Militarism can be defined as the belief or policy that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests. It involves glorification of the military and military solutions. The Bible does not explicitly use the term “militarism,” but it does contain principles and teachings that address this ideology.
Old Testament Examples and Teachings
In the Old Testament, militarism was sometimes part of the culture, with nations building strong armies and using them aggressively. Israel went to war against surrounding nations at times, seeking to conquer territories God had promised them (e.g. Joshua 1:1-9). There are also examples of militarism and aggression being condemned, such as in Habakkuk 2 where God pronounces judgment on the Babylonians for plundering nations by military force.
However, the Old Testament makes clear that trust and obedience to God, not military might, is most important (Psalm 20:7, Psalm 33:16-19). Israel’s identity was to be rooted in being God’s people, not in military strength. Their security depended on faithfulness to God’s laws and covenant, not the size of their army (Deuteronomy 28:1, 15). The prophets often critiqued Israel for relying on military alliances over trust in God (Isaiah 30:1-5, Isaiah 31:1-3).
The overall teaching is that military power alone cannot provide complete security. Strength comes ultimately from the Lord (1 Samuel 2:10, Psalm 28:7-8). Building up military might excessively or using it unjustly is condemned and seen as defiance against God, who is the true king of Israel (1 Samuel 8:10-18, Psalm 33:12). Militarism that leads to oppression of the weak or idolatrous national pride is viewed negatively in passages like Amos 1:3-15.
Jesus’ Teachings on Peace and Nonviolence
In the Gospels, Jesus provides a counterpoint to cultures of war and militarism. He blesses peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), teaches nonviolence and love of enemies (Matthew 5:38-48), and rebukes his disciples for wanting to call down violence on those rejecting him (Luke 9:54-56). Jesus says that “all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52), implying military power breeds more violence.
Jesus’ way stands in contrast to earthly militarism – he rides humbly into Jerusalem on a donkey instead of a warhorse (Matthew 21:1-11) and establishes a spiritual kingdom not of this world (John 18:36). The early church continued Jesus’ ethic of radical love and nonviolence even at cost of personal safety (Acts 4:23-31, Romans 12:14-21). Their security came from obedience to Christ, not military might.
Limits on Use of Force in Romans 13
Romans 13 acknowledges the state’s authority comes from God and the state “does not bear the sword in vain” (v.4) in punishing wrongdoing. However, this passage does not advocate militarism or justify wars of aggression. The context focuses on use of force to punish criminals within a society, not offensive war.
Romans 12 emphasizes nonviolent love, suggesting even this authority to punish criminality must be constrained by love. Since God desires peace, the state’s God-given authority should be exercised with restraint and as a last resort. Christians are called to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:14-21), not escalating violence.
Living as Citizens of God’s Kingdom
The New Testament calls Christians to live as citizens of God’s kingdom (Philippians 3:20, Colossians 1:13). Their hope is founded on Jesus’ victory through self-sacrifice, not human conflict. Christians are instructed to be patient in suffering (1 Peter 2:18-25), trusting God will ultimately bring justice. They should not resort to violence or retaliation (1 Thessalonians 5:15, 1 Peter 3:9).
This does not necessarily prohibit serving in the military or police to restrain evil – God has established governing authorities for orderly society (Romans 13:1-7). However, Christians should promote justice and peacemaking in public service. Human authorities are fallible, so civil disobedience may occasionally be necessary against unjust violence by a state.
Above all, Christians live “as aliens and strangers in the world” (1 Peter 2:11), affirming their primary loyalty belongs to Christ’s kingdom, not earthly powers or interests. They are called to be peacemakers who overcome hatred with love.
Cautions Against Militarism
Scripture cautions against excessive reliance on military strength over faith in God (Hosea 1:7). It warns against deploying force unjustly (Amos 1:3-15) or without seeking wisdom and counsel first (Proverbs 20:18). God looks at the heart more than outward strength (1 Samuel 16:7).
The Bible critiques patriotic boasting (Psalm 20:7) and glorying in war or violence (Psalm 68:30). Christians should avoid idolizing military power or seeking security in it more than in God (Psalm 44:6-8). They are called to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21), pursuing justice and reconciliation, which provide the true path to peace (Isaiah 2:4, Matthew 5:9).
Key Biblical Principles
In summary, key biblical principles cautioning against unchecked militarism include:
- Trusting in God’s deliverance is more important than military strength (Psalm 33:16-19)
- God desires justice and mercy more than sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3, Hosea 6:6)
- Jesus blesses peacemakers and teaches nonviolent love of enemies (Matthew 5:9, 38-48)
- Taking up the sword leads to more violence, not true peace (Matthew 26:52)
- Christians seek security in God’s kingdom, not earthly powers (Philippians 3:20-21)
- Force should only be used reluctantly to restrain evil, not promote unjust wars (Romans 13:4)
- Following Jesus may require refusing to participate in state violence (Acts 5:29)
The Bible suggests national security should be pursued through just and ethical means, with military power used only as a limited last resort. Wise leadership rejects militarism and understands true peace requires justice, reconciliation, and rendering enemies as neighbors.
Pursuing Peace and Justice
Christians are instructed to “Seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11, Psalm 34:14). Working for peace often means addressing underlying injustices that lead to conflict. Christians should oppose unjust violence by the state, while also speaking and acting truthfully with love towards opponents (Ephesians 4:15).
Justice is close to God’s heart (Isaiah 1:17). Christians promote social and economic justice for the oppressed, while advocating nonviolent alternatives to conflict. They should beware of partisan politics that divide, instead discerning biblical values like justice, compassion and the sanctity of life.
Jesus pronounces a blessing on peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). This requires spiritual resources like mercy, courage, and willingly suffering for the sake of reconciliation. Christians pray and work to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21), trusting in God’s power and purposes at work. They take care to remove logs from their own eyes before condemning the faults of others (Matthew 7:1-5).
Citizens of Heaven
The Bible instructs Christians to live as citizens of God’s kingdom while temporarily residing on earth (Philippians 3:20). Their hope is based on Jesus’ victory through sacrificial love, not political and military power. Christians look forward to the day when God unites all nations in perfect peace under Christ’s rule (Isaiah 2:2-4).
Until then, they are guided by truths like: blessed are the peacemakers and merciful, love your enemies, overcome evil with good. Christians promote justice and reconciliation in the world, while building communities of justice, love and mutual care within the church.
As citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), Christians reject idolatrous nationalism or looking to military might for salvation. Their citizenship is rooted in God’s kingdom. They pledge allegiance first to Jesus, offering their bodies as living sacrifices in his service (Romans 12:1), even if that means nonviolently resisting state actions that contradict the values of his kingdom.
Conclusions
The Bible provides cautions against militarism that overtrusts in armed might or uses force unjustly. Scripture instructs Christians to rely on spiritual power, promote justice, love enemies, and work for reconciliation. Jesus’ radical ethic stands counter to the violence and domination of worldly kingdoms.
Responsible use of force may occasionally be needed, but is a limited last resort. Christians live as citizens of God’s kingdom, following Jesus even if it means nonviolent resistance against state powers. They work and pray for the day when God establishes his reign of perfect peace.
Wise application of biblical teaching requires discerning the complexities of pursuing justice in a fallen world. However, the word of God provides timeless principles for countering militarism. These include promoting justice and reconciliation, loving enemies, and trusting ultimately in the power of self-sacrificial love, not the sword.