Dear Pericles
your cynicism is not difficult to recognize in your post, but nevermind.

Perhaps you would do well to look at the commandments in their broarder context and do some research.(something u r good at)

In short. The commandments were given at the same time, or close to it, as the other Levitical/Mosaic commands, some of which included the death sentence for particular acts. You are left with a number of possibilities in regard to the commandment 'do not kill'.

1/ God was confused, did not realize that later, or in other laws He would be saying "Kill" those who do such and such.
2/ The Laws are purely the construct of tribal Israelites who simply 'forgot' that they had already said "Don't kill" in the commandments when they 'came up with' the others which clearly do say 'kill'...

3/
a) The most reasonable, that "Kill" is being imprisoned by your own views, to mean 'this much and nothing more' rather than allowing the overall context to interpret it.
b) The English translation of 'kill' is poor, and would be better translated "Kill without just cause, or murder".

The scriptures have been around a lot longer than both you and I together, and I don't feel you can seriously or validly lay the 'MIUAUG' charge in this case.

Jesus welcomed the Centurion into the family of God, a man who's responsibilities included carrying out death sentences on rebels.
(Romans 13:1-5 relates)
Me personally ?
In a war in defense of freedom and this land, I have been and would be standing with my fellow Aussies at the front line if needed.

Dear Evolution.

honestly, I'm not sure what you are getting at?

"My true feelings"?

About what?

For me, the sight and experience of a sleepy small town, where wonderful passionate and committed Aussies emerged from the woodwork.. including the ex SubMariner who gave the drill commands, the 3 services, the comaradery, the solidarity, the sense of 'part' of a great nation, of a unique people, and within that larger community, spending some days with my old intake, from 1965, who are as close as brothers, was overwhelmingly gratifying and fulfilling.

If you could have been there, in the guest house, at the table, (a bit like the 'last supper' as it included a chapel) you would know what I mean.

Please be more specific about 'what' I'm supposed to have true feelings about?

Boaz, why would you immediately assume Gallipoli?

>>The question about the government which put us there (presumably you mean't Gallipoli?)<<

ANZAC Day is surely not restricted to that tiny piece of military history?

>>The Ottoman Turks were equally if not more guilty of aggression, and demonstrated clearly that if given the chance, they would have formed their own version of the 3rd Riech and stamped their religious, social and political footprint over the whole world.<<

Only you could unashamedly riff from that narrow world view, to a sneak attack on your own favourite enemy.

Are you suggesting that we were at Gallipoli simply to turn back the heathen hordes? The irony was, of course, that our defeat at Gallipoli indirectly led to a division commander in the same battle becoming the leader who transformed Turkey into a democratic secular state.

Ex spinis uvas.

>>Only stopped at the gates of Vienna on Sep 11/12th 1683 (notice the date?)<<

Hmmm. The significance of the date is somewhat muddied by the fact that in 1683 Vienna had moved to the Gregorian calendar, but England (and colonies) had not.

Not only that, but it is generally agreed by historians that the decisive battle took place on 12th, so either way, your attempt to link a distant historical battle with 9-11 fails the test of reality.

By the way, was the Battle of Vienna waged on political or religious lines? And in what significant way does it differ from the Battle of the Boyne?

>>your cynicism is not difficult to recognize in your post<<

I'm glad that got through.

Because your ability to "interpret" a commandment when it suits you constitutes a far greater level of cynicism than I could ever muster.

Coupled, of course, with your steadfast refusal to offer the same courtesy to religious documents of other persuasions.

One rule for them, one rule for Boaz.

You really are the past master of "make it up as you go", aren't you?

Daivd. Can you talk with-out quoting the bible?

Who are you without god?

Do you see yourself as the son of god?

Can you see the world without god?

How do you cope with the new world?

Daivd its a very clever in what you are doing. If you quote the bible, it will make others look at it too contradict you.
Very smart. As you can see, its working.

All the best.

EVO

Boaz,

Thanks for your reply.

No I was not referring to WWI and the "shot that was heard around the world". Taht was royalty and lunatic politicians allowing matter get completely out of hand. JFC recalled teh "Guns of August", when dealing with the "Missiles of October".

No, I meant your own involvement. Presumably, Vietnam. Did/Do you believe the Government in what they told you what you fought for?

EVOLUTION... not sure where ur coming from there. but have a nice day anyway.

OLIVER.. good question. I joined the RAAF when I was 16 and knew ZIP.

Not much knowledge about history or politics. I just did what I was told. Regarding Vietnam, my opinions were formed much later.. when I read more. I didn't do much 'fighting'.. I was only there for a total of about 5 hours over two trips. My work was with the transport squadron and avionics support. (in Australia)

I pretty much only knew 'we were fighting the commies' I guess..

I would not be very enthusiastic for a similar war these days.

ANZAC day should not be viewed in any way as a glorification or justification of 'all' wars in which we participated. It's about remembering the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for us.
It's a tragedy when governments direct their military forces into conflicts which have no real moral justification. But lets blame the government, not the troops.

The most important point for me out of all this, was the sense of 'Aussie Solidarity' which came through. It's precious mate.