Posted on Nov 11, 2020
MAJ Clinical Psychology
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This question primarily for Christian theologians and mental health providers, although I'm interested in other unique and creative perspectives as well. It originally developed for me while I was attending a graduate seminary where pacifism seemed to be the default philosophical posture around me.
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MSG Preventive Medicine Specialist
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I'm not itching for a fight. I'm not looking for a fight. But, if it comes down to someone engaging me and wanting to take my life, it's a matter of kill or be killed. It's either they go home to their family or I go home to mine.
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SPC(P) Barrier Supervisor
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My concern as a Christian was never “how am I supposed to kill?” Because we are commanded to protect our nations and our families. The Bible is full of war. My question was, “when the time comes to kill or be killed, will I feel guilty or will I be glad? Will I love what I do too much? How do I continue to do my job without becoming the monster I intend to destroy?” And through prayer I got my answer. Don’t focus on killing the enemy, focus on protecting your unit, your country, your friends and your family and God will handle the rest.
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Lt Col Jim Coe
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There’s murder and just killing. Killing in self defense is justified. Killing as part of a military force is justified. Killing innocent life for profit or convenience is not justified. Killing for entertainment, profit, self gratification is not justified and may be psychotic.

I don’t have all the verses at hand, but the Bible does say God uses military forces to carry out his will and to keep order. The
first Gentile convert to Christianity was a Roman Army officer.
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SSG Dale London
SSG Dale London
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MAJ (Join to see) - Roger that.
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MAJ Jim Woods
MAJ Jim Woods
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Excellent Brother!
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SPC John Tacetta
SPC John Tacetta
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MAJ (Join to see) - There's your rationale: "Kill them all. Let God sort them out."
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SPC John Tacetta
SPC John Tacetta
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The importance of Cornelius in Christian faith is not that he was a Centurion, but that he was not Jewish. Cornelius's baptism set the precedent for bringing non-Jews into the faith (of Jesus) without the requirement to be circumcised. See Act 15. The Commandments still held and hold still.
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