Weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) refer to weapons that can cause widespread destruction and loss of human life on a massive scale. Some examples include nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. As Christians, how should we view the development, possession, and potential use of such devastating weapons?
The Bible does not explicitly mention WMDs, since such advanced weapons did not exist at the time. However, the Bible does provide principles that can guide Christians’ perspective on this issue. At the heart of it, Christians are called to be peacemakers who value all human life as precious and created in God’s image (Matthew 5:9; Genesis 1:27).
Based on biblical principles, here are several factors Christians could consider when forming their view on WMDs:
The sanctity of human life
All human beings are created in God’s image and have inherent worth and dignity. The massive loss of human life from the use of WMDs goes against the sanctity of human life. Christians should be deeply concerned about weapons designed to annihilate large civilian populations and should advocate for their control and elimination (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:13-16).
Just war principles
Christian just war theory aims to balance the use of force with principles of justice, peace, and mercy. The use of WMDs seems incompatible with just war principles – their scope of destruction is indiscriminate and disproportional, they deliberately target civilians, and their effects linger to harm innocents long after (Matthew 5:7; Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 3:8-12).
Being peacemakers
Christians are exhorted to be peacemakers, pursuing peace with others as much as possible (Matthew 5:9; Romans 14:19). The development and potential use of WMDs runs counter to a mindset of promoting peace. Christians could reasonably advocate for non-proliferation and disarmament efforts.
Trusting in God
WMDs are often developed out of fear and a desire for security through superior firepower. But the Bible exhorts us to trust in God rather than weapons for our ultimate security (Psalm 20:7; Isaiah 26:3-4). Over-reliance on WMDs as deterrents reflects a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty and care.
Loving neighbors
Jesus commanded his followers to love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:39). The use of WMDs is an indiscriminate and disproportionate attack on neighbors halfway around the world made in God’s image. Christians should evaluate the motives behind these weapons and consider advocating for non-proliferation.
Stewardship of resources
Immense resources are used in the development, maintenance, and securing of WMD stockpiles. Christians could view these expenditures as diverting funds that could be used to care for the poor and needy instead (Matthew 25:31-46; Isaiah 2:4).
Submission to governing authorities
Christians are to submit to governing authorities unless they directly contradict God’s commands (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1). However, they are also responsible for holding rulers accountable and speaking truth to power when authorities violate biblical principles and human rights.
In summary, from a Christian ethical perspective, the development and potential use of WMDs are extremely troubling. While maintaining adequate self-defense capabilities may be prudent, stockpiling WMDs capable of inflicting mass civilian casualties appears incompatible with a Christian ethic valuing life, peace, justice, stewardship, and love of neighbor.
At the same time, Christians live in a fallen world filled with ethical tension. Total pacifism may not be the most moral option when facing genocidal aggressors. Wise Christians will seek thoughtful perspectives across the spectrum when considering how to apply biblical principles to this complex issue. God grant us wisdom and courage to be faithful witnesses of gospel truth, justice, and peace in a broken world.
Old Testament Perspectives
The Old Testament provides some examples and principles that can inform a Christian perspective on WMDs:
- God’s judgment on sinful nations was sometimes depicted in terms reminiscent of WMDs – such as complete destruction, fire raining down, and plague (Genesis 19:24; Ezekiel 38:22). However, only God has the right to exercise such judgment and force.
- God prohibited His people Israel from using certain weapons and tactics, such as destroying fruit trees, when attacking enemy nations (Deuteronomy 20:19-20). This displayed mercy and care for long-term sustainability.
- Prophets foretold of a time when God’s reign will bring an end to war and nations will “beat their swords into plowshares” (Isaiah 2:4). Complete disarmament is portrayed as an ideal goal.
- Israel’s security rested in trusting God rather than military might (Psalm 20:7; Hosea 1:7). But unfaithfulness led to being conquered by foreign powers due to lack of trust in God.
These principles emphasize God’s sovereign right to judge, His mercy and care for non-combatants, the ideal of disarmament, and trusting in God more than weapons. While not directly addressing WMDs, they do provide ethical guideposts consistent with a skeptical view towards weapons of massive and indiscriminate destruction.
New Testament Perspectives
The New Testament reinforces and expands on many of the Old Testament principles:
- Jesus highlighted issues of violence and justice but also introduced an ethic of enemy-love (Matthew 5:38-48). Such uncompromising love provides little justification for WMDs.
- Jesus opposed the use of the sword to advance God’s kingdom (Matthew 26:52-53). The killing power of the sword pales in comparison to WMDs.
- The early church lived at peace with governing authorities when possible and did not take up arms (Romans 13:1-4).
- God’s end-time judgment of the earth will come with destruction reminiscent of WMDs (2 Peter 3:7-13). But only God has this prerogative.
- Jesus’ second coming will institute universal peace on the earth (Isaiah 2:4 again reiterated). WMDs will have no place at that time.
While the New Testament contains references to end-time judgment, its overriding ethic for the present age involves love, reconciliation, and peacemaking. From this perspective, it would seem believers should be wary of weapons designed for massive destruction of human life.
Past Christian Voices on WMDs
In recent decades, various Christian leaders and ethicists have addressed the issue of WMDs from a biblical perspective. Here are some examples:
- Pope John Paul II strongly advocated against nuclear weapons due to their destructive potential, calling even deterrence based on stockpiles morally questionable.
- The Southern Baptist Convention issued resolutions opposing WMD proliferation and urging care for the environment in relation to nuclear arms.
- Groups like the Wheaton College Center for Faith, Politics and Economics have hosted scholarly discussions weighing ethics, deterrence theory, and policy.
- Ethicists such as Stanley Hauerwas have made biblical cases for pacifism in response to nuclear stockpiling during the Cold War.
- Jim Wallis and other social justice-oriented Christians have argued for disarmament and stronger global institutions to create nonviolent international norms.
There is certainly diversity within Christian thought on this complex issue. But many prominent voices over the decades have expressed opposition or skepticism towards WMDs from biblically-rooted perspectives.
Potential Applications
So what are some potential ways Christians could apply biblical principles to shape their views and responses to WMDs? Here are a few examples:
- Pray for political leaders to govern with wisdom and restraint when it comes to nuclear weapons and policies (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
- Advocate for arms control and non-proliferation efforts through petitioning or supporting relevant organizations.
- Call for funding to be directed away from new weapons development and towardsbasic human needs and environmental care.
- Support international institutions working to create nonviolent norms of conflict resolution.
- Vote for candidates who will reduce weapons stockpiles, avoid saber-rattling rhetoric, and responsibly address nuclear security threats like terrorism.
- Write letters to newspapers and speak publicly to contribute thoughtfully to the public discourse on this issue.
- Serve refugees and marginalized people-groups to address injustices that fuel cycles of violence.
These are just a few ways Christians might engage the issue beyond just holding a personal position. With wisdom and discernment, the biblical call to be peacemakers has tangible applications for addressing the unique and pressing challenge posed by weapons of mass destruction in the modern world.
