RE: [TruthTalk] Christians and violence

[ShieldsFamily]

Lance, the confusion always comes when we confuse God’s commandments on an individual/personal level with God’s authority given to governing bodies.  Yes, of course it is okay to fight as a soldier.  No it is not okay to fight as an individual, UNLESS it is in self-defense (who would not protect himself or his family from an intruder, for example?).  Turn the other cheek to him who smites you on the cheek ie: personal insult.  And no, we cannot always please God and men.  But God is not displeased when we fight nobly in the service of our nation.  If we disagree with the morality of the war in this country we can always be conscientious objectors. Izzy    We know what happens when the Lord returns, but what do we do until then? Do we take our place and kill the enemy if that is what our government decides is right, or do we love our enemy and turn the other cheek?  Does it make any difference if we are the agressor or if we act in self defense?  Can we live to please God and men?  Terry