Replies

All who die by the way, whether by land or by sea, or in battle against the pagans, shall have immediate remission of sins. This I grant them through the power of God with which I am invested. O what a disgrace if such a despised and base race, which worships demons, should conquer a people which has the faith of omnipotent God and is made glorious with the name of Christ!

With what reproaches will the Lord overwhelm us if you do not aid those who, with us, profess the Christian religion! Let those who have been accustomed unjustly to wage private warfare against the faithful now go against the infidels and end with victory this war which should have been begun long ago.

Let those who for a long time, have been robbers, now become knights. Let those who have been fighting against their brothers and relatives now fight in a proper way against the barbarians. Let those who have been serving as mercenaries for small pay now obtain the eternal reward. Let those who have been wearing themselves out in both body and soul now work for a double honor. Behold! on this side will be the sorrowful and poor, on that, the rich; on this side, the enemies of the Lord, on that, his friends. Let those who go not put off the journey, but rent their lands and collect money for their expenses; and as soon as winter is over and spring comes, let hem eagerly set out on the way with God as their guide." Pope Urban II 1095

Have you ever read the accounts of Martyrdoms? They don’t fight back, they are willing to give their lives rather than deny Christ so yes it is a criteria.

I have said for years, I would not be surprised at all if I am killed or imprisoned for my faith and my ministry and having counted the cost of following Christ I accept that. Jesus said there would’d be days like this.

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

John 15:18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

Luke 6:22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!

I was doing my bible reading this AM (One year Bible reading plan) and this verse was in it. Paul is quoting Psalm 44:22

Romans 8:35-36

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

There are groups that help the persecuted believers, none involve guns.

http://www.persecution.com/

Fighting for political reasons is different, but dying for Christ is an honor for Christians.