What does the Bible say about conscientious objection?

Answer

A conscientious objector is an individual who, for moral reasons, refuses to engage in combat and take lives during times of war. Conscientious objectors uphold the belief that all forms of killing are unethical, even in cases of self-defense or in a war deemed just. Being a conscientious objector does not equate to cowardice or defiance against governmental authority. While the extent of pacifism may differ among individuals, most conscientious objectors simply feel incapable or unwilling to end a life, even in defense of themselves.

One can be a conscientious objector without adhering to the Christian faith. Some objectors hold this stance based on the conviction that all individuals are inherently good and should, therefore, seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. Others draw inspiration from the teachings of specific religions or pacifist figures like Gandhi or Bertrand Russell. Alternatively, certain conscientious objectors reject involvement in warfare due to their disdain for governmental control and its impact on citizens. To them, war represents nothing more than organized violence, which they vehemently oppose.

Nevertheless, many conscientious objectors ground their opposition in Scripture and their dedication to the principles espoused by Jesus. They firmly believe that following Jesus necessitates renouncing all forms of physical violence. They reference passages such as those from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and Sermon on the Plain: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:27-31). Christian conscientious objectors interpret these teachings as prohibiting the act of killing under any circumstances, including during wartime.

Christian conscientiousConscientious objectors reject the prevailing view that a war is justified when it is to protect life and liberty. They disagree with the viewpoint of most Evangelicals that sometimes war is necessary and righteous. They point out that the Christian justification of righteous killing is based on Old Testament principles, not Jesus’ teachings. They cite Jesus’ many uses of the formula, “You have heard it said . . . but I say to you” (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 31-32) as proof that He changed the old way of doing things. In establishing a new covenant, Jesus did away with the old one and its allowances “Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:20). He commanded His followers to “put your sword back in its place . . . for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” “Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” (Matthew 26:52). Conscientious objectors take the position that there will never again be justification for killing now that the New Covenant has been established.

While it is honorable and right to follow deeply held convictions based on our understanding of Scripture, we must be careful in our application. It is common to hear the Bible quoted as though Jesus were setting governmental policies. Many jump on the Bible bandwagon to insist that a nation function like a church and the President like a pastor. But establishing a government was never Jesus’ intent. He stated clearly, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place” “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world.”S world: If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” , (John 18:36). Jesus came to establish a church made up of individuals whose citizenship is in heaven “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: “, (Philippians 3:20). His commands were for individuals, not nations. His words about turning the other cheek had to do with taking personal vengeance, not defending the life and liberty of an innocent person or of fellow citizens in a sovereign nation.

God established authority, and even the New Testament commands us to live under its rule whenever possible (Romans 13:1-7). Verse 4, in particular, seems to condone physical violence by legitimate authorities when necessary: “But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” The phrase “bear the sword” suggests killing. Without the threat of death, evil people will dominate, terrorize, and murder the innocent. One reason conscientious objectors have the freedom to follow their consciences is that others are defending that freedom. Police, border agents, bodyguards, and soldiers must have the legal authority to “bear the sword,” or there would be no life or liberty for anyone.

Taking up arms to defend one’s nation should never be an excuse to murder. Conscientious objectors are right to wrestle through the moral implications of taking a life, and it is wise to treat war with the gravity it deserves. But we must be careful not to misapply Scripture. We can take any Bible verse out of context and build a false doctrine around it. So, beforeBuilding a case for conscientious objection based on some of Jesus’ words is essential that we study the context, the original audience, and the rest of Scripture. God does not change: “God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.” (Psalm 55:19). The God who commanded war in the Old Testament is the Jesus of the New (1 Samuel 15:3; Deuteronomy 20:1). If God does not find legitimate war morally wrong, then we shouldn’t either.