Principles of Christian Warfare
© Prakash J. Mascarenhas.
It has been alleged by some, while many others believe that Christianity is pacifist.
Nothing can be further from the truth.
It is true that we must preferably not fight. However, God instructs us, "There is a time for peace and a time for war."
Is it not our selfsame God who commanded the Israelites to go in and entirely destroy the Canaanites, leaving neither man nor woman nor child as survivor? Did not a pope, inspired by God, tell us, "God Wills It!" - command us to rally our forces and take on the never-ending aggression of the Mohammadans, to wrest the holy lands from their impious hands?
Therefore, it is not true that Christianity is pacifist.
However, while we are within our rights to wage war, judging prudently, we must bear in mind certain things:
First of all, prudence. To acquire the ability to war, before picking up the challenge.
Secondly, eschew hate in all times and all situations. Hatred is a sin.
Revenge is also forbidden as a sin.
God tells us, "The wrath of man works not the justice of God," and "Vengeance is mine, I shall repay."
St. John the Apostle tells us, "If some one says, �I love God,� and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?"
Also, no brutuality. We must remember that all men are the creatures of God, and He desires their salvation, not their destruction. Capital Punishment is legitimate, but not brutality.
Our Lord taught us, "Be as guileless as doves and as crafty as serpents."
Yes, He is Love, He is Peace, but yes, He is also Justice and Truth, and yes, He is also the War-God!
He once asked Israel, " Are there no able bodied men among you that you allow a part of your country, which I gave you, to be occupied by your enemies?"
And now He is asking us that same question today. Are we up to it? Are we the children of a fearless, victorious, triumphant God, or are we mice?