How should Christians prepare for war (the real kind)? (with David French)
Curtis and “founding friend” David French explore Christianity and armed conflict. Viewed through the prism of the Ukraine War, they explore Christian just war theory. David, a former Army lawyer, walks through the moral and theological origins of the law of armed conflict. Curtis emphasizes the differences between the institutional purpose of the state and the church when it comes to war. Applying those principles to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, they discuss the necessity of Ukrainian resistance and the importance of American aid.
A helpful summary from Thinking Faith on the Christian “just war” theological tradition
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I am submitting a question for the Zoom webinar at the end of the month. I stil want to know why David prefers DC to Marvel! Fans want to know! And I would love a shoutout if you guys do answer the question, it would make my day! You guys rock and I look forward to the webinar!
Hi Kelly – we’ll add this one to the list!
This was a very timely discussion as I’m currently in Taipei doing a survey in public opinion on the Ukraine war and the lessons it has for Taiwanese people. The distinctions made between personal and institutional responsibilities are most helpful and help clarify many issues. I believe that our role here should be one of active peacemaking for a war in Asia would have disastrous consequences for the region and the world. I would like to ask; what active role if any can NGO take to contribute towards peacemaking? How should Christians be preparing for a potential war?
It’s a great question about what NGO’s can do – I’ll see if we have time to get to it on our AMA.
Hey guys, appreciated the podcast on war. As a Brethren, a long-established peace church, I follow all of your arguments about just war up to a point. While the New Testament clearly has a “remain in the place you were when you were called” exception for soldiers, I find it very difficult to justify joining the armed forces in a combat role as a believer.
There is a difference between doing what is required of you to fulfill obligations that were set upon you before receiving Christ, and voluntarily signing up to take human life.
Obviously, I have incredible respect for what David did, and for what any one does with the hard questions of conscience. And I think there is a role for believers in non-combat roles in the military. But it seems to be that Christians should not voluntary submit themselves to an institution (the military) whose goals may be in conflict with the Church (invisible).
Thanks for a thoughtful discussion. I so enjoyed it.
Like David said on the episode, I have a ton of respect for the peace churches. However, I do agree with David in believing that the institutional goals of a military are different from – but not necessarily in conflict with – that of the church. “Different” is not the same as “in conflict with.” I’m curious: would you have an objection to a Christian serving as a police officer that may be called to take human life in the defense of justice and the innocent?
At the end of the podcast, you said something to the effect of “Why is it on us to intervene? Because we have the capability to stop this. To whom much is given, much will be required.”
My question is: Is there a Christian filter for when we choose to intervene beyond the political filter we now have? Certainly, we have not intervened in many situations around the world; we are not policing the entire Globe. It seems that we make choices when things that happen in other countries have a more direct impact on us and our goals. Are we doing enough in your view? Do we have a responsibility as a country to do more?
It’s a great question without a recipe like answer, I believe; we may address this on the AMA, Julie.
My question for Curtis:
What is one aspect or experience from your InterVarsity days that has shaped the person you are now?
Not part of the question: I “majored” in InterVarsity (iykyk) and hear echoes of its view of the Kingdom at throughout this podcast. I love hearing and learning from that.
So much to say on this question, Crisanne – I’ll see if I can answer it in the AMA. I’m actually going to have a senior leader from IVCF come on the pod in a few weeks to talk about some of the tough challenges that all evangelical ministries are wrestling with. Stay tuned!
A question for the AMA (for either presenter or both):
Do you think much about heaven? How should the promise of eternal life affect our day-to-day lives as Christians?
Thank you!
Pam Kelley
Question for the ask me anything episode: You’ve spoken on many of the podcast episodes about the evil of marginalizing others because of their race, but you’ve not spoken about marginalizing people because of their gender, particularly in the church. Do you believe that doing so is consistent with the teaching of the Bible in its entirety?
AMA question:
Curtis and David, thank you so much for conducting kind, intelligent, and Christ-centered conversations, which have helped me maintain my hope in the institution of the Christian church. I greatly admire you both.
Would you be comfortable sharing advice or personal experience related to spiritual doubts? I’m a lifelong Christian, but have wrestled with uncertainty and battled unbelief regarding biblical doctrine. What has helped you or your loved ones in such instances? What encouragement can you provide me and others who love Jesus, even as we doubt?
Thanks for considering,
Julie S
I hope I’m not too late to submit a question for the AMA – looking forward to hearing from you both and grateful for the work you are doing!
For David – I’ve heard the “hot take” that, from a biblical perspective, the Revolutionary War was not justifiable. In line with the discussion on “just war,” I’m curious your thoughts on this. If the war that started our country was unjust, would that have any impact on the legitimacy of the Constitution? Or the United States as a whole?
For Curtis – In your discussion with Nancy French, you talked about a season of life where you felt you were on the sidelines and praying for the opportunity to better utilize your gifts. What did it look like for you to discern that these desires were good and from God, rather than just a product of your own pride?
Thanks again!
For the AMA: The bible has a theology for the institution of the state: it is fundamentally run by spiritually evil forces (except for Israel pre-exile). You can use Michael S. Heiser’s Deut 32:8-9 divine council worldview or Satan’s temptation of Jesus or Paul’s powers, rulers, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms language to get there. And Daniel’s visions of empires as a giant 4-part Image or successive beasts that come from the sea is also pretty bad. America is an empire if you ask Native Americans. And we have second class citizens e.g. Puerto Rico. It doesn’t totally invalidate just war theory but should give us major pause / attenuation in our (American + Christian) level of support and/or enthusiasm for the US (or any government) to be a savior or protector for the weak. FYI; I am ethnically Taiwanese. I support the US support of Ukraine and Taiwan. But I grew up in Hawaii. Hawaiians were hurt and still hurt because of what our country has done and continues to do. We (Americans) destroyed a nation.
The Hebrew for Babel is translated as Babylon everywhere else in the OT and I would like you to explain Redeeming Babel because I suspect it is a misplaced hope or endeavor. Babylon is not redeemed in the last book of the bible.