Can a Christian soldier pray to the God of peace before killing in battle? The question haunts every military chaplain who has blessed troops before combat, every believer who has worn both cross and uniform, every church that has sent its members to war with prayers for their safe return. From Joshua’s siege of Jericho to the trenches of World War I, from Crusaders invoking Christ while wielding swords to Ukrainian soldiers crossing themselves before defending their homeland, Christians have sought divine blessing in humanity’s darkest hour.
Yet the paradox remains sharp as a bayonet: How do followers of the Prince of Peace, who commanded us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek, reconcile faith with the profession of arms? When a Marine bows his head before a firefight in Fallujah, or a pilot prays before a bombing run, what exactly is he asking God to do?
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