Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 11/24/2006

Question
Hello Rev. Woodward,

I overheard an expert on a radio program saying that Iran has already stated it wants to destroy Israel & the U.S. & it's a matter of time until Iran or some other evil nation will use a nuclear weapon against us. He discussed that the electromagnetic wave from a certain size nuclear device detonated 100 miles above the U.S. could completely knock out much or all of our communications capability.
Are there any Biblical scriptures supporting America or Israel launching a nuclear first strike against our enemies if we know they're going to attack first in a matter of time? Does the Bible indicate anywhere that we would be going against God's law by killing innocent civilians in such an attack?
I would think God would support our first strike option if we go by Old testament law. New Testament law seems a bit different. Christ comes and seems to move us to love our enemies and even "turn the other cheek".
What might be your opinion on all of this?

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Mike  

Answer
Hello Mike,
Thank you for your question. I ought to point out that I minister in England so my perspective might be different from someone ministering in the USA. I suppose that could be a good thing.
In my opinion there are no scriptures that would justify a first strike along the lines you describe. We make the mistake sometimes of thinking of the USA or the UK as God's people and places like Iran as Satan's servants. This is much too simplistic. Certainly Islam, particularly militant Islam is a serious threat to all of us and most of all to Israel. However, our own nations are secular nations that have allowed many things to happen that are an offence to God. Our abortion laws and gay rights legislation comes to mind. We have also more or less sold out to the god of materialism allowing multinational companies and the goal of material wealth to dominate.
The Christian Church exists within all cultures and must never be fully identified with any particular culture. We have a prophetic role to play calling people everywhere to repentance and trust in Jesus Christ.
As Christians the weapons we fight with are not carnal ones. We have the Word of God, the power of the Spirit, the effectiveness of prayer and the impact of love. See 1 Cor 10:3-5 and Ephesians 6:10-18.
It is arguable from scripture that nations have a right to defend themselves but certainly the New Testament would never justify a scenario that includes the killing of thousands of the comparatively innocent.
I am not a pacifist and do believe that in some very exceptional circumstances we have to fight to defend and protect people but we must be very careful that we are not simply seeking to impose our culture.
I know that end time prophecy portrays a day when there will be a great last battle with Israel at the centre. However, it is not our job to provoke or create that. As you rightly say we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us. The world needs to see Christians living as Gospel people, not trapped in narrow nationalism, legalism and materialism.
You asked for my opinion and I stress that is what I am offering. I am not anti American in any way and have a great love for the USA and respect for George Bush. I would not like to be in his shoes. However our task is to be faithful to what Jesus has taught us.
I hope my comments are of some help.
Stuart Woodward