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Back in 1942 the law in Germany was to hand over Jews to the German authorities. Many Christians broke that law and hid them instead. Now, are you telling me they should of followed that law? Sometimes to save life, you have to break the law of the land. Jesus tells us, (we are to go into all the world and preach the Gospel). Now, should I tell God that His command is of little importance, because I'm an American soldier, and my first responsibility is to my earthly government and Gods laws must come second. Jesus said, render unto Ceasars, that which is Ceasars, and unto God that which is Gods. Jesus did not say render unto Ceasars that which is Ceasars, and forget about God until your out of uniform. It is you who tortures the Scriptures. When human government out ranks Gods command, it should be obvious those who agree to that don't respect or care much for God. Do you really think that mans Laws are more important than Gods commands?
Are you saying that Christians shouldn't be allowed into the military? Because if they hold themselves above the chain of command, they could and should be drummed out by dishonorable discharge.
Back in 1942 the law in Germany was to hand over Jews to the German authorities. Many Christians broke that law and hid them instead. Now, are you telling me they should of followed that law?
No, presumably that would have directly conflicted with Jesus' teachings. But nothing in those teachings requires servicemen to proselytize in uniform.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Campbell34
Jesus tells us, (we are to go into all the world and preach the Gospel). Now, should I tell God that His command is of little importance, because I'm an American soldier, and my first responsibility is to my earthly government and Gods laws must come second.
If someone feels commanded to proselytize then she can do so when not in uniform. That would uphold both Jesus' directive to spread the Gospel and his directive to follow temporal authority. You, on the other hand, would rather ignore the latter by following your own tortured interpretation of the former. The result of such hubris is greater resentment of both Christians and Americans among the people you claim to want to influence.
No, presumably that would have directly conflicted with Jesus' teachings. But nothing in those teachings requires servicemen to proselytize in uniform.
If someone feels commanded to proselytize then she can do so when not in uniform. That would uphold both Jesus' directive to spread the Gospel and his directive to follow temporal authority. You, on the other hand, would rather ignore the latter by following your own tortured interpretation of the former. The result of such hubris is greater resentment of both Christians and Americans among the people you claim to want to influence.
The service men are telling people about Christ because it is what Jesus asks us to do, and it is because it is the desire of the soldiers hearts. Jesus asked the question. The fields are white unto harvest, but where are the reapers? Some how you got this idea that Christians must be second class citizens because they where a uniform. There is no tortured interpretation here, we as Christian have a right to speak of our God. And I believe if you were in charge I have no doubt that freedom would be taken away. Sorry, but the last time I looked, we still had that freedom reguardless of how you would like that changed. And if what they were doing was really breaking the law, I'm sure we would see a long line of court marshalls. I'm not expecting great numbers of people to come to Christ because they are passing out coins, I'm looking for the few. Jesus tells us not to be surprised if the world hates you, because Jesus tells us they hated Him first. The Bible tells us, most of the world is headed for Hell, because most of the world has rejected the only person who can save them. There are only two positions you can take in this world towards Christ. You will either be pro Christ, or anti Christ. Jesus said, that if you are luke warm, He will spit you out of His mouth.
If someone feels commanded to proselytize then she can do so when not in uniform. That would uphold both Jesus' directive to spread the Gospel and his directive to follow temporal authority. You, on the other hand, would rather ignore the latter by following your own tortured interpretation of the former. The result of such hubris is greater resentment of both Christians and Americans among the people you claim to want to influence.
I believe there should be no protection by the government for the result of this proselytizing, either. You get hurt, tough. You get arrested, spend some time in Iraqi jail. That should cure you of this deep-seated need.
Campbell34,
When someone joins the military they take on certain responsibilities and need to follow orders. Trying to convert people to Christianity in a muslim nation in the middle of a war is going to anger many citizens and quite possibly make life more dangerous for our military personnel. If you haven't noticed, people in Iraq kill each other over their religious beliefs and it's something they take very seriously. Military life has restrictions that are not found in civilian life and that's because it's critical, especially in wartime, that soldiers follow orders and just do their job. They can do all the converting they want to when they come home but not in Iraq.
Campbell, you need to brush up on how radical Muslims think. Converting a Muslim to Christianity is putting his life in danger. It's just a stupid thing to do.
Campbell34,
When someone joins the military they take on certain responsibilities and need to follow orders. Trying to convert people to Christianity in a muslim nation in the middle of a war is going to anger many citizens and quite possibly make life more dangerous for our military personnel. If you haven't noticed, people in Iraq kill each other over their religious beliefs and it's something they take very seriously. Military life has restrictions that are not found in civilian life and that's because it's critical, especially in wartime, that soldiers follow orders and just do their job. They can do all the converting they want to when they come home but not in Iraq.
Way back in 1969 when I was in navy boot camp I volunteered to be the religious petty offcer, and there was no problem back then with my Christian witness. There were no restrictions about my belief in God, and I follow all orders given. And no one ever suggested that I should keep my mouth shut. So I have no idea why you think we Christians need to do this. And if there was ever a place that needed the light of Christ, it is Iraq.
Campbell, you need to brush up on how radical Muslims think. Converting a Muslim to Christianity is putting his life in danger. It's just a stupid thing to do.
I don't need to brush up on anything, I know what it means to be a Muslim and convert to Christianity. Yet converting to Christianity sounds stupid to you because you think this life is all there is. I'm here to tell you that this life is just a vapor. It is the life to come that is eternal. And if you are a Muslim or anyone else, and you die without Christ, you will be lost for all eternity. God tells us not to fear them that can destroy the body, but rather fear Him that can destroy both body and soul in Hell. It is the person who does not give their life to Christ who is really putting his life in danger. Faith in Christ is not a game, it is the only way to eternal life. And it's the only smart thing to do.
Way back in 1969 when I was in navy boot camp I volunteered to be the religious petty offcer, and there was no problem back then with my Christian witness. There were no restrictions about my belief in God, and I follow all orders given. And no one ever suggested that I should keep my mouth shut. So I have no idea why you think we Christians need to do this. And if there was ever a place that needed the light of Christ, it is Iraq.
Yes, you were the religious petty officer, so it was your job no?
Big difference from being a marine on guard patrol in an unfriendly occuppied country isnt it?
And no one ever suggested that I should keep my mouth shut. So I have no idea why you think we Christians need to do this. And if there was ever a place that needed the light of Christ, it is Iraq.
As I mentioned on my post, the reason is obvious, religious conflict has caused the death of unknown thousands of Iraqi citizens and trying to convert them to the religion of the occupying force will only make it more dangerous for our troops and the Iraqis who might consider converting. They believe in their religion just as strongly as you believe in yours and they consider this offensive and an attack on islam. We just don't need any more problems in Iraq, we've got more than we can handle already.
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