Some people believe that a Christian could not be a soldier. Soldiers are charged with killing
the enemy and Jesus said to forgive your enemy.
According to Dr. Veith, can a Christian be a soldier? (Answer yes or no) Explain why.
How does understanding the concept of vocation help answer this?
The main contention of Dr. Gene Edward Veith, as detailed in his book, is that Christians can
engage in any lawful profession, including the military, provided they do so in accordance with
their religious beliefs and moral standards.
There are several facets to the question of whether a Christian can serve in the military, and it
has generated a lot of discussion. Some people contend that Christians need to refrain from
using violence and murder, pointing to Jesus’ proclamations to "love your enemies" and "turn
the other cheek." They think that these beliefs encourage pacifism and nonviolence. Others, on
the other hand, assert that there are instances where using force is required in order to protect
oneself, loved ones, or innocent people. They contend that some circumstances allow for the
justification of self-defense and other people's protection.
The idea of vocation as proposed by Dr. Gene Edward Veith offers a foundation for
comprehending this query. He contends that people are called by God to serve in the military as
well as other positions of responsibility in society. Soldiers have a special job that involves
safeguarding and defending their country and its people. They are responsible for maintaining
peace and security, even if it means using force. Christian troops must, however, approach their
missions with a sense of fairness, compassion, and respect for human life.
In conclusion, I concur with Dr. Gene Edward Veith's position that Christians can enlist in the
military as long as they do so in accordance with their moral code and religious beliefs.
