Justifications for War and Religious Beliefs

A commonly heard justification for military action against Iran suggests that its leaders are irrational, radical figures who lack basic human instincts like the instinct for survival. This reasoning implies that the principle of mutually assured destruction, which has kept nuclear-armed nations like the U.S., Pakistan, and Russia in check, shouldn’t apply to Iran.

One frequently referenced belief is among Shia Muslims regarding the Mahdi, a messianic figure they’ve awaited for over a thousand years. They believe he will emerge during global turmoil to defeat non-believers and restore justice. This perspective seems to frame the destruction they cause as a sort of preparation for his coming. Dying as a martyr in this scenario is held to promise unimaginable rewards in the afterlife.

I admit, this notion strikes me as quite extreme. However, to be fair, I grew up in an independent Baptist church that often emphasized its own version of end-times prophecy, which might also sound outlandish to those outside that belief system.

You might be familiar with a similar apocalyptic scenario: Christians being ‘raptured’ or taken away as chaos descends upon Earth. Pilotless planes go down, driverless cars collide—this marks just the start of a seven-year period filled with tribulation for those who are ‘Left Behind.’

In this narrative, Israel takes center stage again after being overshadowed by the Church for centuries. Jews returning to their homeland are said to broker a deal with the Antichrist and even rebuild the Third Temple, alongside various sacrificial rites. While many Jews are said to perish during the tribulation, a segment turn to Christ, who is expected to return on a white horse to fight for Israel in the final battle of Armageddon. Those left are ‘saved,’ reclaim their territory, and reign for a thousand years before humanity faces its ultimate judgment.

This is a complicated story, certainly, rooted in interpretations of Scripture that many outside the faith might see as misguided, stemming from the interpretations of John Nelson Darby in the 1830s. It’s interesting to realize how much of what I learned in that church isn’t as ancient as I assumed. Despite the variations, millions of evangelical Christians globally adhere to some form of premillennial dispensationalism.

Now, you might argue that unlike Iran’s leaders, American Christian leaders wouldn’t let their apocalyptic beliefs compromise reason or survival instincts. To that, I would say, “Not so fast.” Recent reports have indicated that some U.S. service members claim senior officers are framing the conflict with Iran as a divine calling meant to bring about the “Rapture” and “Armageddon.”

Are these complaints valid? Or are they merely the grievances of disgruntled soldiers nostalgic for a more liberal era? From my conversations with friends and family who support Christian Zionism and dispensationalism, it doesn’t seem that far-fetched. While I’m relieved the military has moved past certain progressive agendas, replacing them with a focus on war and Biblical prophecy doesn’t strike me as a good trade.

Combine these issues with statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likening Iranians to “Amalekites”—a group the Old Testament deemed to be exterminated—and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee asserting it would be “fine” for Israel to take over nearly the entire Middle East. Additionally, there are religious Jews who believe their return to Israel signals the beginning of a Messianic age. All of this sets the stage for enduring conflict that could potentially escalate into another global war.

Religious beliefs can seem unusual, particularly when they pertain to prophecies about the end of the world. This doesn’t mean that followers are inherently irrational or bad people. The same scrutiny applied to Muslim beliefs should also be extended to Christian and Jewish convictions.

Ultimately, the discussion revolves around whose theology sounds the most peculiar. The real concern is whether leaders allow these beliefs to override sound judgment, deterrent strategies, and the basic human drive for survival. After all, everyone desires to reach heaven—just not right now.

This skepticism is crucial when those with their own apocalyptic agendas use others’ beliefs as justification for war.