CHRISTIAN VIEWS OF WAR
According to this perspective, it is always right to participate in war. Because government is established by God (Rom. 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13–14), it is believed that whenever the government calls us to participate, we must obey. Those who hold this view argue that disobeying the government is essentially disobeying God. The many wars recorded in the Bible are also cited as proof that God approves of war as a means of maintaining order.
However, there are objections to this view. One major concern is that it seems to overlook biblical passages that encourage peace with everyone (Matt. 5:38–48; Rom. 12:18, etc.). Problems can also arise when a government engages in an unjust war—for example, when the intention is to oppress or conquer others. For advocates of this view, it is still better to follow one’s country even if it is wrong than to rebel against it.
According to this view, it is never right to participate in war. Its basis is found in Christ’s teachings, such as “turning the other cheek” (Matt. 5:38–42), loving one’s enemies (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27–28), and being a peacemaker (Matt. 5:9), among others. For pacifists, these verses promote non-resistance. They equate war with mass murder, which violates God's commands. Believers are called to live peacefully with everyone (Matt. 5:38–48; Rom. 12:18) and never to take revenge (Rom. 12:19–21). Participating in war could mean being overcome by evil (Rom. 12:21) and resisting an evildoer (Matt. 5:39). In pacifism, violence is never the answer.
However, this view is also criticized. Some Christians argue that it disregards many biblical accounts in which God used war to fulfill His purposes. In the New Testament, Roman soldiers who converted were not told to abandon their military jobs. John the Baptist simply told them not to extort money or abuse their power (Luke 3:14). In one instance, Christ even instructed His disciples to carry swords for self-defense (Luke 22:36–38).
This view holds that it is right to participate in some wars—but only those that are considered just. According to this perspective, believers should live at peace with everyone (Rom. 12:18), but only as far as it depends on them. Yes, Christians should not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:19–21); however, there are times when force is necessary to confront evil.
Selectivists argue that Jesus’ command to “turn the other cheek” was not about total non-resistance—after all, Jesus Himself confronted the person who struck Him (John 18:22–23). Loving one’s enemy is not an excuse to allow them to commit harm against us or others. Even Paul defended himself against unjust treatment (Acts 22:25–29). This view also maintains that in certain cases, taking a life may be justified—such as in self-defense (Ex. 22:2) or capital punishment (Gen. 9:6).
Supporters of this view, including Augustine and Aquinas, developed principles to help determine whether a war is “just.” Believers must obey their government, but when a particular war is unjust, they must not support or participate in it.
Although this view is more balanced than the other two, it still has its own weaknesses. The principles of a just war can be interpreted differently by people trying to justify their actions. For instance, many criticize Israel for using excessive force in Gaza, but Israel claims it is acting in self-defense. Others argue that even justified violence contradicts Christ’s teachings on self-sacrifice and peace.
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Whatever your view may be, war is an undeniable reality in our time. And many people suffer because of it. As believers, we must do everything we can to help those in need and lift up the suffering in prayer. “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” (Proverbs 14:31, NIV). Stay Curious.
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