The theology of secretary Hegseth

[ohio jones]

Once he prayed it, it became his prayer.

Maybe it was Schrödinger's prayer, both his and not his at the same time.

[Valerie]

Once he prayed it, it became his prayer.

Maybe it was Schrödinger's prayer, both his and not his at the same time.

He read it. Gave the credit to the actual author.
He wasn’t praying it.

[barnhart]

Once he prayed it, it became his prayer.

Maybe it was Schrödinger's prayer, both his and not his at the same time.

Maybe it was also performative pietism.

[temporal1]

The theology of secretary Hegseth

i suppose intended, i find these subject line words oxymoronish.
i don’t look to political or military leaders for spiritual guidance. They are free to speak. i’m free to ignore/disagree.

Aside from that, i do believe, “There are no atheists in foxholes”, or mighty few.

[barnhart]

Once he prayed it, it became his prayer.

Maybe it was Schrödinger's prayer, both his and not his at the same time.

He read it.
He wasn’t praying it.

Why did he say "and pray with me please" before reading it?

[joshuabgood]

Many people have felt very strong callings to do many things that the scriptures teach against.
Just pointing out that feelings are not a safe gauge.

Right...and the real question is, "What is a Christian?" If one understands that it means being like the Christ, that is Jesus, it becomes self evident that joining a military and using violence and coercion as tools or redemption, is in fact, not like Christ...and therefore in what sense are they Christian?

Jesus was most impressed with a Centurion's faith and John the Baptist told soldiers to be content with their wages. Also I’ve seen Early Church quotes indicating there were Christian soldiers in military. God may see these as Christians. Romans 13 gives actual permission for use of the sword. I won’t judge these as unbelievers as much as interpretation differences.

The Centurion had Faith. That is wonderful. And being a follower of Jesus means following Jesus, the way of the cross. Nothing there says a Christian should "fight" and use the weapons of this world.

John the Baptist told soldiers to be content. Great advice. Again nothing there indicates that disciples of Jesus should not actually follow him.

Soldiers who said they were Christians, during the time of the early church, also doesn't indicate that followers of Jesus shouldn't follow him.

Where exactly in Romans 13 does it say that following Jesus means using the sword?

I don't judge either, I'd love to see God figure out how to get everyone to heaven, after a time of purging, however, I can't call something Christian that isn't actually like Christ. Using the sword isn't Christian. Carrying a cross and shedding ones own blood is.

[barnhart]

I agree with JBG but just to add to his analysis of the example of John the Baptist it is interesting to note the specific praise Jesus had for him.
Matt 11:11
Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding, he that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.

Jesus honored his position but but did not include him in the group "the kingdom of heaven". I understand him to be the last of the Old Testament prophets, not a follower of Jesus.

[ken_sylvania]

I agree with JBG but just to add to his analysis of the example of John the Baptist it is interesting to note the specific praise Jesus had for him.
Matt 11:11
Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding, he that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.

Jesus honored his position but but did not include him in the group "the kingdom of heaven". I understand him to be the last of the Old Testament prophets, not a follower of Jesus.

It is certainly fascinating how some are willing to elevate John the Baptist's words above the teachings of Jesus.

[Valerie]

I agree with JBG but just to add to his analysis of the example of John the Baptist it is interesting to note the specific praise Jesus had for him.
Matt 11:11
Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding, he that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.

Jesus honored his position but but did not include him in the group "the kingdom of heaven". I understand him to be the last of the Old Testament prophets, not a follower of Jesus.

It is certainly fascinating how some are willing to elevate John the Baptist's words above the teachings of Jesus.

I’m not elevating them above Jesus, but Jesus did not condemn being a soldier. You say “some” but you have to admit “most” Christians do not interpret Jesus to condemn serving your country as your “job” - I am of course aware how Anabaptists see it and understand but “most” denominations disagree (I know Jehoveh Witness agree but they are considered a cult more than a Christian denomination).
As I said before in discussing this with a Baptist pastor who was passing out tracts in our town, he said the Anabaptist got it wrong (it was while I was seeking Anabaptism).
So the “some” is actually “most” and it’s not elevating John the Baptist above Jesus it is interpreting loving your enemies as your personal enemies and not finding Jesus condemning serving your country. Obviously that view “here” is not the accepted understanding.

[joshuabgood]

Being a "christian" means, literally, being like Christ. Christ didn't carry a sword, he carried a cross. Likewise leave your swords and carry your cross. A cross changes the world and is the way of salvation. A sword kills people and changes nothing.

Being a Christian and carrying a sword is like being a cat but having dog parents. It doesnt compute. Christian means like Christ.