Having said that, though, I do believe that, as a principle, countries unjustly attacked are within their rights to defend themselves in proper proportion and against combatant forces. Certainly, World War Two could have been prosecuted by the Allies in that sort of fashion, had the desire been truly present. From a religious POV, that would have doubtless shortened, rather than lengthened, the war, as God would have been clearly "on our side."
However, there was no desire to conduct our affairs that way. The temptation to sheer vengeance and "giving 'em back ten-fold" was politically overwhelming, even if our governments weren't otherwise inclined to lie to our citizens about "necessities" of what boil-down to atrocities.
It is hard to see how a serious Christian can really view a military career as inherently honorable in the sight of God, these days. No major power has conducted a war since WW1 without major atrocities, and pretty much all of the banana republics that have had it out with each other, or within a civil war context, since WW2 wind-up gorging themselves in insane bloodbaths. All wars that I can think of over the last 100 years have either quickly submerged "self-defense" considerations in favor of animalistic blood-lust, or they never really had legitimate "self-defense" considerations in the first place. Our world, on that score alone, is doubtless in "serious trouble" with the one Judge who matters. His letting us have our own way in these matters is a fitting punishment.
Do you really believe that?
What do you think about the genocidal wars commanded by God in the Old Testament?
It is hard to see how a serious Christian can really view a military career as inherently honorable in the sight of God, these days.
What an appalling stupid statement. I'm guessing you've never spent a day in the military or really know anyone who serves.
Since you are not a christian as nobody who supports terrorism like you and anyone who hates our military like you is no christian why do you care?
Osama appreciates your support.
I'd guess by your screen name you're Catholic, so take it up with one of your own: Saint Augustine comments: If the Christian Religion forbade war altogether, those who sought salutary advice in the Gospel would rather have been counseled to cast aside their arms, and to give up soldiering altogether. On the contrary, they were told: 'Do violence to no man . . . and be content with your pay.' If he commanded them to be content with their pay, he did not forbid soldiering.1
The US operates in all aspects in a legal war environment. Some members may behave dishonorably, but their sin doesn't transfer on to the vast majority.
Your view of what a 'serious Christian' would do is painful. You libel the service and sacrifice of generations who set you up so you can libel them.