How do you reconcile taking a life in defense if you are a Christian?

MAJ Carl Ballinger and Cpl Justin Sowell I've neen following this discussion and I think there's a slight semantic difference getting in the way.
What I'm getting from Maj Ballinger is that the fighting isn't in the name of God (which I agree with) and from Cpl Sowell, I read the point not so much that the fighting was in the name of God, but rather that Christians may very well have been wiped out, had they not fought as a unified group (which I also agree with).

SGT Richard Hanner I think that is exactly it. MAJ Carl Ballinger brings up some very great points from a biblical perspective, and mine are based on a more historical perspective. The Bible denounces violence, and I agree with MAJ Carl Ballinger that Jesus would never condone violence in his name. God loves all men. Even those we see as enemies. However, my argument is that sometimes your very survival depends on your will to fight which you can see throughout history. I don't at all think God wants us to fight, but I don't think he expects us to just roll over and die either. It's a ruthless ugly world sometimes. Survival of the fittest still exists just on a much larger scale.

MAJ Carl Ballinger I doubt that Christianity was ever in any danger of getting wiped out, but you know the old saying "all it takes for evil to triumph is good people doing nothing". Here's an interesting watch with regards to the Muslim version of the crusades:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_Qpy0mXg8Y

Haha, no I don't believe it is....unless Edmund Burke wrote the bible.

MAJ Ballinger, well said, sir. Please accept my apology. I do tend to get passionate about the Word of God. With that said, let me make a resource available to you that will take your time in the Word to the next level. My pastor, along with a select group of our church body in North Atlanta, actually developed and marketed a scripture study tool that makes "word" study within the WORD an amazing process. When you have a chance check out WordBloom. The application uses several different translations, to include the NASB (I like it as well) and the Greek. Check it out - WordBloom.com. I've been out of touch for a few years, working for the Army in Charlotte and now living in the Middle East and the software lets me stay engaged with my church family back home. WordBloom actually allows you to simultaneously search the Bible in your language and in the original language. It automatically translates your search into original languages and connects it to other related thoughts in Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic. It makes studying the bible fun. Trust me, I'm not marketing here just passing on a resource to another brother in Christ.

David, I just took a look at your program. I'm not sure what it offers. I tried putting in a Biblical Hebrew word, and it just sat there looking at me.

How does it use Hebrew?

Well, sir. I believe what you get with the "look see" version - what you get to play with as a teaser - is still the Beta version and not the full functioning application. I'd be happy to connect you with my pastor who was the software developer behind WordBloom. He's a great guy and one of my closest friends and I know he'd love to discuss God's Word with you. Let me know and I'll get you two connected offline. But to give you a layman's answer - WordBloom allows you to see what the Bible has to say about "X". People always ask questions like..."What did the Bible really say about Murder?" Type in Murder and you get scripture references in your chosen translation plus links to the original languages - H, G & A.

Ok, sounds good, thanks...

**shrug** I stole that last line (paraphrasing) from Marcus Aurelius. Stoicism blends nicely with Christianity if you approach it correctly.

Cpl Aaron Nelson and COL (Join to see) , your comments have to be some of the most reasoned and thoughtful I have seen on this topic. God used the sword many, many times in order to bring safety and security to His people. As you say Cpl Nelson, "as long as I am not committing murder for the sake of killing I am safe." I believe that statement wholeheartedly.

Sir, after reviewing your profile, (fort Lewis peeked my interest) I'm upset, your gonna be leaving about a month or 2 before I get there, and I'd sure like to serve under a leader with your character... Now I'll wipe my nose and say, let's not forget about when the Red Sea was parted to allow passage of his followers and closed on the pursuing forces drowning them all but a few. And a verse from a hymn I recall spoken from the apostles "lord forgive them for they know not what they do"

SSG (Join to see), have fun at JBLM. I really wish I could stay, but I've been here over 4 years and the road is calling. Trust me. I'd rather be here. Heading to the Pentagon.