Expert: Phillip Senn - 11/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have read the answers about Just Wars
How does it apply to Civil wars? Are wars to seize territory selfish and not "just"

ANSWER: Civil war is generally defined as fighting between factions within the boundaries of a single country. Usually this takes place due to differences of opinion, rather than a quest for territory. Scripture speaks of a war that was for the purpose of acquiring territory, and it was commanded by the Lord. The Lord never commands someone to do that which is unjust or sinful. In this instance, it was to capture that which God had promised to the Israelites.

When man decides to do anything, without God's specific instructions, that man is entering into a realm of being his/her own God. That is called sin, and is always wrong. The Scripture says, whatsoever is not of faith is sin. A leader of a faction that is specifically following the instructions of the Lord, even if it were to gain control of land or a government, is acting in the best interest of others. This would not be acting from a "selfish" motive, but acting in faith on God's Word.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Phillip

So a leader of who is not following God's instruction is wrong? What about wars of defence (from the Allies point  of view) such as WW II? ANd what about the The American Civil war? Who was following God's instruction?

I understand that you think the wars fought for colonization were wrong.

Do you concede that there are wars fought without God's specific instruction to a leader but with His approval?


Answer
The Scriptures teach us to be offensive against the enemy, which is Satan. He has many tools, one of which is other nations. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,  against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,  against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Those that battle for the Lord are sometimes to fight physical battles. Sometimes the battles appear to be against other humans, but are, in reality, against the devil.

The wars fought for colonization were wars against the tyranny of England. Those who fled the English rule were fleeing to escape religious persecution. England then fought to retain the right to tax and persecute even in the new colonies, even after those left England for freedom from that very deed.

There are many wars that have not been under God's direction. Those who are standing for what is right will always face a battle. Sometimes it leads to wars. I would agree that there may not have been a direct command from God to fight this battle, but the principles of standing for those who cannot fight for themselves is clear in Scripture. A principle that is based upon God's Word is a good rule to follow. For instance, God says specifically, "Do not commit adultery." Those who hold to a Pharisaical position on this would say, "God didn't say not to have sex outside of marriage". The principle is there in the Old Testament, but not the words expressly denouncing out of wedlock sexual activity. However, if one searches for the principle involved, they will find the real meaning... It is the same as Jesus' interpretation of, "if you look on a woman to lust after her, you have committed adultery in your heart."

Sometimes our guide must follow the whole of Scripture, rather than taking one or two passages to build a whole doctrinal stance on.

AS far as examining to determine who is right and wrong in a situation, all facets of the situation (war in this case) must be examined to determine the heart of the matter, and thus determine whether or not it is just or unjust. WWII was just, in my opinion, because it was to stop the horrible sins, against innocent humanity, that Hitler, et al, was inflicting. A similar situation occurred in Iraq.