I do not believe God cares about what is good for governments. Christians did not follow the Emperor Cult, which was bad for Roman stability. Ultimately, this was a contributing factor to the collapse of Rome. Doing God's bidding by being slaves of Christ is what is important. If God commands us not to defend ourselves and to be patient while the world is warring, then that is what we must do. You speak highly of retaliation, but "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person." (Matthew 5:38-39) God specifically commanded the Israelites to war with particular neighbors. However, God has issued us no new commands, no new enemies. Instead, the Prince of Peace has clearly commanded us that we are to fight no more. For clarity, I repeat Isaiah 1: [quote]Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. [b]Your hands are full of blood[/b]; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! [b]Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.[/b] Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. [b]If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but [u]if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.[/u][/b][/quote] What specific instance leads to us being devoured by the sword? The Lord has been clear: "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26:52) "If anyone slays with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints." (Revelations 13:10) Post edited by: JamesRaio, at: 2007/10/08 04:24 Post edited by: JamesRaio, at: 2007/10/08 04:25

Post edited by: JamesRaio, at: 2007/10/08 04:25