Christians and the Wars of Nations
Suppose that England and the United States, “the two great leading Christian nations,” should go to war. On the side of England would be her army and her navy; the same also would be true of the United States. With the armies and navies on both sides would be the “war chaplains.” England’s forces would represent her and would be the sworn enemies of the United States. The forces of the United States would be the sworn enemies of England. But the chaplains on both sides would claim to represent Christ, who said, “My kingdom is not of this world; if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews.” John 18:36. There does not seem to be such a great inconsistency when the opposing soldiers of two distinct nations enter a mortal combat. But how about the soldiers of the cross of Christ joining themselves to the kingdoms of this world and then taking the field to fight each other? The question need not necessarily confine itself to chaplains. The real Christianity certainly has no inconsistencies.