As an Evangelical Christian, my understanding of war is shaped by my interpretation of the Bible. The Bible teaches that there is an appropriate time for everything under the sun, including war. In the Old Testament, God allowed the Israelites to go to war to defend themselves and to conquer their enemies. In the New Testament, Jesus did not explicitly forbid his followers from fighting in war, but he taught that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
In general, war is a last resort after all diplomatic and peaceful measures have been exhausted. The Bible teaches that we should strive for peace and pursue it, but there may be situations where war is necessary to protect innocent lives and defend against evil. In such situations, Christians may participate in a just war to defend their country, their families, and their fellow citizens.
However, Christians must also be mindful not to delight in war or to seek revenge or personal gain through war. The Bible teaches that we should have a humble, servant heart, and seek to love and serve others as Jesus did. We should also seek to promote justice and righteousness, and to respect the dignity of all people, even our enemies.
Ultimately, the decision to go to war is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and prayerful discernment. We should seek wisdom from God and consult with others who are wise and experienced to determine the best course of action.
