“Total abstention from violence is the only moral option for born-again Christian”. This posting will examine the evidence for the pacifist stance by investigation of Biblical precepts, the example of Jesus and of history. Attention will be given to opposing camps of thought, namely those advocating “necessary war” and “just war” to demonstrate that these positions are untenable for the faithful believer.
Insensitive reading of the OT scriptures has led many to adopt the approach that war and violence are justifiable. Advocates here amplify Israel's history of atrocious warring, which is ostensibly the will of God. Two brief points that undermine this view are worthy consideration. Firstly, Christians would unanimously disagree with the OT approach to war (cf. Josh 10:40, 1 Sam 15:1-3) Secondly, the theological theme underpinning OT warfare is that the battle is God’s, and not by the strength of his people. Note that often Israel received victory without the help of force. In this light, the OT God is seen to despise human warfare, an attitude further exemplified by His Son, Jesus Christ
Even Christian proponents of war would agree that Christ was a pacifist. Jesus exemplified a radical agapeic love that encompassed all humanity, a love that opposed retribution and violence. When Peter sought to use violence to protect the life of his Lord, Christ ordered him to desist and then healed the ear of the high priest’s servant. In response to shameful treatment, he called not on heavenly hosts or loyal followers to fight for him, rather accepting without murmur torture and death at men’s hands for their own sake. He taught that one must love ones neighbour, then radically extended neighbourliness beyond ethnic, religious or national boundaries. His pacifism was costly, but it achieved the most revolutionary victory in history. Christians cannot but emulate his example.
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