Should members of the Church of God go to war?

[Kernow]

I can't see what the problem is with 'People of the Cloth' bearing arms. There was a guy in 'Air Troop', 'B Sqn', 22 SAS (Ice Cream Boys), that became a born again Christian and eventually a vicar whilst he was serving, and when he came out he became a Mercenary. Now what a story to tell your Grand Kids.

[dave lukins]

I can't see what the problem is with 'People of the Cloth' bearing arms. There was a guy in 'Air Troop', 'B Sqn', 22 SAS (Ice Cream Boys), that became a born again Christian and eventually a vicar whilst he was serving, and when he came out he became a Mercenary. Now what a story to tell your Grand Kids.

Here is a letter I managed to dig up I wonder if it's the same guy?

I used to work with a guy that was in the team that stormed the embassy, in fact he had the distinction of being the youngest SAS man there that day and also, I believe the guy that got hung up on his line and nearly burnt to death!. I say "used" to work as he has since unfortunately taken his own life. He left the SAS became a bodyguard then converted to christianity and became a vicar of all things!.
He spoke sometimes of the siege and I can confirm that they definately received verbal instructions to "completely resolve the situation" - read into that what you will. He was a great bloke and its a good job there are guys like him still doing the business whenever and wherever needed.

[Kernow]

Thats the guy, he converted whilst still serving, tried to convert the rest of the Ice Cream Boys across, of course he failed. When he became a Vicar he became the Chaplain of Para Reg. He was also the best Pistol shot in 22 SAS, taught lots of new moves etc. He eventually took his own life by plugging a hose to his car. His name was Chris ******** (Ginger).

[Merlin800429]

Gentlemen, I'd like to backtrack a bit if I may. Ray ( who I see has been suspended ) wrote "....The following quote comes from the introduction to Herbert W. Armstrong’s booklet, ...." which tells many of us a great deal. I posted for the benefit of Arnold123 (?) to 'let the cult go'.

Unfortunately there remains enough 'followers' of the Armstrong version of 'true christianity' to cause me to speak up. Even with just a Google search of Herbert W. Armstrong you will find a record of incest; a practice openly condemned by Herbert W. and his 'ordained' ministers. If you Google search Garner Ted Armstrong you find a record of sexual misconduct, if not outright predatory behavior. IT absolutely does not say much for the sound moral turpitude of this cult group.

I lived through the Viet Nam era. I observed my two older brothers, both members of the 'Armstrong congregation', at that time, go through the process of registering with the draft as conscientious objectors. This was so hard for me to understand as throughout the lineage of my father's family ALL HAD SERVED. Why should my brothers be absolved from their duty.

In the old testament, fully accepted by the WWOC, there is little if any hesitation on the part of the 'good guys' to take the lives of others in defense of their soil, their people, their culture and their way of life.

So at the age of 16 I refuse to go along with this 'doctrine' and have NEVER regretted it. I served as a United States Marine from Apr 1974 to Apr 1980.

In studying history it is reasonable to say that the Muslims have been consumed with the 'Jihad' since somewhere around 900 or 1000AD. We westerners refer to the early part of this as the 'Crusades'. My paternal family are Episcopal, aka Anglican Church of England, aka Holy Catholic Church - our symbol, our flag, our shield is the same shield of Christianity you see in most all paintings, depictions of the Crusades. Accepting this as my lineage, how can I ever accept the over the top Fundamentalist Muslims demanding the world only be inhabited by Muslims.

I have met many fine, upstanding Muslims in places such as Jordan. They believe in peace, minding their own business, and following God's ( Allah's ) will as they understand it. HOWEVER, as the world has recently seen, there are also Muslims that want to carry their belief to extreme domination.

I cannot agree to let this happen. Whether the subject of a monarch or citizen of a republic, I believe sincerely we must defend soverign countries, our belief systems, our liberties, and our personal worth.

With regard to Israel and Hamas, the house of Judah, falls under the house of Abraham just as certainly as England and the United States. The Israeli has every bit as much right to defend their soverign soil and culture as we of The United Kingdom and The United States of America.

Whether through diplomacy or war, the over the top Muslim community must come to an understanding of peace. We Christians are not interested in acquiescing to them. As free nations founded on the concepts of Christianity, tempered with tolerance, are obligated to defend our freedom of choice. The defense of that freedom comes at a price measured in blood. It always has, and probably always will.

Is that a nice thing? No! It just is the way that it is. Would I give my life to protect my family and community? Yes - but I'd rather give my adversary the opportunity to die for his instead. This is the survival instinct for, not only self, but specie ( of if you will, choice of faith ).

To cut to he chase, IT IS TIME TO KICK A_S AND TAKE NAMES. I am pleased to see Israel making was after the failure of diplomacy to secure their own safety. Hopefully Hamas will come to their senses - I doubt it - but I can hope and pray that they do. If they do not, it will never end without their eradication. That is such a sad outlook as well.