33. Can Christians Serve in Armed Forces and Use Violence? (Interview w/ Patrick Miller from Truth Over Tribe)
Thundering Legion Podcast: Armed Forces Members United In Christ - A podcast by Thundering Legion
Categories:
https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion
Today we dig into the question “Can Christians Serve in Armed Forces and Use Violence?"
Our interview guest is Patrick Miller, cohost of Truth Over Tribe Podcast and coauthor of Truth Over Tribe book. Patrick and Keith Simon did a 3-Part "Biblical Theology of Violence" Series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) in which Patrick argues the side of Christian non-violence. In this episode, we focus on questions and case studies on the use of force in an official governmental capacity.
Resources:
- Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
- Hell One Step at a Time by Jordan Peterson
- Mil Spec Believer: An Occupation of Killing (As a Christian)
- Military as unreached people group: Major Aaron Rosheim
- Oppeenheimer
- Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
- What Do We Swear An Oath To?
- Can We Serve Both Nation and Christ
- Should Christians Be in the Armed Forces?
Episode Notes:
Background:
-
There are around 27 million people worldwide service in the armed forces in some capacity. Can armed forces be a calling for Christians?
Patrick and Trevor present theses on question
Episode Discussion Topics:
- Does Bible uphold role of government to bear the sword?
- Is there a difference between personal/unofficial and governmental/official use of violence?
- Who ultimately bears moral responsibility for violence?
- Can armed forces be a legitimate calling for a Christian?
- How does official use of violence go wrong?
- What does an armed force swear an oath to and can Christians take the oath?
- Killing vs. murder: Does heart condition matter?
- Are there cases where war and violence are justified?
Reflect:
- What does this episode reveal about God’s character?
- How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?
- How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?
Follow Christ for this day!
- ✝️ “Choose this day whom you will serve...” Joshua 24:15
- ✝️ “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
Next steps:
- SHARE with another armed forces member
- FOLLOW Instagram, Facebook, Podcast
