Is Killing in War a Sin? Maybe. Maybe not. My real answer to a raw question.
When I conduct a Q&A session at the end of a public talk, I already know what the first question will be. Out of the thousands of questions I’ve been asked in public settings, this one stands out as the top by a long shot. I've lost track of how many times I’ve been asked it, but if I had to estimate, it’s at least 3,000 times over the past 35 years.
It’s a significant question for the men and women I usually spend most of my time with. Since most of them serve in the military or work in law enforcement, it’s a question they face every day when they put on the uniform. There’s also a large group of military and law enforcement families who wrestle with the morality of taking a human life. I often get asked variations of this question by people in these households.
But I’ve also noticed that many people who have no connection to carrying a gun professionally ask me this question. A sizable group of those individuals grew up in the church and are also struggling with this issue.
You don’t need military experience to see how service members and law enforcement officers must grapple with the harsh reality that they might have to take a human life in the line of duty. Anyone concerned about their soul must wrestle with this question. The problem is, almost no one is talking about it.
It’s clear to me from the number of people who aren’t struggling with the act of killing but still find this question confusing that church leaders and theologians are completely avoiding the topic.
I don’t want to become the world’s Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the biblical ethics of killing. Still, I’ve been involuntarily drawn into this discussion for most of my adult life. I wish someone else would take on the responsibility of definitively answering this question so I could focus my time on introducing those far from Jesus to the one who allowed himself to be brutally murdered on their behalf. But, lacking any other voice, I’ve decided to address this question myself.
It’s a significant question for the men and women I usually spend most of my time with. Since most of them serve in the military or work in law enforcement, it’s a question they face every day when they put on the uniform. There’s also a large group of military and law enforcement families who wrestle with the morality of taking a human life. I often get asked variations of this question by people in these households.
But I’ve also noticed that many people who have no connection to carrying a gun professionally ask me this question. A sizable group of those individuals grew up in the church and are also struggling with this issue.
You don’t need military experience to see how service members and law enforcement officers must grapple with the harsh reality that they might have to take a human life in the line of duty. Anyone concerned about their soul must wrestle with this question. The problem is, almost no one is talking about it.
It’s clear to me from the number of people who aren’t struggling with the act of killing but still find this question confusing that church leaders and theologians are completely avoiding the topic.
I don’t want to become the world’s Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the biblical ethics of killing. Still, I’ve been involuntarily drawn into this discussion for most of my adult life. I wish someone else would take on the responsibility of definitively answering this question so I could focus my time on introducing those far from Jesus to the one who allowed himself to be brutally murdered on their behalf. But, lacking any other voice, I’ve decided to address this question myself.
Understanding the Question
I have limited experience. I don’t claim to know everything about taking a human life. However, my service as a U.S. Army Ranger has put me in situations that few others will ever face. I intend to answer this question both practically and philosophically.
Unfortunately, I have also been thrown into the public eye—against my will—as a warrior who faced one of the most violent firefights of a generation, largely due to the fame of the book and movie Black Hawk Down.
Unfortunately, I have also been thrown into the public eye—against my will—as a warrior who faced one of the most violent firefights of a generation, largely due to the fame of the book and movie Black Hawk Down.
Personal Experience and Research
After being repeatedly asked this question for the first few years, I started doing my own research. I have spent decades studying all the great minds on this topic. I examined what the brightest thinkers throughout history have said about it. I also researched how different societies around the world have answered this question.
Surprisingly, leaders from various times and places agree on the basic ethics of taking a human life to protect their community or country. This is very unusual, considering how radically diverse these societies are and how different their worldviews can be.
Surprisingly, leaders from various times and places agree on the basic ethics of taking a human life to protect their community or country. This is very unusual, considering how radically diverse these societies are and how different their worldviews can be.
What Scripture Says
I’m not the final authority on this subject… But I know the One who is… intimately! God alone is the final authority on sin. Therefore, it would be the equivalent of “playing God” to give my personal answer to this question. When asked this eternally important question, I can only point people to what the God of the universe has to say. Not surprisingly, He has a lot to say about it in the Bible!
I’m sure you’re looking for a firm “yes” or “no” answer to this question. At this point, you might be eager to know what that answer is. I’ll give you the answer in the only biblically appropriate way possible: Is killing in war a sin… No! or Yes! The answer depends on a couple of factors that God alone can judge!
I’m sure you’re looking for a firm “yes” or “no” answer to this question. At this point, you might be eager to know what that answer is. I’ll give you the answer in the only biblically appropriate way possible: Is killing in war a sin… No! or Yes! The answer depends on a couple of factors that God alone can judge!
The Warrior's Soul Initiative
Because God has so much to say on this issue, I’ve dedicated decades to putting together a comprehensive answer. I’ve also reached out to friends who helped raise an incredible amount of money to help me answer this question in a way that benefits everyone.
My passion for men and women who serve something greater than themselves, and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ, have motivated me to answer this question for anyone dealing with this highly sensitive topic. As a result, I’ve created The Warrior’s Soul. I’m giving away my life’s work and a small fortune in products completely free in a six-part mini-series. If you or anyone you know is wrestling with this question, direct them to The Warrior’s Soul mini-series today.
My passion for men and women who serve something greater than themselves, and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ, have motivated me to answer this question for anyone dealing with this highly sensitive topic. As a result, I’ve created The Warrior’s Soul. I’m giving away my life’s work and a small fortune in products completely free in a six-part mini-series. If you or anyone you know is wrestling with this question, direct them to The Warrior’s Soul mini-series today.
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