Wouldn't it be wrong to join the Military

[JerryNumbers]

<<"Under the U.S. military code of conduct, armed forces on active duty are prohibited from trying to convert a person's faith.">>

Quote from "Army Says it Confiscated Afghan Bibles">>

http://www.military.com/news/article/ar ... ibles.html

Now, if that is true, would it not be wrong for a child of God to be unequally yoked to the Military service in America?

The person who joins the Military service would be put them self under someone who tells them to disobey God.

[trc123]

<<"Under the U.S. military code of conduct, armed forces on active duty are prohibited from trying to convert a person's faith.">>

Quote from "Army Says it Confiscated Afghan Bibles">>

http://www.military.com/news/article/ar ... ibles.html

Now, if that is true, would it not be wrong for a child of God to be unequally yoked to the Military service in America?

The person who joins the Military service would be put them self under someone who tells them to disobey God.

I hear you Jerry, it's like......."Okay, you can shoot them as part of our little war; but please don't convert them!"

[HappyChristian]

Kudos to those troops!!! I think it would be a good idea if they could learn some of the language - they could be a little more influence. But I think one of the comments was dead on - that video was irresponsible journalism. Who knows what was left out? It's so easy to "cut and splice" with technology today, anyone can make anyone say anything.

Is it right to join the military even with the ban? I think that would be up to the individual Christian - is God leading them to do it? He does, I believe. Just as He leads people to go into countries where Christianity is illegal, or where it is illegal to try to convert (in Ireland, it's illegal to talk to a minor about Christ, without parental permission...should missionaries leave the island? No!).

It is getting to the point in this country where it is "illeglal" in many places to speak about Jesus (it's considered soliciting). Do we move? Of course not!

It is during the darkest hours that a light shines brightest. And we are definitely in some dark times in this country. We need the Light everywhere...even in the military!

(BTW - Jerry8 - good to see you back!!! )

[JerryNumbers]

BUT, in the days of the early church, what happened? They tried to shut up the talk about Christ, but all it did was cause the Word to be scatter all across the country. And remember, they were not yoked together with unbelievers, just private citizens.

But that said.

2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Today in America few Christians there be who heed this verse, most do as they please, even to the point of marrying unbelievers as well as those who are members of false teaching churches. I just read what both Barnes & Clarke had to say about this verse, I hardly ever see a Christian who follows this verse as they proclaim it.

I must say, I did not realize that the America solider was told this.

<<"Under the U.S. military code of conduct, armed forces on active duty are prohibited from trying to convert a person's faith.">>

According to that it would seem the soldier would be breaking the law to even invite an unbeliever to attend a true Bible teaching service.

Where does it say, in the Bible, its up to each individual to obey or not obey 2 Corinthians 6:14 or any other commandment? Doesn't the Bible actually say, If you love me you will keep ALL of my commandments, not just those that suit your need at the moment?

[bzmomo7]

Yeah, Jerry's back!!

I sure do understand what you mean Jerry. One thing is for sure, if those in the military break the rules, they will have to suffer the consequences. Being that we can still go and be missionaries, it would seem that if one wanted to evangelize in a particular place in the world, the best way to do it would be through mission work. I would sure like to know what they meant by this statement:

"I don't think even the U.S. constitution would allow what they are doing ... it is completely against all regulations.

Now, how in the world do they think spreading the Gospel is against the Constitution??!!

[HappyChristian]

The Constitution protects against the state forcing religion on someone. Or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Therefore, that clause "forbidding" soldiers from sharing their faith is what is unconstitutional. Therefore unBiblical.

I'm not saying that we shouldn't obey God's commands, I think you know that, Jerry. But I am saying that I don't think being in the military is any more yoking up with unbelievers than being at a job that forbids witnessing while at work. Which is just about any employer...

[Revelation3:20]

I must say, I did not realize that the America solider was told this.

<<"Under the U.S. military code of conduct, armed forces on active duty are prohibited from trying to convert a person's faith.">>

Note it says on active duty. As with any other job the employer has a right to tell you what you can and cannot do while you are on the job. If you are in uniform and witnessing it is seen as a government endorsement of a religion, so that is why they prohibit it. It isn't a great deal different than the military policy prohibiting troops from attending political rallies in uniform. They don't want the military to be seen as endorsing anything controversial that is not their official business. It is not ideal from the Christians perspective, but it is understandable and a Christian can work around it.

[Hambone]

You should not be trying to convert anyone's faith whether you are in the military, work at McDonalds, or are a lawyer for a firm--if you are on your employer's time. Our job in the military is not to proselytise.

It is right for you to read your Bible, but if you are reading it on your company's dime, you are a thief, and sinning.

I am in the military, and I don't appreciate the implication that I am somehow disobeying God because I cannot convert people to Christianity during the performance of my duties. I attend church, I support missions, and I witness to other military members. In fact, our church reaches out specifically to military members being right next door to an Air Force base. It is not the job of the military to be witnesses for Christ. But, by living our lives as Christians should, we are a witness to those we are around. I don't have to preach on the street corner of the base I am assigned to to be a witness. We are allowed to invite unsaved military members to church, to Bible studies, etc. You cannot, however, go into an Iraqi village passing out tracts or other Christian material as a soldier. It is disrespectful to their culture and unbecoming of a soldier. If you want to win them to Christ don't join the military. Become a missionary.

[John81]

The Constitution is a minimal factor with regards to the military. While in the military, many constitutional rights are no longer apply.

The American military is a secular organization governed by a secular government. Does anyone recall at the beginning of each of the Bush wars in the Mideast how there was great effort put forth to keep Christianity hidden and aspects of Christianity out of every country our troops were in? Christian symbols were verboten, it was stressed no one was to attempt to convert anyone to Christianity, any Christian assemblies (such as for Sunday worship) were to be conducted inside closed tents and conducted quietly, etc.

As with all things, any Christian considering joining the military needs to be in deep prayer over this and take the time to listen for God's reply. While in the military, if one can't walk in Christ as Scripture commands then a Christian shouldn't join.

Many years ago while in the Air Force I checked into the chaplaincy as I considered the possibility of becoming a military chaplain. However, upon learning that I had to accept ALL religions as valid, provide the means and assistance for others to practice false religions and that I couldn't share the true full Gospel with non-Christians it was clear to me that I wanted no part of that.

[Hambone]

Where does it say, in the Bible, its up to each individual to obey or not obey 2 Corinthians 6:14 or any other commandment? Doesn't the Bible actually say, If you love me you will keep ALL of my commandments, not just those that suit your need at the moment?

And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

Military requirements are "Caesar's" the time you spend off duty is God's. Give each their due.

[Anon]

I agree....any employer, including the military, is not paying employees to witness.

[candlelight]

You should not be trying to convert anyone's faith whether you are in the military, work at McDonalds, or are a lawyer for a firm--if you are on your employer's time. Our job in the military is not to proselytise.

It is right for you to read your Bible, but if you are reading it on your company's dime, you are a thief, and sinning.

I am in the military, and I don't appreciate the implication that I am somehow disobeying God because I cannot convert people to Christianity during the performance of my duties. I attend church, I support missions, and I witness to other military members. In fact, our church reaches out specifically to military members being right next door to an Air Force base. It is not the job of the military to be witnesses for Christ. But, by living our lives as Christians should, we are a witness to those we are around. I don't have to preach on the street corner of the base I am assigned to to be a witness. We are allowed to invite unsaved military members to church, to Bible studies, etc. You cannot, however, go into an Iraqi village passing out tracts or other Christian material as a soldier. It is disrespectful to their culture and unbecoming of a soldier. If you want to win them to Christ don't join the military. Become a missionary.

Amen... Hambone! This post says it all, imo. :cool

God bless,

Molly

[candlelight]

Christian symbols were verboten' date=' it was stressed no one was to attempt to convert anyone to Christianity, any Christian assemblies (such as for Sunday worship) were to be conducted inside closed tents and conducted quietly, etc. [/quote']

John... I love it! You are speaking German. Germany is a huge friend of the USA.

[JerryNumbers]

Note it says on active duty. As with any other job the employer has a right to tell you what you can and cannot do while you are on the job. If you are in uniform and witnessing it is seen as a government endorsement of a religion, so that is why they prohibit it. It isn't a great deal different than the military policy prohibiting troops from attending political rallies in uniform. They don't want the military to be seen as endorsing anything controversial that is not their official business. It is not ideal from the Christians perspective, but it is understandable and a Christian can work around it.

While on active duty, that would cover any soldier who is on active duty 24 hours per day 7 days per week. In all reality it would cover the soldier while he was both on duty and off duty.

For instants if that was in effect when I was in the Air Force, from January 1966 until May 1969, when I went on inactive duty. I would not have been able to witness to anyone about Jesus Christ or if I did and got caught I would have been breaking the rules. I have no idea what the punishment for doing this would be. Probably receive and article 15 and that will keep them from getting promoted.

For those who make a career out of the service that would mean for 20 years or more they could not witness for Christ.

By the way, one of the best places to witness is in the work place, that is one reason the child of God should be a hard worker and not a good off.

[John81]