GotQuestions.org Podcast What does the Bible say about war? What is a just war, biblically speaking? - GotQuestions.org Podcast Episode 296
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Apr 1, 2026 They explore when the Bible permits killing and how Hebrew law distinguishes murder from lawful force. Old Testament divinely ordered wars and the conquest of Canaan are examined. New Testament perspectives on nonviolence, national defense, and why wars should never be framed as advancing Christ are discussed. The conversation also weighs religion’s role in modern conflicts and the moral limits of warfare.
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Murder Versus Killing Distinction
- The Ten Commandments prohibit murder, not all killing, so state-authorized or defensive killing can be morally permissible.
- Jeff explains original-language nuance and legal analogies like self-defense and capital punishment to distinguish killing from murder.
Old Testament Wars Were Limited Judgment
- God commanded Israel in narrowly limited wars against extremely evil Canaanite nations as judgment and to possess promised land.
- Shea and Jeff note archaeological evidence of child sacrifice and that Israel was repeatedly warned before conquest.
Do Not Weaponize The Gospel
- Never claim military action advances the kingdom of God; Jesus said My kingdom is not of this world.
- You can be a Christian soldier defending justice, but not assert warfare furthers the gospel.