Can the Christian Serve in the Military?: A Veteran Reflects on the Commensurability of the Christian Life and the Military Ethic

To what extent is the Christian ethic, in its varied interpretations, commensurable with the experience of military life, including war? In addressing this question, I sketch two contrasting visions of the Christian faith, abolition and perdurance. My discussion of the two types emphasizes their concepts of the Christian ethic with attention to the question of military service and combat. It also offers theological rationales that provide a deeper understanding of the two alternatives. I conclude by siding with the perdurantist position while taking note of an important lesson learned from the abolitionist type.