Is being a Navy SEALa sin or against the bible?

[Michael]

christians please.

[Mushroom Jesus]

"God" or Darth Vadar loves war, read the Old Testament.

[If GOD B4ME]

I do not see why it would be because the bible says that there is a time for war and a time for peace.

[smells like pot]

All the christians who blatantly disregard Matthew 5:38-48 will say no.

[Ms. Lady]

I'm in the military (I'm no seal) but we do have a constitutional right to protect our country. and as a Christian...we are to abide by the laws of the land.

LOL "smells like pot" what in the world are you talking about? those verse have NOTHING to do with war or joining the military.

[Daisy!]

The Bible contains a large quantity of information about serving in the military. While large portions of the military information contained in the Bible are only analogies, several verses directly relate to this question. No, the Bible does not come out and specifically state “Thou shalt serve in the military;” and in contrast it also does not state “Thou shalt not serve in the military.” At the same time, Christians can rest assured that being a soldier is highly respected throughout the Bible, and know that such service is consistent with a Biblical worldview.

The first example of military service is found in the Old Testament (Genesis 14), when Abraham's nephew Lot was kidnapped by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his allies. Abraham rallied to Lot's aid by gathering 318 trained men of his household and defeating the foreign forces.

Late in its history, the nation of Israel developed a standing army. The sense that God was the Divine Warrior and would protect His people regardless of their military strength may have been a reason why Israel was slow to develop an army. The development of a regular standing army in Israel came only after a strong, centralized political system had been developed by Saul, David, and Solomon. Saul was the first to form a permanent army (1 Samuel 13:2; 24:2; 26:2). Nevertheless, the army had to be supported by food and other supplies from the homes of individual soldiers (1 Samuel 17:17-19).

What Saul began, David continued. He increased the army, brought in hired troops from other regions who were loyal to him alone (2 Samuel 15:19-22), and turned over the direct leadership of his armies to a commander in chief (Joab). Under David, Israel also became more aggressive in its offensive military policies, absorbing neighboring states like Ammon (2 Samuel 11:1; 1 Chronicles 20:1-3). David established a system of rotating troops with 12 groups of 24,000 men serving one month of the year (1 Chronicles 27). Although Solomon's reign was peaceful, he further expanded the army, adding chariots and horsemen (1 Kings 10:26). The standing army continued (though divided along with the kingdom after the death of Solomon) until 586 B.C., when Israel ceased to exist as a political entity.

Jesus marveled when a Roman Centurion (officer in charge of one hundred soldiers) approached Him. The Centurion’s response to Jesus indicated his clear understanding of authority, as well as his faith in Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13). Jesus did not denounce his career. Many Centurions mentioned in the New Testament are praised as Christians, God-fearers, and men of good character (Matthew 8:5,8,13; 27:54; Mark 15:39,44-45; Luke 7:2,6; 23:47; Acts 10:1,22; 21:32; 22:25-26; 23:17,23; 24:23; 27:1,6,11,31,43; 28:16).

Historically the places and the titles may have changed, but our armed forces should be just as favorably valued as the Centurions of the Bible. Being a soldier was highly revered. For example, Paul describes Epaphroditus, a fellow Christian as a “fellow soldier” (Philippians 2:25). The Bible also uses military terms to describe being strong in the Lord by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Yes, the Bible does address serving in the military, directly and implicitly. The Christian men and women who serve their country with character, dignity, and honor, can rest assured that the civic duty they perform is condoned and respected by our Sovereign God. Those who serve in the military deserve our respect and our thanks.

[newcastleale]

if you're Amish or JW. There are probably other religions that would consider it a sin.

[clusium1971]

I don't think so.

[Bob T]

I do not see why it would be if you live your faith through your occupation. I attend church with a very godly man who is a Naval Academy grad and was a Navy seal for years.

[Hebrew Scared]

I don't believe being a navy seal is a sin or against the bible. God grants nations certain privileges that are unique. One of these is the right to defend itself against outside aggressors. God loved King David and he killed Goliath of Gath. God blessed Joshua and told him to kill many people during the conquest of the Promised Land. Jesus even healed the child of a Roman soldier. He never spoke out against the Roman army, while he rejected the actions of the zealots. Many people miss interpret the commandment to say "thou shalt not kill" when it should say "thou shalt not commit murder". Now would I be a navy seal? I personally would not because I believe that to be a tough environment in which to be a great Christian.