Glorying in Compromise and Shame: Swiss Evangelicals and the Army

https://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/8953/swiss-free-evangelical-churches-sign-a-partnership-with-the-army-chaplaincy

The Swiss are famous for their neutrality and yet the nation is also unique among its European neighbours in that it is armed to the teeth and virtually every male citizen is required to do military service. The fact that the nation's posture is strictly defensive is a point some would celebrate and even those who in many cases would frown on the idea of conscription, see in the Swiss situation a wholly different creature.

Though some (even in nations like the United States) idealise this model the truth is it won't work in most places. It's the product of a unique geography, history, and political structure. It cannot serve as a model for other nations.

While quaint, interesting, and perhaps even preferable to some of the other alternatives, the Swiss order or model is nevertheless one that a Christian must object to. Conscription is not only abhorrent but must be rejected by the disciples of Jesus Christ. We do not bear arms apart from the sword of the Spirit. We would rather be conquered than kill, we would rather give our lives than take the lives of others. These are foreign notions to most Christians because in most cases they've been deceived or the Scriptural teaching has been lost and buried beneath centuries of tradition. In other cases the reasons are much more simple – counterfeit Christianity and counterfeit Christians abound.

The Swiss Church celebrates this chaplain arrangement and thinks they've scored some kind of victory for the Church, that they've increased its standing within Swiss society.

All they've done is provide a ratification of the Swiss order and have helped to confuse the Christian life and calling with mainstream life and values. Yes, you can kill to defend the Swiss system and we'll bless you while you do it – that's effectively their message to society. This is all the more repugnant when understands one of primary sources of Switzerland's considerable wealth is found in its banking system and all the evils that mammon-serving industry entails. What is being defended? An economy centered on usury and helping people to hide their wealth.

In terms of the Swiss military, the nation is known for its small arms sales – which are disproportionate for the size of its population. And also the Swiss have a long history associated with mercenaries.  The Church should be careful and diligent to reject this heritage or in any way identify with it.

By providing a chaplaincy to the sword-arm of this system, the Evangelical Churches are making a statement of a willingness and moral rectitude associated with those who would kill in order to defend and maintain it.

Humanly speaking it's understandable. Lost men want to defend their land and gold and will kill to do so. Men will kill others who threaten the Babel's they would build.

Again it's understandable on one level but such views are not Christian and so we are forced to ask just what kind of thinking, what kind of hermeneutics are driving and shaping Swiss Evangelicalism that they would not only pursue such an egregious policy but celebrate it?