Can a Christian take a life in war without becoming a murderer?
Former British SAS operator Christian Craighead addressed that difficult question during a conversation with podcast host and former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan, examining the moral weight carried by those who pull the trigger in combat.
Craighead argued that Scripture’s distinction between murder and wartime killing cannot remove a soldier’s personal accountability before God.
“God knows what’s inside your heart when you pull the trigger, did whatever you did to extinguish another human life,” Craighead said.
The Sixth Commandment is famously rendered in the King James Version as, “Thou shalt not kill.” However, the Hebrew word used in Exodus 20:13 is traditionally understood to refer to murder or wrongful homicide. Most modern Bible translations therefore render the command as, “You shall not murder.”
Scripture treats the intentional murder of an innocent person differently from accidental killing, lawful judgment and warfare. That means a soldier who takes a life in battle is not automatically guilty of murder. It also does not mean that every wartime killing is justified.
Order Don Dickerman’s Book, “Death Row Redemption” on Amazon.com!
Craighead distinguished military duty from killing “in cold blood” or “for sheer pleasure,” which he compared to murdering someone on the street.
“If you’re a soldier, if you’re an operator on missions and you take another human life, you know and He knows all the angles of it and everything,” Craighead said.
Yet the phrase “for the greater good” presents another moral problem.
“Who determines what was for the greater good?” Ryan asked.
Ryan said soldiers can be manipulated by political leaders, military culture and misleading information.
“We were just fed [expletive] propaganda the entire time that we 100% believed in,” Ryan said while discussing his experience in Afghanistan.
He also warned that killing can become an obsession within military culture. Although some killings may technically fall within the rules of engagement, Ryan questioned whether every life taken was necessary.
Craighead acknowledged that soldiers on opposing sides can both believe they are fighting for a righteous cause. A person’s sincere belief, however, does not automatically make an action morally right. Scripture places God’s authority above military orders, national loyalties and human rules of engagement.
Craighead summarized that accountability in a warning he believes every service member should hear.
“Rules of engagement will change due to missions, wars, everything,” Craighead said. “But whatever you do in this life, you will have to answer to God for.”
The Bible does not describe every soldier as a murderer, nor does it declare every wartime killing righteous. It condemns murder while recognizing the authority of governments and the realities of warfare. Ultimately, every person will stand before the Lord and give an account for what they have done.
To view the discussion, click here (editor’s note: contains mild language and discusses sensitive topics involving war, killing and suicide).
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
