THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/WAR

In ancient times, the Israelites waged war in the name of their God, Jehovah.  Does this mean that God approves of modern warfare?

Why did ancient Israel go to war?

WHAT SOME PEOPLE SAY

The Israelites worshipped a bloodthirsty "tribal war god." 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS 

The nations whom Israel defeated were thoroughly corrupted by violence and depraved practices-including bestiality, incest, and child sacrifice.  After giving them centuries to change their ways, God said: "It is by all these things that the nations that I am driving out from before you have made themselves unclean." -Leviticus 18:21-25; Jeremiah 7:31.

"It is because of the wickedness of these nations that Jehovah your god is driving them away before you." -Deuteronomy 9:5.

Does God take sides in war today?

YOU MAY HAVE OBSERVED

In many conflicts, religious leaders on both sides claim that God is on their side. "Religion has always played a part in every war that was ever fought," says the book The Causes of War.

Next time: THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/WAR - WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

From the jw.org publications