A Selectivist View of War

 A Selectivist View of War

The people that hold this view believe that Christians should participate in just wars but not unjust wars.

Paul said to be at peace with all men if possible but such peace is not always possible, especially in circumstances where an evil bully or evil nation attacks others.

Paul said Christians are not to be overcome by evil but are to overcome evil with good. But sometimes overcoming evil with good necessitates good people just using force against terrorists.

Jesus taught that Christians should not retaliate when insulted.

Killing in war is not equated with murder.

God instituted human governments . He delegated authority to the government to take human life- capital punishment. This was not considered murder.

If a war sponsored by a government is unjust, a selectivist can decline to participate. Scripture teaches that obedience to the government is not always appropriate, especially when the government issues a command that violates a higher command from God.