[redgolum]

We Lutheran's also struggle with it, but we have what is called the Two Kingdoms. The Kingdom of the Church is involved with the preaching of the Gospel. The Church is not called to take up the sword. The kingdom of the state is called to take up the sword, and to protect it's citizens and the Church. I probably mangled the distinciton, but it is one of the things that is at the basis of Lutheran theology (and one of the things that is the most often ignored.)

In short, while we should not pray or preach for a flight of B-52's to carpet bomb the area, we as citizens should also realize that there is times where action must be taken to preserve life and the Church. Because of the sinful and fallen state of mankind, force is sometimes necessary for the greater good.

[ichabod1]

Your point is taken, but I would remind you of a famous line from a famous hymn (not equating it with scripture of course), but: "As He died to make us holy let us die to make men free, His Truth is marching on."