War has always been a contradiction in my life. As a former U.S. Marine, I would not hesitate to fight, or even die, for my country’s principles. Yet, as a spiritual person, the resolution is not so simple.
I was raised in a Judeo-Christian culture shaped by Roman Catholicism and later exposed to Buddhism in Asia and Hinduism while working at a yoga temple. I’ve studied Poland’s long history of conflict with the Ottoman Empire and the present struggles against fanatical terrorist groups. Every tradition sheds a different and often contradictory light on war.
Let’s break it down.
Christianity: The Ideal of Nonviolence
Christianity, at its core, rejects war. If one genuinely follows Jesus’ teachings, there is no justification for violence. He preached non-judgment, refused to defend himself, and willingly accepted death. If everyone followed this philosophy, the world would be full of love and free from violence.
Yet, no Christian nation truly follows this doctrine. The Crusades remain one of history’s most shameful contradictions—wars waged in the name of peace. Many Christians still believe their way of life is the only righteous way to live.
Judaism: Justice and Survival
In Judaism, war is permitted when it aligns with justice and survival. The Torah teaches the importance of upholding God’s law, defending one’s people, and punishing enemies when necessary. This tribal wisdom served well 4,000 years ago and still holds relevance today. “Us vs. Them” conflicts (e.g., U.S. vs. Al-Qaeda) fit neatly within this framework. However, the danger is clear: if you are on the other side (e.g., Palestinians), then justice becomes subjective.
Islam: A Struggle for Righteousness
When interpreted correctly, Islam emphasizes justice, discipline, and submission to God. It has not been as diluted over time as Christianity, but it too suffers from rigidity—if you are not Muslim, you are considered wrong.
A fascinating irony: both Jews and Muslims believe in the same God, share the same lineage from Abraham, and recognize many of the same prophets. Yet, they view each other as enemies. Logically, at least one of them must be wrong—perhaps both.
If I follow any of these traditions, I would choose Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam. Open-minded, deeply spiritual, and full of love for God and people, it offers a path that transcends dogma. As Rumi, the Sufi poet, wrote:
"It’s not always a blind man who falls into a pit. Sometimes, it’s one who can see.
A holy one does sometimes fall,
but by that tribulation, he or she ascends,
escapes many illusions, escapes conventional religion,
escapes being so bound to phenomena."
Hinduism: A Vast Web of Beliefs
Hinduism is expansive and full of wisdom, but in the grand scheme of history, it has failed to provide unity. Religious persecutions—both of Buddhists and Muslims—have shaped its past. While it offers profound insight into personal growth, its structure has not prevented internal strife.
Buddhism: A Philosophy, Not a Religion
Buddhism is unique because it does not function as a traditional “religion.” It teaches that all things in life are relative; thus, there is no absolute right or wrong. Its focus on mindfulness, compassion, and karma makes it highly adaptable.
Yet even Buddhism does not entirely reject war. A mindful warrior may still go to battle, but only if all other solutions have failed. This makes it perhaps the most pragmatic view—violence is a last resort, not an inevitability.
Conclusion: What is the Answer?
If I have learned anything from these traditions, no single belief system holds the absolute truth. Religion shapes perspective, but perspective is not truth.
So what do I believe?
I believe in respecting all spiritual people equally—not judging their traditions but learning from them. If there is a divine truth, it must be more significant than one tribe, one book, or one set of rules.
In the end, scripture does not answer the question of war. It is responded to in the heart of the individual.
