Why Christians Should Be Pacifists
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why Christians Should Be Pacifists

Put down your swords, everyone.

78
Why Christians Should Be Pacifists
Flickr

This week I had the immense joy of being able to go to an educational conference. And, wow. There is something magical about being able to go and learn with the knowledge that what I am learning has no "practical" application(i.e., I will not be tested, this does not apply directly to my major). It's wonderful to be enriched without any specific purpose. I left feeling filled, and I loved nearly every part.

BUT. There was one, thirty second instance, that made me... squeamish. A speaker, in the moments before he began to speak, referenced a certain flag hanging in the atrium of the hotel where we were staying, implying his temptation to take it down and display it like(indirect quote, mind you) "the head of Grendel, or the foreskins of the Philistines".

I tip my hat to his awesome Beowulf reference, and no, I am not squeamish at the idea of Philistine foreskins (it's in the Bible, friends). What bothered me was the implication of violence towards a faction that did not adhere to Christian standards. Like this faction deserved to be defeated with force. And although I don't think that's what he specifically meant, it did make me think about the role of violence and pacifism in this New Testament world we're living in.

Violence has no place against the enemies of God. Not anymore. And here's why.

When Christ came preaching a new world order, the Jewish people were expecting a Messiah to rise up and lead them against the Romans in battle. That's not what they got. Instead, they received a carpenter who instructed them to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and love their neighbor- to love their enemies! This was a completely new world that the Jews were not expecting, and their confusion was reasonable. In their Old Testament, God had struck down His enemies to show His faithfulness. But this sort of justice was(and is) no longer required. Because Jesus brought us a weapon more powerful than sin, hatred, or death.

Grace. And salvation.

Jesus did not speak about defeating those who were lost(although he came down pretty hard on those who thought they were found) because he was spending all his time with them, reaching out to them and ministering to them. Paul preached to his enemies while they had him in chains, and Stephen testified to the glory of God even before he was killed. Because the chosen people of God are not the only ones who can be saved now-- God's grace can cover all.

In the Old Testament, enemies of God were decimated because whether they died tomorrow or twenty years in the future, they could not be saved. They were cursed in their sin. But now all men can hear and be saved by the word of God. So when we imply violence against those who do not follow Him, we are essentially saying "I'd rather have this man burn in Hell than minister to him so he can join us in Paradise".

Our goal on this world is no longer defeat. It is salvation and conversion.

Now, this is not an argument against basic defense. You are not a martyr if you die from a robber coming into your house with a gun. But those who specifically speak out, even scream against Christianity? Those, we are called to love. And anything less is not what Christ died for. Even though they're the hardest to do so to.

So the next time you're tempted to compare an anti-Christian faction to an Anglo Saxon legend, think of the lions that ate Christians as those same Christians blessed the Romans who killed them in the arenas. We don't have it that bad. So we can do better. In fact, I charge you to. Leave your homes with that knowledge, and love your enemy.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

12660
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

943685
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

121109
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments