Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Exodus 20:13 ¶ "You shall not murder. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Exodus 20:13 ¶ "You shall not commit murder (unjustified, deliberate homicide). [Gen 9:6; Ex 21:12, 14, 18] |
Subject: 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? |
Bible Note: Humanism values life arbitrarily rather than based on the value and purpose God grants life. If God didn't exist or if he were some kind of an impersonal being, then human life would not rise above the value that humans themselves give it. I seem to have observed that C.O.'s (conscientious objectors) claim Biblical grounds for their preference. This is sometimes what an unbelieving c.o. does as well. C.O.'s seem to often read intent into their oppostion that just doesn't square with their convictions. If I support a war in response to some activity (such as the evil done in New York, Washington, and near Pittsburg) it doesn't mean that I like war or even that I think war is ever good! Either assertion is often leveled by c.o.'s. When man fell into sin in the garden, who believes God liked that result? I believe almost no-one thinks that God takes any kind of satisfaction in the condition of man in sin. Similarly, my dear c.o.'s I may favor defending myself from evil perpetrated on me, but I in no way like it or ever think it is good. It is merely the lesser of the evils available to me to choose, so I choose defense. What does the Bible say? Do c.o.'s have it straight from the Bible that any execution of even a self-defense is tanamount to murder? If is is then we should capitulate and come their side. But if not, I think they are free to be c.o.'s and simply stop saying we should be also. In other words I think it is okay to be a conscientious objector, but they must merely see their view as a preference and not a Biblical absolute if it is not. Murder is a sin and it is a very different thing than what Paul clealy articulated in Romans 13. But you need to get the whole context of that chapter especially chap. 12 and 14. The state is given the authority (by God) to rule or govern society. We as individuals are not expected to nor are we given the authority to rule or govern society, unless our society has recognized us for that responsibility. In our society that is by election, or appointment -- something quite similar in all societies, but that method of recognition is not the point, the calling to such places of responsibility is the point. God calls people everywhere to such places of authority and we are to support them and pray for them. Otherwise we are in jeapardy of disobeying God's Holy word especially Romans 13. |