How should Christians understand and respond to war? // Deut. 20

Intro

There has yet to be a time in our lifetime in which our country has not been actively engaged in some form of warfare.

Since 2001, U.S. military activity has been global and continuous, spanning dozens of countries

War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) – longest U.S. war, part of the post-9/11 “War on Terror”

Iraq War / War in Iraq (2003–2011; continued operations afterward) - Sought to remove Saddam Hussein and future terrorist insurgents

War against ISIS (ISIL) in Iraq & Syria (2014–present, reduced presence today)

Before we get into this topic, what I do not want to do is try and give you a one-size-fits-all blanket statement about either past or current conflicts that our country has been involved in.

But, because the reality of war is an unfortunate part of our lifetime (and also probably our future), I hope to give you some ways to begin to think about how we discern or process conflict in our world (and even right now).

However, here are a few things we can say without exception about war in general:

It is a result of sin

Sin has broken our relationship with God, and it has also caused a rift in our relationships with one another.

The earlies case of violence between two individuals comes one chapter after the Fall when Cain kills his brother Abel out of jealousy and hatred.

Genesis 4:4–8 CSB

4 And Abel also presented an offering—some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent? 7 If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” 8 Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Even if a conflict is deemed to be justified, even victories come with “tears and remorse” (Wes Huff)

We should mourn any loss of life, especially the loss of innocent lives through collateral damage and the deaths of the unrepentant.

Now with all of that being said, if someone asked you, how would you answer the question, “How could a loving God allow war, or at times command for a war to be fought?”

War in the Old Testament

Laws concerning warfare (Deut. 20)

Read this passage together, and try to summarize how war ought to be handled from this passage alone.

In context, these commands follow instructions surrounding murder. It’s a natural next question following the instructions of the Law.

Importantly, there is a difference between the conflicts we see in the Old Testament and almost all conflicts that we see today.

Deuteronomy (3) Laws concerning War (20:1–20)

War in the Old Testament was always viewed as a necessary evil in the defense of God’s people from those who would seek their harm but also as an offensive measure in advancing their territorial interests. As the Creator and Sovereign over all things, the Lord had the right to bring them under his dominion, by force if necessary. And this he chose to do through the human instrument of his elect people.

It’s also significant the exemptions from military service that are listed here as well (v. 5-9). These are not totally compassionate, however it does not compel an individual to fight should they not be up to the task.

The Teachings of Jesus and the New Testament

Instructions to soldiers

John the Baptist:

Luke 3:14 CSB

14 Some soldiers also questioned him, “What should we do?” He said to them, “Don’t take money from anyone by force or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

Jesus approached by Roman centurions

Matthew 8:5–10 CSB

5 When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, pleading with him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony.” 7 He said to him, “Am I to come and heal him?” 8 “Lord,” the centurion replied, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” 10 Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith.

Matthew 8:13 CSB

13 Then Jesus told the centurion, “Go. As you have believed, let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that very moment.

The Apostles and Gentiles

Acts 10:22 CSB

22 They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who has a good reputation with the whole Jewish nation, was divinely directed by a holy angel to call you to his house and to hear a message from you.”

Acts 10:44–48 CSB

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and declaring the greatness of God. Then Peter responded, 47 “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.

In each of these instances, the soldiers that are never asked nor required to leave their military service. So, according to Jesus’ interaction with soldiers, there appears to be no barring one from being a follower of Christ in the military.

Jesus’ instruction to His disciples:

Christians are unequivocally called to be people of peace.

Matthew 5:38–39 CSB

38 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

Matthew 26:52–53 CSB

52 Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place because all who take up the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and he will provide me here and now with more than twelve legions of angels?

Daniel Heimbach (SEBTS professor and Christian ethicists who’s an expert in this topic) has a helpful comment on the distinction between individual Christians and society at large. This is a direct quote from a podcast talking about how we as imperfect people live in this broken world:

“Christians are called to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect, but that perfection is accredited perfection that we’re given through the atonement - the blood of Jesus Christ. We are measured or called to perfection in our personal life, our individual behavior, but in terms of what God expects of society - people living in the world as it is - we are to be witnesses, but we are not in the name of God to make the world perfect for him.”

Pacificism, Crusades, and Just War

What are they? (Dan Heimbach’s definitions)

What is pacifism?

“Pacifism is the idea that the use of deadly force, taking life, destroying property is never ever right because violence is the definition of evil. It defines violence as evil, therefore no evil can be justified, and therefore no use of deadly force can be justified.”

What is a crusade?

“It doesn’t like war, but it uses war as the best means to get rid of evil and create a perfect world. Its vision of a perfect world is to have a world ruled by God or an emissary of God with no exceptions, nobody disagreeing and nobody opposing. If people are converted? Great. If they don’t, kill them.”

Now I’m sure that you all have at least heard of “The Crusades” in which “Christians” went into primarily Islamic areas and massacred Muslims in the name of Jesus.

This kind of attitude towards others, however, does not align at all with the Christian worldview. Wes Huff made a really helpful distinction between true Christianity and the Crusades in an interview with Piers Morgan, and here’s what he said:

Even when we look at certain instances of atrocities done in the name of Christianity throughout history, maybe the Crusades are coming to mind, the Christian worldview makes the atrocities within the Crusades problematic. So what do you call the crusades done under the banner of Muhammad? Well, you call them business as usual. He was a warlord, so to fight in his legacy is expected.

But, to do so under the banner of the cross should seem ironic because Christ died for His enemies.

What is Just War Theory?

“Just War is a mediating ethic that is realist…. It opposes unnecessary war, but also thinks at times war is necessary. The ethic is framed by two questions: When is going to war justified?.… How should a justified war be conducted?”

Criteria for Just War

Conditions for going to war

Just Cause (defense, protection of the innocent)

Comparative Justice (your cause is more just than the enemy’s)

Legitimate Authority

Right Intention

Last Resort (all peaceful options exhausted)

Probability of Success

Proportionality (good expected outweighs harm)

How war must be conducted:

Discrimination (distinguish combatants vs. noncombatants)

Proportionality (use only necessary force)

Military Necessity

No Evil Means (no atrocities like torture, genocide, etc.)

Responsibilities after conflict:

Just Peace

Restoration of Order

Punishment of Wrongdoing (fairly)

Rebuilding and reconciliation

Where does the gospel play into this?

More than we need peace treaties,

Isaiah 2:4 CSB

4 He will settle disputes among the nations and provide arbitration for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up the sword against nation, and they will never again train for war.