<> Ask the Pastor Pastor Walter Snyder Q: How do we justify wartime killing? What does Scripture say? It seems easier to understand God's use of war in the Old Testament but I have trouble with wars fought on issues other than religious matters. A: Christians have wrestled with this question for a long time. Many Christians were purged from the ranks of the Roman army during the Church's first few centuries, since the authorities were worried about their allegiance to one God. Some believers would not fight under any circumstances, focusing especially on the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," and on Christ's words, "Blessed are the peacemakers." Yet God's people have often been involved in wars, including some at his direct command, as when Israel took the land he gave them. In Christian theology, including Lutheranism, the concept of "just war" is used. Believers determine whether a particular struggle is just before entering the battle. It is in the definition of "just" that we struggle. Basically, the Lutheran Church has asked, "Is this a war of aggression or of defense? Are we coming to the aid of someone in peril or are we doing this to merely promote our political and economic influence? Is the other side truly acting as the aggressor? Are they fighting to promote and extend evil?" It is not murder for a soldier to kill in defense of his nation and his comrades-in-arms. It is wrong for him to hate those on the other side. The Christian warrior should be careful that he doesn't judge the individuals with whom he is at war, even if he judges their ideology to be evil, oppressive, or aggressive. We have problems at times if we follow Biblical teaching. A court may allow one to conscientiously object to all warfare, frowning on "picking and choosing." Yet this is what the Christian does. A soldier asks if what he is called to do is "just." If not, he rejects government's demands, even if he faces civil or criminal consequences. The church should support its members who face and live with such decisions. Q: Why do we believe the Bible? Even if every book started with the statement that this book is inspired, that would not be a reason to believe. After all, others have claimed inspiration for other writings. A: "Inspiration" means "breathed into." Saying that the Bible is inspired says that the Holy Spirit was the direct cause of the words being recorded. The Church teaches that some of what was recorded was already known (such as much Old and New Testament history). Other portions were revealed (such as God's reason for doing certain things, or those part of history which were not immediately familiar to the authors). Paul speaks of the Scriptures which Timothy knew from childhood, that they were "God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:15-16). In 2 Peter 1:21, the apostle says, "men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." Of the apostolic Scriptures we have Paul's words that they revealed "in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit. (1 Cor. 2:13)" Finally, we accept or reject these claims (and the Doctrine of Inspiration) based upon faith in the Word of God. We can argue that the Scriptures form a seamless whole (they do). We can believe the words of Christ that the Scriptures testify about him. We can see that the entire Bible points to God working salvation for humankind. We can test them, to see whether they speak truthfully to us. Yet it all comes down to whether or not we trust that what they deliver to us is God's eternal truth. If we doubt that the entire Bible is true, then we must modify or discard the idea of divine inspiration. If we accept that it is all true, then inspiration by the Holy Spirit is the only possible way that this could happen. We believe because "the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword." We believe because the Spirit uses this tool to cut away our disbelief and replace it with confidence in God as he reveals himself his divine plan for our salvation. Any human arguments about inspiration will always lead in a circle. Only God-created faith can break the circle and point us toward the true Author of all Scripture. [NOTE: The following URLs appear only in the electronic version of "Ask the Pastor." Follow the first link to read more on the Christians and warfare from the Lutheran Church of Australia, the next two for the Doctrine of Inspiration from a Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod perspective.] http://www.tne.net.au/smithhp/csbq/csbq03.htm http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/mosynod/doct-01.txt http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/mosynod/inspiration.txt Until next week, when, Lord willing, we enjoy more of your questions, remember to "Ask the Pastor" at P.O. Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or catch me around town. Pastor Snyder serves St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches, Jasper and Woodville, Texas and is the coauthor of "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1997 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.