There have been ample unfortunate examples in the recent news of Christians and violence. Yesterday, an abortion doctor was shot at his church. Studies have shown that evangelicals are more likely to support torture in the interests of national safety than non-believing people. History is riddle with instances like the crusades – moments when Christians believed that violence and/or force was justified – even violence in the name of Christ.
Hmmmmm.
If we believe that Jesus was God and that part of the reason that He joined us on Earth was to reveal the heart of God to humankind – then we need to look very closely at what He did and did not do while He was with us.
Jesus was born during one of the most politically oppressive times in history, a time when torture was the norm (the crucifixions alone…). Isn’t it interesting that despite the political climate of His time, Jesus did not spend all His time training or raising an army to protect Himself and His people?? Why not?
I fully recognize how complicated this issue is. Do we become like sheep to the slaughter and allow our enemies to hurt us? Is the death of one doctor justified if he was killing thousands of babies? Didn’t the God of the Old Testament wipe out whole nations in a moment?
Your thoughts?
3 comments:
It's a great debate with lots of fodder on both sides, but neither side should be too quick to claim Jesus as their flag bearer. He clearly never joined in the social violence. But despite every opportunity to rail against it, he didn't do that either. He could have protested slavery, torture, women as property, government oppression and yes, even abortion (there is evidence to suggest it was happening then too). But that was not His focus. These were not his fights. I don't know what all we should conclude from that, but it seems to me that we mostly overlook it.
How can anyone consider themselves able to speak or act on God's behalf.
The Gospel message we need to remember is to love each other and especially to love our enemies.
We live in a world where everyone feels a need to IMPOSE thier views/beliefs/values on everyone else & that extends well beyond religion.
It's time to practice tolerance and show love for people who think differently from ourselves whether they are Christian or not.
If God wanted people to die I don't think he would need us to do it for him.
Regardless of where you stand, I think it's worth reading C.S. Lewis' essay, "Why I'm Not a Pacifist." He's "The Man," right?
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