The condition of people who die in war

[Nicholas Brandner]

This has been a question that has been on my mind for a long time. People who die in war, whatever war that may be, do they go to heaven? The reason I ask is because I was in the marines and I have met some very good, and I mean GOOD marines. They would give the shirt off their back for you if they had too, or even worse, die for you. They were awesome people, but non-believers.

I guess my question is, does God have mercy on unbelievers because, lets say, they laid on a granade to save your life? Do they go to heaven? I mean, what happens to them? The same goes for anyone who has laid their life down for anyone! Even if they don't believe in God and are part of the communist regime in whatever country... If they lay down their life for their "brother in arms", do they go to heaven?

If this doesn't make any sense at all, let me know and I will try to clarify.

In Christ,
a sinner

[Herman Blaydoe]

No greater love does any man have than to be ready to lay down his life for another. We can only testify to what we know has been revealed. Outside the Church we simply don't know WHAT happens, because this has not been revealed. God will have mercy on whomever He wills. He recognizes our actions and knows WHY we do what we do, better than we know ourselves.

Is is possible to know God without acknowledging Him? I don't know, I leave that discussion to better minds than mine.

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[Cyprian (Humphrey)]

I was in the Canadian Army. Not quite the Marines, but we have some similarities (smaller fighting force, making do with what we had rather than what we wanted, etc.). I think I know where you're coming from, and I think I understand the question. Your Regimental brothers can be closer than actual family.

But, my point is that God's judgements are exactly that: God's. Is my departed mother in heaven? I hope so, but I don't know for sure. Is my buddy who was killed in Afghanistan in heaven? I hope so, but I don't know for sure. Unless the Church glorifies him as a saint (which is unlikely), I'll just have to settle for remembering him as a hero. Also, a hero is still a hero regardless of the banner under which he fought. Soldiers don't fight for ideologies, or even nations - they fight for each other - and that is (or can be) heroic.

I hope I answered the question. I know some may not agree with me, and that's okay. :)

[Trudy]

This has been a question that has been on my mind for a long time. People who die in war, whatever war that may be, do they go to heaven?

Dear Nicholas,

Your question makes sense to me, though I've never served in the military. I was, however, married to a U.S. Navy Diver for a short time before he reposed. The 25th anniversary of his repose is this June 27. But I digress...

...one thing we know for certain, without a shadow of a doubt: God loves us. We, each and every one of us, is precious in His eyes. We know this because we pray, His mercy endures forever.

His mercy, however, is up to Him to dispense as He sees fit. That is why He is Eternal God and we are not.

What we can do is ask for His mercy to shine upon those who have died in war or laid their lives down for their brothers (and sisters). And that is a lot!

In Christ,
athanasia

[Cyprian (Humphrey)]

My apologies to all, I have to add to my last post on this thread. When I spoke of my buddy in Afghanistan, I was speaking hypothetically. I do have a friend who suffered a penetrating brain injury due to an axe attack, but he survived, and is doing quite well actually. My mother died many years ago.

I realized last night that I should probably clarify this before I get messages of condolence. :)