Spider> we discussed this same general subject once about using 'sword'.

A soldier is one who fights for an army in time of war for pay as
opposed to a warrior who fights for his or her clan or village without
compensation.

A soldier is expect to use violence to accomplish the task of
subjegateing or destroying an enemy by force of arms or fear of
violence.

Christians know this with out having to be told?

Christ says peace peace what part of peace includes a soldier. Put your
sword away warrior and plant seeds. Feed a person by the word that they
may grow strong. Bring the word as a soldier and those you would 'save'
will not hear the word because they will see it only as a weapon.

Romans 15:16
-------------------------------------------------------------
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,
ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles
might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.


The above: Taken from your response that I'm specifically asking about.

Differentkindofwench,

I guess you could take that as a call for violence, but only if someone
was really trying. Paul had scars covering his whole body from the
violent beatings he had taken, but he never retaliated. He's saying
that the converts he creates amoung the gentiles are his offering to
God. I'm not denying that someone could misinterpret the Bible to
commit violent acts, but that isn't the intention behind the scriptures.

Romans 15:15-16
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you
again, because of the grace that was given me from God, to be a minister
of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of
God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable,
sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been my experience people prone to violence do not need much
provocation nor do they usually care if they do or do not have an
excuse/reason for their actions. However, due to the interpretation
aspect of the book, 'cause the Bible says so does come in quite handy in
that regard.

There are many prone to violence that will offer up the word 'Jesus' or
the word 'God' or the word 'Allah' in a vain attempt to justify the
actions.

This does not mean they are Christians or Moslims. It means they have
used in blasphemy the names others hold holy.

lol yes it does, where do you think the other sects of christianity
sprang from.. catholicism...

and i don't care what the bible says jesus says the fact is that all
extremists in their own hearts believe they serve in their God, hence
islamic extremists blowing up the trade center.. they give their lives
in the Jihad to go to the highest realm of heaven.. and most muslims
don't practice that way, but in the end it doesn't matter what my
opinion is or yours, it matters to that person what s/he believes they
are doing and for whom... and did i really study it? would you like me
to take a picture of my diploma and paste it up on my account for you to
look at

and bored that wasn't disrespecting trust me i live in the downtown
area, i've seen everything from groups gathering to protest movies, to
groups holding signs saying " abortionist " " gays" each had a sign and
then one had " are going to hell" and the main guy was preaching about
it, meanwhile another person was peacefully siting the tao on the other
side, i've seen a guy walking around in white garments long hair and no
shoes saying hes a disciple, a man on the corner selling the nails jesus
was nailed to the cross with...

they all consider themselves to be soldiers of God, and you can't say
they aren't because it isn't your place to judge them.. right..

and this is a forum for open opinionated discussion this isn't a pro
christian forum as you can see i've also and so have the other made
forums on sufism, buddhism, theological questions. etc..

hmmmmm thinking about this one...in a good way I mean...thought
provoking.

Being the daughter of a MIA/POW from WWII I have a VERY soft spot for
vets and the respect they deserve. As I heard one say recently..."I put
on the uniform so you don't have to...freedom is not free". Thought
provoking statements whether you conclude you agree or not.

My dad was not a Christian at the time. He was 20 yrs old and in the
Air Force. He and my mother later became Christians together. I do
know the Bible speaks of being in subjection to the Government and at
that time there was draft and there was a World War. I never thought
less of my father for what he did in fact I admired him for it! Not
sure how many of us would go if we were faced with another world war.

I do think no matter what "you" (used generally) believe, you have to
respect that someone is willing to do this so that I have the freedoms I
enjoy.

paul was saul he was blinded by the light he went around persecutin and
killing off the Essenes the origin of christianaty has a very very
origin.Knights templars, holy crusades,Robert the bugger
inquisitions the list goes on and on and on and even to this day lies
and more lies and god is on your side lies freemasons illuminati and all
the pricks at the top of the pile religious biggots an all tryin their
best to fullfill the doomsday prophecys religion stinks and the smell
just wont go away.

have you really read revelation its not quite doomsday for the righteous
( good poeople) The prophecys says christ will come last time I checked
that was a good thing.

Praise God and pass the ammunition.

AB writes:
There are many prone to violence that will offer up the word 'Jesus' or
the word 'God' or the word 'Allah' in a vain attempt to justify the
actions.

This does not mean they are Christians or Moslims. It means they have
used in blasphemy the names others hold holy.

Well said AB.

Differentkindofwench,

No disagreement here, but in that case, the Bible is used as an excuse.
Jesus never once asked his followers to kill in his name, there are
actually warnings in the New Testament that believers should always obey
the law.

so if the law of your land is to fight a war you would not fight for
your country spider??

kariZman,

I personally wouldn't volunteer for war, but if I was drafted, I would
obey the law.