Well, this is a broad sentence. We can talk about that briefly, but I guess I’m really trying to tackle the question, should Christian want war with Iran? Because this is an incredibly complex geopolitical conflict, let’s make 2 assumptions.
Assumption #1 – I don’t know all the ins-and-outs of Iran, Israel, or the US’s international interests, malfeasance, or relevant historical actions.
Assumption #2 – You don’t either.
So granting each other a little bit of allowable ignorance, and assuming a little bit of grace and humility, let’s tackle this impossible question. Despite trying to answer 1 question, I think there’s essentially 4 questions to answer here.
- Does God want us to physically fight evil?
- Does God want us to connect our theology to our political actions?
- Biblically speaking, should Christians support Israel?
- If so, is there any limit to that support?
Let’s break it down.
Does God want us to physically fight evil?
In the Old Testament there are clear instances in which He wants the physical nation of Israel to physically fight against other nations. In the New Testament, you’d have a hard to arguing that God wants Christians specifically to rise up and physically fight evil. Ephesians 6:12 specifically tells us that we do not fight against flesh and blood. I didn’t personally like when the Pope sent European armies to war in the Middle East under the symbol of the cross during the Crusades. Even when someone physically harms us, we are told not to seek vengeance. You probably are quite aware of Romans 12:19 quoting Deuteronomy 32:35, Vengeance is mine says the Lord, I will repay. God judges evil. He doesn’t call Christians to be His hammer of justice here on this earth.
Does God want us to connect our theology to our political actions?
This is such an interesting question to me. It is the biggest reason for why I personally don’t want to be a politician. I’m too theologically minded to be of any political good. If I’m making laws, why wouldn’t I want to outlaw pre-marital sex, taking the Lord’s name in vain, or hoarding wealth? The Bible specifically condemns such things. We should read the Bible, right? Should there be a law mandating that everyone must read their Bible or be arrested? Or fined? Or lose their homestead exemption of their property taxes? John Calvin while a magistrate in Geneva, Switzerland in 1553 wanted to build a truly Christian city. So when Michael Servetus was brought before the council with the accusation of denying the Trinity, a trial was held. He was fairly tried and then convicted of heresy. His sentence? Servetus was burned at the stake (full disclosure, John Calvin argued he should be beheaded because burning at the stake seemed too harsh a punishment.) That seems crazy to our ears. But is there a theology more theologically menacing than denying the deity of Christ? Don’t get me wrong, I get it. If we don’t have Christians run for office that will be really bad for this country. I also encourage people to advocate for their positions to their legislators. But the Bible gives us several examples of obeying our government and few if any examples on how we are to run a government. Paul doesn’t sit and dream on what he would do if he were Caesar. He just defends his beliefs when government officials try to condemn him. I’m just saying, I wouldn’t want to be a politician personally. And I’m saying that not all theological positions make good governmental policy?
Here’s where I’m going with that.
Biblically speaking, should Christians support Israel?
I’ve written about this before back in 2017 (remember that long time readers?) It was complicated then and I feel even more complicated now. But to sum it up, yeah I think there is an arguable case that Christians should support Israel in a broad sense. I’d use Romans 11 for the biggest portion of my argument. I don’t think that specifically means we have to support the secular nation of Israel or all their political decisions in all instances. But I think God has future plans for Israel. I rejoice in the day when they end this rebellion against Yeshua as the Messiah on a wide scale and believe in Him. But I go back to the first point. If Israel is fighting a war, as they have had to many times throughout their history, should Christian physically join that war? Are we called to arms? You know I don’t think so. When our American service members who are Christians are called to serve in armed combat, I don’t have a problem with them serving their country. This is what governments do, and there is allowance to obey our governments in Romans 13.
Is there any limit to that support?
So yeah, I think there’s limits to that support. I support my kids, but don’t always support their individual choices. I’ll let them know when they are crossing the line, and I hope to correct their errant behavior. Do I think Israel is wrong to go to war with Iran? Do I think the US is wrong for joining them in this war/military action (depending on the day)? I have no idea. I am not a political or military strategist. I think any argument for or against fighting in Iran should be purely for political or military reasons. I don’t want theologians, or pastors, or social media Christian influencers arguing for a theological reason for this war. That feels like burning Servetus at the stake crazy to me.
Alright, I know how it works. Spew your hate at me internet!
Joe Allotta 