bible and see what Jesus says about this choice. Though it comes down to a personal choice, the scriptures are clear on whether a disciple or believer of Christ should join any military outfit.

The biblical answer comes from the words of Jesus himself when he says, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” John 18:36. This is what Jesus told Pilate, the governor of Rome, after the Jews delivered him to be tried by the law.

The disciples were not taught to fight with weapons of war against the Roman soldiers or the government of Rome, they were taught to fight a spiritual battle against principalities and powers instead of physical men in battle. So not only are Christians forbidden by the Lord from enlisting in and physically fighting for a nation, but this also extends to supporting an army and their agenda against another nation.

Believers are not to use weapons of war to fight for the kingdom of God. Neither are they expected to give their allegiance to something or someone other than God himself. Therefore, Christians cannot pray for their country when at war; they cannot “support the troops,” they cannot stand for the national anthem, and they cannot pledge allegiance to the flag of any country. This is all idolatry.

Of course, this is all dependent on personal preferences, but there is a clear boundary in serving God and serving a country. The scriptures say, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Luke 16:13.

Any preacher who encourages believers to support, offer penance and prayers, or donate to, the country’s military is offering idolatry to those believers and is going against Gods will and against the teachings of Jesus Christ. Supporting any man who has plans to initiate war against another country is also idolatry, and giving loyalty to a country that builds a military for the purpose of war is idolatry.

The same concept and teaching of Jesus applies to any Christian who politically supports a man or policy that would encourage war against another nation or who is partaking in international conflict based on weapons of war or the building and reselling of weapons of war, is also idolatry, seeing Jesus condemned the act of carrying around a weapon also.

Whether serving in the military be for the sake of killing enemies (which is murder), invading or taking over another country, (thievery), committing genocide on another nation and oppressing their people, supporting another nation that has done the same, supplying weapons to a nation that partakes in genocide, warmongering, or taking of lands; is all idolatry.

Believers should stay as far away from military activity and support as they can, whether directly or indirectly such as politically. On the day of judgment, God will judge a person for their words and works, and reveal the secrets of their hearts before him. If there is an ounce of partaking in the sins of a warmongering nation, they will face judgment without mercy on the people they have showed no mercy.

MinisterCR A minister, teacher and preacher of the gospel of Christ for 34 years. Peace and love to all. Stay prayerful.