War & Peace
War & Peace Series
WAR & PEACE
Part 1: Yahweh... God of War?
Initial Disclaimers
1. The Bible does not approve of everything it records. There are many instances of violence and war in the Old Testament that God did not approve of.
2. We are called to emulate God’s character, but that doesn’t negate the distinction between God and people. In other words, God has the right to end life.
3. Truth is revealed progressively to humanity. God prefers to work with His creation rather than upon it, changing hearts rather than making rules. Jesus is God revealed and trumps all previous revelation.
Case Study: The Promised Land
In the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. Completely destroy them… as the Lord your God has commanded you. (Deuteronomy 20:16-17)
Top 10 Considerations
1. The Canaanites were an especially wicked people
2. God was slow to anger in regard to the Canaanites
3. War was the language of the deities in that day
4. The establishment of Israel was FOR the nations
5. It wasn’t favoritism… God later attacked Israel
6. If the Canaanites remained, it would corrupt Israel
7. The wars only brought forward their inevitable death
8. The destruction says nothing of individual salvation
9. God’s command was different for distant enemies
10. These accounts teach us valuable spiritual lessons
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Part 2: Jesus... King of Peace
A New Kind of Kingdom
1. Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan!” (Matt 4:9-10)
2. See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Matt 21:5)
3. Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:20-21)
4. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36)
Principles of Peace
1. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth… Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy… Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matt 5:5-9)
2. You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (Matt 5:38-39)
3. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:43-45)
4. You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant (Matt 20:25-26).
Rejection of Violence
1. When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. (Luke 22:49-51)
2. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. (Luke 9:54-55)
3. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11)
4. Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt 26:52-53)
Apparent Contradictions
1. Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ (Matt 10:34-36)
2. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” (John 2:14-17)
3. He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. (Luke 22:36)
4. Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment. (Matt 8:13)
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Part 3: Apostles of Peace
Did the Apostles Teach Jesus’ Peace Ethic?
1. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse… Do not repay anyone evil for evil. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:14, 17-18)
2. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)
3. Be peaceable and considerate, and always… be gentle toward everyone. (Titus 3:2)
4. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called… seek peace and pursue it. (1 Peter 3:9, 11)
A Very Different Kind of War
1. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-13)
2. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12)
3. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. (Romans 16:20)
4. Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back… They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Revelation 12:7, 11)
How Does a Christian Relate with the State?
1. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!… We must obey God rather than human beings! (Acts 4:19, 5:29).
2. Rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:4)
3. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. (1 Peter 2:13-15)
4. I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
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Part 4: Community of Peace
Did the Early Church Practice Peace?
1. We who formerly murdered one another now refrain from making war even upon our enemies… we have changed our swords into plowshares, and our spears into farming implements. (Justin Martyr)
2. It is not in war, but in peace, that we are trained… An enemy must be aided, so that he may not continue as an enemy. (Clement of Alexandria)
3. How will a Christian man participate in war? The Lord has taken the sword away… The Lord, in disarming Peter, disarmed every soldier. (Tertullian)
4. For we no longer take up ‘sword against nation,’ nor do we ‘learn war anymore.’ That is because we have become children of peace for the sake of Jesus who is our leader. (Origen)
5. It is not befitting that those who strive to keep to the path of justice should be companions and sharers in this public homicide. For when God forbids us to kill, He prohibits more than the open violence that is not even allowed by the public laws. He also warns us against doing those things that are considered lawful among men. For that reason, it will not be lawful for a just man to engage in warfare, since his warfare is justice itself. (Lactantius)
6. The age of persecution down to the time of Constantine was the age of pacifism to the degree that during this period no Christian author to our knowledge approved of Christian participation in battle. (Historian Roland Bainton)
Could a Christian Serve in the Military?
1. A soldier of the civil authority must be taught not to kill men and to refuse to do so if he is commanded, and to refuse to take an oath. If he is unwilling to comply, he must be rejected for baptism… If an applicant or a believer seeks to become a soldier, he must be rejected, for he has despised God. (Apostolic Tradition)
2. Of course, if faith comes later and finds someone already occupied with military service, their case is different… when a man has become a believer and faith has been sealed, there must be either an immediate abandonment of the military office, which has been the course of many—or else all sorts of quibbling will have to be resorted to in order to avoid offending God. (Tertullian)
Did the Early Church Peace Policy Work?
1. Christians engage as the priests and ministers of God, keeping their hands pure… our prayers defeat all demons who stir up wars… So none fight better for the king than we do. Indeed, we do not fight under him even if he demands it. Yet, we fight on his behalf, forming a special army—an army of godliness—by offering our prayers to God. (Origen)
2. It would not be difficult to prove that (after the name of Christ was heard in the world), wars were not increased. In fact, they actually diminished. (Arnobius)
3. The Pax Romana (Roman Peace) was a period of about 200 years (27 B.C. – A.D. 180) during which time there were no major wars (Historian David Bercot)
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Part 5: The Merger of Kingdoms
What Happened in History
1. As the Pax Romana continued (the period of peace that lasted most of the 1st & 2nd centuries) Christians began to enjoy greater freedoms, but according to the church historian Eusebius, this brought with it arrogance and sloth amongst Jesus’ people. By the 3rd century, Rome was experiencing turmoil once again.
2. At the beginning of the 4th century, Emperor Diocletian realized that if he didn’t strengthen the army and establish a greater sense of loyalty to the Empire, Rome would soon fall. But because Christians wouldn’t join the army and gave their loyalty to Jesus, they were seen as a threat to his plan.
3. Diocletian instituted the most severe persecution of the church that the world had ever seen, but upon his retirement and death, a number of men fought for control of the Empire (including Constantine).
4. To claim Rome, Constantine had to win the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Before the battle Constantine had a vision of a cross and heard the words, ‘Through this you will conquer.’ He interpreted this to mean that Christ would help him win the battle and ordered his troops to make the cross their rallying symbol.
5. A victorious Constantine legalized Christianity, lavished the church with gifts, and attempted to Christianize Roman culture. Hoping to use Christianity to unify his Empire, he called for a church council to create a creed (the Nicene Creed) that would unify Christians doctrinally. Dissenters were to be exiled or killed as heretics.
Results of Constantine’s ‘Conversion’
1. Whereas Christians had been part of unique kingdom, they were now welcomed back into the world.
2. Whereas Christianity had formerly been illegal, Christianity now gained favored status in the Empire.
3. Whereas Scripture had been doctrinally authoritative, the Church now possessed doctrinal authority.
4. Whereas local churches were rather independent, Rome became the center of power for all churches.
5. Whereas the following of Jesus had bonded believers, theological agreement became the new basis of unity.
6. Whereas Christians had formerly been persecuted, Christians now began persecuting the unorthodox.
7. Whereas Christians had previously been non-violent, the stage was now set to fight in the Empire’s wars.
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Part 6: The Theology of Merger
As the merger between the Roman Empire and the Christian Church deepened, Christians began participating in Roman military conflict. This provoked fresh theological reflection known as Just War Theory.
The Just War Theory has Roman roots, but was utilized and elaborated upon by Augustine in the early 5th century and codified by Aquinas in the 13th century. The theory attempts to provide criteria through which a Christian may participate in violent conflict.
Some Criteria for Christians Entering into War
1. Just Cause- "Force may be used only to correct a grave, public evil, i.e., aggression or massive violation of the basic human rights of whole populations."
2. Last Resort- “Force may be used only after all peaceful and viable alternatives have been seriously tried and exhausted or are clearly not practical.”
3. Competent Authority- "A just war must be initiated by a political authority within a political system that allows distinctions of justice.”
4. Probability of Success- “Arms may not be used in a futile cause. The anticipated benefits of waging a war must be proportionate to its expected evils or harms.”
Some Criteria for Christians Participating in War
1. Proportionality- “An attack cannot be launched in the knowledge that the incidental civilian injuries would be clearly excessive.”
2. Distinction- “The acts of war should be directed towards enemy combatants, and not towards non-combatants caught in the circumstances.”
3. Fair Treatment- “Enemy soldiers who surrendered or who are captured no longer pose a threat. It is therefore wrong to torture and/or humiliate them.”
4. Love- [in regard to the command to turn the other cheek and love your enemy] “What is here required is not a bodily action, but an inward disposition.”
Critique of the Christian Use of Just War Theory
1. Christian utilization of Just War Theory necessitates a re-interpretation of Jesus’ clear teachings on the subject that may not be justified.
2. While the theory may be an admirable ethic for a worldly nation, it is questionable whether Christians should participate with the world in these ways.
3. Unfortunately, the criteria are not very black and white. Gray areas and unknowable factors leave the theory vague enough to be almost meaningless.
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Part 7: Sad Stories of Merger
The Crusades (1095-1291)
Once the justice of occasional violence was established, Christians came to justify violence more and more often. Urban II rallied a broken Europe by calling Christians to crusade (take up their crosses) in defense of the Holy Land. Just-War gave way to Holy-War.
Wonderful things were to be seen. Numbers of Muslims were beheaded. Others were shot with arrows and forced to jump from the towers. Others were tortured for several days and then burned with flames… It was a just and marvelous judgment of God, that this place should be filled with the blood of unbelievers since it had suffered so long from their blasphemies. At nightfall their hands were still bloody when they folded them in prayer and knelt at the church of the Holy Sepulchre sobbing with excess joy. (quote from a chronicler of the 1st crusade)
The Inquisition (13th-19th centuries)
The Inquisition is a label for the church’s attempt to maintain orthodoxy among its members by subjecting suspected heretics to a board of inquiry. Officials often utilized torture to provoke confession. This concept led to the other ‘witch-hunts’ by Catholics/Protestants.
Bodily torture has been found the most salutary and efficient means of leading to spiritual repentance. (Pope Innocent IV)
Besides, any man against whom it can be proved that he is a maker of sedition is outside the law of God and Empire, so that the first who can slay him is doing right and well. (Martin Luther)
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Part 8: Exceptions to Merger
The Radicals
Luther protested against the Roman Catholic Church of his day, specifically over its views on repentance, the authority of the Pope, and the usefulness of indulgences. He (and other Reformers like Calvin & Swingli) sought to return the church to the purity it possessed before corruption and man-made tradition gained a foothold.
A strong case can be made, however, that the Reformers (though well intentioned) did not go back far enough in history in their desire to rediscover their Christian roots. They went back to the theology of Augustine (including Just War Theory), but not back to Jesus, the Apostles, and the Early Church.
A group emerged from within the Reformation that sought to return to the true roots of Christianity. Their movement became known as the Radical Reformation. The Radicals spoke against practices like the merger of church/state and infant baptism while advocating a ‘community of goods’ and a peace approach to conflict.
In response, the Radicals were persecuted by the State (beheaded), the Roman Catholic Church (burned), and the Protestants (usually drowned). The movement, however, continued (Schleitheim Confesssion, 1527) to speak out against the merger and against Christian utilization of violence. Today, Mennonite, Amish, and Brethren groups live out this position (and others follow their lead).
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Part 9: The State... Its Purpose/Performance/Power
The Good
1. Government is God’s interim idea for the fallen world
2. Government exists to limit the results of The Fall
3. Government exists for the benefit of the church
The Bad
1. Government always falls short of its intended purpose
2. Government can only limit (and not eradicate) evil
3. Government tends to turn inward and benefit itself
The Ugly
1. Satan has a purpose for worldly governments as well
2. Satan can use governments to multiply/spread evil
3. Satan can make government a tempting idol
“Simply recognizing that there is, at the very least, a strong demonic presence polluting all versions of the kingdom of the world has to significantly affect how followers of Jesus view earthly governments. Minimally, this recognition implies that we can never assume that any particular nation—including our own—is always, or even usually, aligned with God.” (Greg Boyd)
The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to (Luke 4:5-6)
Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out (John 12:31)
I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me (John 14:30)
The prince of this world now stands condemned (John 16:11)
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4)
In which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (Ephesians 2:2)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12)
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. (1 John 5:19)
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Part 10: The Church
What are We in the World?
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. (Heb. 11:13)
Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. (1 Peter 1:17)
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. (1 Peter 2:11)
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (2 Cor. 6:14)
Where is Our True Citizenship?
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people (Ephesians 2:19)
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:20)
So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. (Matthew 6:24)
Why Does the Church Exist?
Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father (Revelation 1:5-6)
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)
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Part 11: Is America the Exception?
The Confusion of Kingdoms
“For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us” (John Winthrop)
“We thank God that it [the atomic bomb] has come to us instead of to our enemies and we pray that he may guide us to use it in his ways and for his purposes” (Harry Truman)
“Today the eyes of all people are truly upon us—and our governments, in every branch, at every level, national, state and local, must be as a city upon a hill” (John F. Kennedy)
A troubled and afflicted mankind looks to us, pleading for us to keep our rendezvous with destiny; that we will uphold the principles of self-reliance, self-discipline, morality, and, above all, responsible liberty for every individual that we will become that shining city on a hill. (Ronald Reagan)
“The ideal of America is the hope of all mankind” (Bush)
“This country is still the last best hope on earth (Obama)
“You’ve got to kill the terrorists before the killing stops. And I’m for the President to chase them all over the world. If it takes ten years, blow them all away in the name of the Lord.” (Jerry Falwell)
“In Revelation, Jesus is a prize fighter with a tattoo down His leg, a sword in His hand, and a commitment to make someone bleed. That is a guy I can worship… I cannot worship a guy I can beat up” (Mark Driscoll)
The Consequences of Confusion (From Greg Boyd)
The Myth Harms Global Missions
“When we associate Jesus with America… we legitimize the widespread global perception that the Christian faith can be judged on the basis of what America has done in the past or continues to do in the present.”
The Myth Harms Home Missions
“When we fail to distinguish between the quasi-Christian civil religion of America and the kingdom of God, two things happen. First… it’s arguably harder to be a missionary in America, for here the majority think they’re already Christian… Second… we end up wasting precious time and resources defending and tweaking the civil religion—as though doing so had some kingdom value.”
The Myth Leads to Misplaced Trust
“As a result, many Americans place exaggerated confidence in the ability of Christians to influence society by political means rather than by distinctly kingdom-of-God means [like prayer].”
The Myth Leads to Less Service
“Many are so conditioned by the ‘power over’ mindset of the world that they can’t even envision an alternative way of affecting society and politics other than by playing the political game [rather than just serving people]”
The Myth Leads to a Messiah-Complex
“When the theocratic-sounding slogan ‘one nation under God’ is taken too seriously, it makes people think of America along the lines of Israel and the Old Testament rather than Jesus and the New Testament… Just as God led Israel in the past, or so some believe, God leads American today. When America goes to war, therefore, God is on our side.”
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Part 12: Peacemaking
Summary of our Series
1. Christian ethics must be based on Christ and His teachings. The Old Covenant must be interpreted in light of the New Covenant.
2. Jesus initiated a Kingdom of peace. His citizens are to love their enemies, reject violence, and yet respond to conflict in non-violent ways as peacemakers.
3. The Apostles and the early church (first 300 years) practiced peacemaking by refusing to serve in the military and prayerfully engaging in spiritual warfare.
4. The peace position was abandoned as the church became less focused on Christ and merged with state via Constantine and Augustine (Just-War Theory).
5. Merger with state led to the Crusades (outward violence) before turning to heresy hunting (inward violence) with few exceptions (like the Radicals).
6. Worldly government has a God-given role in this age (to limit evil), but governments are not the answer to the world’s problems and are polluted by Satan.
7. Separation of Church and State protects the church from worldly corruption and keeps it on mission (serving as ambassadors for the Kingdom of Heaven)
8. The myth that America is an exceptional case has harmed world and local missions while leading to idolatry, idleness and a Messiah-complex.
Conclusions
1. We must re-read, re-think and re-apply Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. It must become our constitution.
2. We must be cautious and skeptical about our participation in government and, especially, military service.
3. We must become people of the 3rd way. We must reject violence and pacifism as legitimate and become peacemakers.
The Wesleyan Church on “Peace”
The Wesleyan Church, knowing that war results in great suffering for the bodies, minds and souls of men and women, staggering economic loss with its legacy of debt for future generations, and the unleashing of the baser passions of life, urges that persons and nations seek by every legitimate means to avoid armed conflict among the people and nations of the world. The Wesleyan Church also urges that holy people everywhere pray earnestly for those in authority, so that peace may prevail (1 Timothy 2:2), and for the quick return of the Prince of Peace.
The Wesleyan Church on “Military Service”
The Wesleyan Church teaches respect for properly constituted civil authority and the proper loyalty to one’s country. It recognizes the responsibility of the individual to answer the call of government and enter into military service. However, there are those within the fellowship of the Wesleyan Church who believe that military service is contrary to the teaching of the New Testament and that their consciences are violated by being compelled to take part in such. The Wesleyan Church will therefore lend moral support to any member who asks and claims exemption by legal processes from military service as a sincere conscientious objector and who asks to serve one’s country as a noncombatant.
Questions to Consider (Next Week)
1. Is physical discipline of children an act of violence?
2. What about self-defense?
3. What about defending innocents (family or strangers)?
4. Should Christians serve in the military?
5. But what if everyone took the pacifist position?
6. Should Christians honor those who serve in the military?
7. What about Hitler?
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Part 13: Q&A
1. What about violence in entertainment/sport?
Don’t Assume: That narrative is possible w/o the presence of evil OR that agreed upon physical competitions is necessarily evil
~ There is a difference b/w being entertained by violence and recognizing the role of violence in narrative
~ There is a difference b/w agreed upon competition and violent oppression of the powerful over the weak
Ask Yourself: What is this media/sport saying about evil?
2. Is physical discipline of children an act of violence?
Don’t Assume: That peacemakers are legalistically against any form of physical response
~ There are clear distinctions b/w violence (abusing a child) and discipline (correcting a child)
~ The Bible speaks positively of the physical discipline of children
Ask yourself: Are you doing what you are doing out of love for the person you are disciplining?
3. What about self-defense and/or defending others?
Don’t Assume: That violence would work OR that the alternative is doing nothing
~ Violence might only worsen the situation or not work at all
~ Numerous forms of non-violent resistance are available (run, restrain, rebuke, respond creatively, request help)
Ask yourself: Is it more valuable, in terms of eternity, for you to have a longer life or for the violent person to have more time to repent?
4. Should Christians serve in the military?
Don’t Assume: That refusal to serve in the military is necessarily a cowardly position
~ Christians engage in spiritual warfare and believe that they tap into more power when they get on their knees than when they march out to battle
~ Given Jesus’ teachings, non-military service should be the default position for Christians
Ask Yourself: If my primary citizenship is in the Kingdom of God, how may I best serve Him?
5. But what if nobody was willing to serve in the military?
Don’t Assume: That war would be an issue in this scenario OR that worldly nations are eternally significant
~ If an entire nation became peacemakers and another country attacked them, they’d die as holy martyrs
~ We don’t exist to perpetuate our worldly nations, but to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God
Ask Yourself: Is this hypothetical realistic or rhetorical?
6. Should Christians honor those who serve in the military?
Don’t Assume: That someone taking the peacemaking approach must disdain those who serve in the military
~ Not all Christians are aware of the peace approach and some follow their conscience to different conclusions
~ People who serve in the military generally possess a number of Christ-like characteristics
Ask Yourself: Are American Christians extremely patriotic b/c ‘Kingdom’ theology isn’t communicated?
7. What about Hitler?
Don’t Assume: That the war against Hitler was wrong OR that a Nazi Empire would have been a threat to God
~ World governments have a God-given role to limit evil while the church has a God-given role as peacemakers
~ Christianity flourished under an oppressive Roman Empire and could have flourished amidst the Nazi’s
Ask Yourself: Would there have even been a Nazi army if all ‘Christians’ took the peacemaking approach?
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Appendix: Hell & Violence
The heart of the ‘peacemaking’ position that we have been discussing has been the words of Jesus Himself (blessed are the peacemakers, turn the other cheek, love your enemies, etc.). Jesus not only said these things, but put them into practice by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and being willing to suffer and die on a cross for His so-called enemies.
The traditional view of Hell, however, suggests that the enemies of God will ultimately face eternal conscious torment. How can this possibility be reconciled with the concept of loving one’s enemies? Can God simultaneously love His enemies and allow them to experience eternal conscious torment or does the traditional view of Hell undermine Jesus’ teaching on peace?
Thoughtful Christians have responded to this important issue in two very distinct ways. Some attempt to defend the two doctrines (God’s love & eternal torment) as non-contradictory. Others, however, have suggested an alternative fate for the wicked. In what follows, I offer a defense of the doctrine of eternal torment along with two alternative views held by some Christians.
“When did you stop beating your wife?” If you ask this question to a husband who has never beaten his wife, his only possible answer is to deny the legitimacy of the question. Similarly, if you ask “How could a loving God send people to hell?” a Christian has the right to deny the legitimacy of the question since, it may be argued, the wording doesn’t match with reality. Most Christians who believe the doctrine of eternal torment do not believe God sends anyone there. People choose Hell by rejecting God.
Defenders of the doctrine of eternal torment might also suggest that those with this objection are giving too much weight to God’s love in comparison to God’s justice. If there was no punishment, the question could be turned on its head to ask, “How could a just God let the wicked go free?”
Finally, those compelled to defend the doctrine of eternal torment might suggest that the fiery imagery associated with hell is symbolic rather than literal. It is, they suggest, symbolic for the fact that unbelievers will spend eternity separated from God.
While these 3 defenses of eternal torment may satisfy the objections of some, others (Christian and non-Christian alike) insist that problems remain. Many people (again, Christians and non-Christians alike) are unaware that there are alternative Christian thoughts about the fate of the wicked.
One alternative to eternal torment may be called conditional immortality. This view insists that eternal life is a gift given to believers and not natural to humankind. Upon death, an unbeliever could be punished in accordance with their sins (for a time, not an eternity) and then simply cease to exist.
Another alternative may be described as universal reconciliation. In this view, the wicked are punished after their deaths, but God’s purpose in the punishment is to bring them to repentance. When that happens, they are forgiven by Jesus and welcomed into eternity with God.
It is important to note that those holding these alternative views do not necessarily do so simply to avoid the question at hand. Both these alternatives had supporters in the early church and attempt to support their views with the Bible and reason. But if true, these alternatives do resolve the main objection raised by this question.
In sum, the Bible leaves room for a variety of interpretations as to what happens to unbelievers when they die. In the end, if there really is a God who is loving and just, we can trust that this God will deal lovingly and justly with all people even if we do not know exactly what form that will take.
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Part 1: Yahweh... God of War?
Initial Disclaimers
1. The Bible does not approve of everything it records. There are many instances of violence and war in the Old Testament that God did not approve of.
2. We are called to emulate God’s character, but that doesn’t negate the distinction between God and people. In other words, God has the right to end life.
3. Truth is revealed progressively to humanity. God prefers to work with His creation rather than upon it, changing hearts rather than making rules. Jesus is God revealed and trumps all previous revelation.
Case Study: The Promised Land
In the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. Completely destroy them… as the Lord your God has commanded you. (Deuteronomy 20:16-17)
Top 10 Considerations
1. The Canaanites were an especially wicked people
2. God was slow to anger in regard to the Canaanites
3. War was the language of the deities in that day
4. The establishment of Israel was FOR the nations
5. It wasn’t favoritism… God later attacked Israel
6. If the Canaanites remained, it would corrupt Israel
7. The wars only brought forward their inevitable death
8. The destruction says nothing of individual salvation
9. God’s command was different for distant enemies
10. These accounts teach us valuable spiritual lessons
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Part 2: Jesus... King of Peace
A New Kind of Kingdom
1. Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan!” (Matt 4:9-10)
2. See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Matt 21:5)
3. Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:20-21)
4. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36)
Principles of Peace
1. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth… Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy… Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matt 5:5-9)
2. You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (Matt 5:38-39)
3. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:43-45)
4. You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant (Matt 20:25-26).
Rejection of Violence
1. When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. (Luke 22:49-51)
2. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. (Luke 9:54-55)
3. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11)
4. Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt 26:52-53)
Apparent Contradictions
1. Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ (Matt 10:34-36)
2. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” (John 2:14-17)
3. He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. (Luke 22:36)
4. Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment. (Matt 8:13)
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Part 3: Apostles of Peace
Did the Apostles Teach Jesus’ Peace Ethic?
1. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse… Do not repay anyone evil for evil. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:14, 17-18)
2. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)
3. Be peaceable and considerate, and always… be gentle toward everyone. (Titus 3:2)
4. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called… seek peace and pursue it. (1 Peter 3:9, 11)
A Very Different Kind of War
1. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-13)
2. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12)
3. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. (Romans 16:20)
4. Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back… They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Revelation 12:7, 11)
How Does a Christian Relate with the State?
1. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!… We must obey God rather than human beings! (Acts 4:19, 5:29).
2. Rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:4)
3. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. (1 Peter 2:13-15)
4. I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
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Part 4: Community of Peace
Did the Early Church Practice Peace?
1. We who formerly murdered one another now refrain from making war even upon our enemies… we have changed our swords into plowshares, and our spears into farming implements. (Justin Martyr)
2. It is not in war, but in peace, that we are trained… An enemy must be aided, so that he may not continue as an enemy. (Clement of Alexandria)
3. How will a Christian man participate in war? The Lord has taken the sword away… The Lord, in disarming Peter, disarmed every soldier. (Tertullian)
4. For we no longer take up ‘sword against nation,’ nor do we ‘learn war anymore.’ That is because we have become children of peace for the sake of Jesus who is our leader. (Origen)
5. It is not befitting that those who strive to keep to the path of justice should be companions and sharers in this public homicide. For when God forbids us to kill, He prohibits more than the open violence that is not even allowed by the public laws. He also warns us against doing those things that are considered lawful among men. For that reason, it will not be lawful for a just man to engage in warfare, since his warfare is justice itself. (Lactantius)
6. The age of persecution down to the time of Constantine was the age of pacifism to the degree that during this period no Christian author to our knowledge approved of Christian participation in battle. (Historian Roland Bainton)
Could a Christian Serve in the Military?
1. A soldier of the civil authority must be taught not to kill men and to refuse to do so if he is commanded, and to refuse to take an oath. If he is unwilling to comply, he must be rejected for baptism… If an applicant or a believer seeks to become a soldier, he must be rejected, for he has despised God. (Apostolic Tradition)
2. Of course, if faith comes later and finds someone already occupied with military service, their case is different… when a man has become a believer and faith has been sealed, there must be either an immediate abandonment of the military office, which has been the course of many—or else all sorts of quibbling will have to be resorted to in order to avoid offending God. (Tertullian)
Did the Early Church Peace Policy Work?
1. Christians engage as the priests and ministers of God, keeping their hands pure… our prayers defeat all demons who stir up wars… So none fight better for the king than we do. Indeed, we do not fight under him even if he demands it. Yet, we fight on his behalf, forming a special army—an army of godliness—by offering our prayers to God. (Origen)
2. It would not be difficult to prove that (after the name of Christ was heard in the world), wars were not increased. In fact, they actually diminished. (Arnobius)
3. The Pax Romana (Roman Peace) was a period of about 200 years (27 B.C. – A.D. 180) during which time there were no major wars (Historian David Bercot)
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Part 5: The Merger of Kingdoms
What Happened in History
1. As the Pax Romana continued (the period of peace that lasted most of the 1st & 2nd centuries) Christians began to enjoy greater freedoms, but according to the church historian Eusebius, this brought with it arrogance and sloth amongst Jesus’ people. By the 3rd century, Rome was experiencing turmoil once again.
2. At the beginning of the 4th century, Emperor Diocletian realized that if he didn’t strengthen the army and establish a greater sense of loyalty to the Empire, Rome would soon fall. But because Christians wouldn’t join the army and gave their loyalty to Jesus, they were seen as a threat to his plan.
3. Diocletian instituted the most severe persecution of the church that the world had ever seen, but upon his retirement and death, a number of men fought for control of the Empire (including Constantine).
4. To claim Rome, Constantine had to win the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Before the battle Constantine had a vision of a cross and heard the words, ‘Through this you will conquer.’ He interpreted this to mean that Christ would help him win the battle and ordered his troops to make the cross their rallying symbol.
5. A victorious Constantine legalized Christianity, lavished the church with gifts, and attempted to Christianize Roman culture. Hoping to use Christianity to unify his Empire, he called for a church council to create a creed (the Nicene Creed) that would unify Christians doctrinally. Dissenters were to be exiled or killed as heretics.
Results of Constantine’s ‘Conversion’
1. Whereas Christians had been part of unique kingdom, they were now welcomed back into the world.
2. Whereas Christianity had formerly been illegal, Christianity now gained favored status in the Empire.
3. Whereas Scripture had been doctrinally authoritative, the Church now possessed doctrinal authority.
4. Whereas local churches were rather independent, Rome became the center of power for all churches.
5. Whereas the following of Jesus had bonded believers, theological agreement became the new basis of unity.
6. Whereas Christians had formerly been persecuted, Christians now began persecuting the unorthodox.
7. Whereas Christians had previously been non-violent, the stage was now set to fight in the Empire’s wars.
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Part 6: The Theology of Merger
As the merger between the Roman Empire and the Christian Church deepened, Christians began participating in Roman military conflict. This provoked fresh theological reflection known as Just War Theory.
The Just War Theory has Roman roots, but was utilized and elaborated upon by Augustine in the early 5th century and codified by Aquinas in the 13th century. The theory attempts to provide criteria through which a Christian may participate in violent conflict.
Some Criteria for Christians Entering into War
1. Just Cause- "Force may be used only to correct a grave, public evil, i.e., aggression or massive violation of the basic human rights of whole populations."
2. Last Resort- “Force may be used only after all peaceful and viable alternatives have been seriously tried and exhausted or are clearly not practical.”
3. Competent Authority- "A just war must be initiated by a political authority within a political system that allows distinctions of justice.”
4. Probability of Success- “Arms may not be used in a futile cause. The anticipated benefits of waging a war must be proportionate to its expected evils or harms.”
Some Criteria for Christians Participating in War
1. Proportionality- “An attack cannot be launched in the knowledge that the incidental civilian injuries would be clearly excessive.”
2. Distinction- “The acts of war should be directed towards enemy combatants, and not towards non-combatants caught in the circumstances.”
3. Fair Treatment- “Enemy soldiers who surrendered or who are captured no longer pose a threat. It is therefore wrong to torture and/or humiliate them.”
4. Love- [in regard to the command to turn the other cheek and love your enemy] “What is here required is not a bodily action, but an inward disposition.”
Critique of the Christian Use of Just War Theory
1. Christian utilization of Just War Theory necessitates a re-interpretation of Jesus’ clear teachings on the subject that may not be justified.
2. While the theory may be an admirable ethic for a worldly nation, it is questionable whether Christians should participate with the world in these ways.
3. Unfortunately, the criteria are not very black and white. Gray areas and unknowable factors leave the theory vague enough to be almost meaningless.
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Part 7: Sad Stories of Merger
The Crusades (1095-1291)
Once the justice of occasional violence was established, Christians came to justify violence more and more often. Urban II rallied a broken Europe by calling Christians to crusade (take up their crosses) in defense of the Holy Land. Just-War gave way to Holy-War.
Wonderful things were to be seen. Numbers of Muslims were beheaded. Others were shot with arrows and forced to jump from the towers. Others were tortured for several days and then burned with flames… It was a just and marvelous judgment of God, that this place should be filled with the blood of unbelievers since it had suffered so long from their blasphemies. At nightfall their hands were still bloody when they folded them in prayer and knelt at the church of the Holy Sepulchre sobbing with excess joy. (quote from a chronicler of the 1st crusade)
The Inquisition (13th-19th centuries)
The Inquisition is a label for the church’s attempt to maintain orthodoxy among its members by subjecting suspected heretics to a board of inquiry. Officials often utilized torture to provoke confession. This concept led to the other ‘witch-hunts’ by Catholics/Protestants.
Bodily torture has been found the most salutary and efficient means of leading to spiritual repentance. (Pope Innocent IV)
Besides, any man against whom it can be proved that he is a maker of sedition is outside the law of God and Empire, so that the first who can slay him is doing right and well. (Martin Luther)
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Part 8: Exceptions to Merger
The Radicals
Luther protested against the Roman Catholic Church of his day, specifically over its views on repentance, the authority of the Pope, and the usefulness of indulgences. He (and other Reformers like Calvin & Swingli) sought to return the church to the purity it possessed before corruption and man-made tradition gained a foothold.
A strong case can be made, however, that the Reformers (though well intentioned) did not go back far enough in history in their desire to rediscover their Christian roots. They went back to the theology of Augustine (including Just War Theory), but not back to Jesus, the Apostles, and the Early Church.
A group emerged from within the Reformation that sought to return to the true roots of Christianity. Their movement became known as the Radical Reformation. The Radicals spoke against practices like the merger of church/state and infant baptism while advocating a ‘community of goods’ and a peace approach to conflict.
In response, the Radicals were persecuted by the State (beheaded), the Roman Catholic Church (burned), and the Protestants (usually drowned). The movement, however, continued (Schleitheim Confesssion, 1527) to speak out against the merger and against Christian utilization of violence. Today, Mennonite, Amish, and Brethren groups live out this position (and others follow their lead).
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Part 9: The State... Its Purpose/Performance/Power
The Good
1. Government is God’s interim idea for the fallen world
2. Government exists to limit the results of The Fall
3. Government exists for the benefit of the church
The Bad
1. Government always falls short of its intended purpose
2. Government can only limit (and not eradicate) evil
3. Government tends to turn inward and benefit itself
The Ugly
1. Satan has a purpose for worldly governments as well
2. Satan can use governments to multiply/spread evil
3. Satan can make government a tempting idol
“Simply recognizing that there is, at the very least, a strong demonic presence polluting all versions of the kingdom of the world has to significantly affect how followers of Jesus view earthly governments. Minimally, this recognition implies that we can never assume that any particular nation—including our own—is always, or even usually, aligned with God.” (Greg Boyd)
The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to (Luke 4:5-6)
Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out (John 12:31)
I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me (John 14:30)
The prince of this world now stands condemned (John 16:11)
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4)
In which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (Ephesians 2:2)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12)
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. (1 John 5:19)
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Part 10: The Church
What are We in the World?
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. (Heb. 11:13)
Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. (1 Peter 1:17)
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. (1 Peter 2:11)
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (2 Cor. 6:14)
Where is Our True Citizenship?
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people (Ephesians 2:19)
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:20)
So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. (Matthew 6:24)
Why Does the Church Exist?
Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father (Revelation 1:5-6)
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)
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Part 11: Is America the Exception?
The Confusion of Kingdoms
“For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us” (John Winthrop)
“We thank God that it [the atomic bomb] has come to us instead of to our enemies and we pray that he may guide us to use it in his ways and for his purposes” (Harry Truman)
“Today the eyes of all people are truly upon us—and our governments, in every branch, at every level, national, state and local, must be as a city upon a hill” (John F. Kennedy)
A troubled and afflicted mankind looks to us, pleading for us to keep our rendezvous with destiny; that we will uphold the principles of self-reliance, self-discipline, morality, and, above all, responsible liberty for every individual that we will become that shining city on a hill. (Ronald Reagan)
“The ideal of America is the hope of all mankind” (Bush)
“This country is still the last best hope on earth (Obama)
“You’ve got to kill the terrorists before the killing stops. And I’m for the President to chase them all over the world. If it takes ten years, blow them all away in the name of the Lord.” (Jerry Falwell)
“In Revelation, Jesus is a prize fighter with a tattoo down His leg, a sword in His hand, and a commitment to make someone bleed. That is a guy I can worship… I cannot worship a guy I can beat up” (Mark Driscoll)
The Consequences of Confusion (From Greg Boyd)
The Myth Harms Global Missions
“When we associate Jesus with America… we legitimize the widespread global perception that the Christian faith can be judged on the basis of what America has done in the past or continues to do in the present.”
The Myth Harms Home Missions
“When we fail to distinguish between the quasi-Christian civil religion of America and the kingdom of God, two things happen. First… it’s arguably harder to be a missionary in America, for here the majority think they’re already Christian… Second… we end up wasting precious time and resources defending and tweaking the civil religion—as though doing so had some kingdom value.”
The Myth Leads to Misplaced Trust
“As a result, many Americans place exaggerated confidence in the ability of Christians to influence society by political means rather than by distinctly kingdom-of-God means [like prayer].”
The Myth Leads to Less Service
“Many are so conditioned by the ‘power over’ mindset of the world that they can’t even envision an alternative way of affecting society and politics other than by playing the political game [rather than just serving people]”
The Myth Leads to a Messiah-Complex
“When the theocratic-sounding slogan ‘one nation under God’ is taken too seriously, it makes people think of America along the lines of Israel and the Old Testament rather than Jesus and the New Testament… Just as God led Israel in the past, or so some believe, God leads American today. When America goes to war, therefore, God is on our side.”
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Part 12: Peacemaking
Summary of our Series
1. Christian ethics must be based on Christ and His teachings. The Old Covenant must be interpreted in light of the New Covenant.
2. Jesus initiated a Kingdom of peace. His citizens are to love their enemies, reject violence, and yet respond to conflict in non-violent ways as peacemakers.
3. The Apostles and the early church (first 300 years) practiced peacemaking by refusing to serve in the military and prayerfully engaging in spiritual warfare.
4. The peace position was abandoned as the church became less focused on Christ and merged with state via Constantine and Augustine (Just-War Theory).
5. Merger with state led to the Crusades (outward violence) before turning to heresy hunting (inward violence) with few exceptions (like the Radicals).
6. Worldly government has a God-given role in this age (to limit evil), but governments are not the answer to the world’s problems and are polluted by Satan.
7. Separation of Church and State protects the church from worldly corruption and keeps it on mission (serving as ambassadors for the Kingdom of Heaven)
8. The myth that America is an exceptional case has harmed world and local missions while leading to idolatry, idleness and a Messiah-complex.
Conclusions
1. We must re-read, re-think and re-apply Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. It must become our constitution.
2. We must be cautious and skeptical about our participation in government and, especially, military service.
3. We must become people of the 3rd way. We must reject violence and pacifism as legitimate and become peacemakers.
The Wesleyan Church on “Peace”
The Wesleyan Church, knowing that war results in great suffering for the bodies, minds and souls of men and women, staggering economic loss with its legacy of debt for future generations, and the unleashing of the baser passions of life, urges that persons and nations seek by every legitimate means to avoid armed conflict among the people and nations of the world. The Wesleyan Church also urges that holy people everywhere pray earnestly for those in authority, so that peace may prevail (1 Timothy 2:2), and for the quick return of the Prince of Peace.
The Wesleyan Church on “Military Service”
The Wesleyan Church teaches respect for properly constituted civil authority and the proper loyalty to one’s country. It recognizes the responsibility of the individual to answer the call of government and enter into military service. However, there are those within the fellowship of the Wesleyan Church who believe that military service is contrary to the teaching of the New Testament and that their consciences are violated by being compelled to take part in such. The Wesleyan Church will therefore lend moral support to any member who asks and claims exemption by legal processes from military service as a sincere conscientious objector and who asks to serve one’s country as a noncombatant.
Questions to Consider (Next Week)
1. Is physical discipline of children an act of violence?
2. What about self-defense?
3. What about defending innocents (family or strangers)?
4. Should Christians serve in the military?
5. But what if everyone took the pacifist position?
6. Should Christians honor those who serve in the military?
7. What about Hitler?
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Part 13: Q&A
1. What about violence in entertainment/sport?
Don’t Assume: That narrative is possible w/o the presence of evil OR that agreed upon physical competitions is necessarily evil
~ There is a difference b/w being entertained by violence and recognizing the role of violence in narrative
~ There is a difference b/w agreed upon competition and violent oppression of the powerful over the weak
Ask Yourself: What is this media/sport saying about evil?
2. Is physical discipline of children an act of violence?
Don’t Assume: That peacemakers are legalistically against any form of physical response
~ There are clear distinctions b/w violence (abusing a child) and discipline (correcting a child)
~ The Bible speaks positively of the physical discipline of children
Ask yourself: Are you doing what you are doing out of love for the person you are disciplining?
3. What about self-defense and/or defending others?
Don’t Assume: That violence would work OR that the alternative is doing nothing
~ Violence might only worsen the situation or not work at all
~ Numerous forms of non-violent resistance are available (run, restrain, rebuke, respond creatively, request help)
Ask yourself: Is it more valuable, in terms of eternity, for you to have a longer life or for the violent person to have more time to repent?
4. Should Christians serve in the military?
Don’t Assume: That refusal to serve in the military is necessarily a cowardly position
~ Christians engage in spiritual warfare and believe that they tap into more power when they get on their knees than when they march out to battle
~ Given Jesus’ teachings, non-military service should be the default position for Christians
Ask Yourself: If my primary citizenship is in the Kingdom of God, how may I best serve Him?
5. But what if nobody was willing to serve in the military?
Don’t Assume: That war would be an issue in this scenario OR that worldly nations are eternally significant
~ If an entire nation became peacemakers and another country attacked them, they’d die as holy martyrs
~ We don’t exist to perpetuate our worldly nations, but to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God
Ask Yourself: Is this hypothetical realistic or rhetorical?
6. Should Christians honor those who serve in the military?
Don’t Assume: That someone taking the peacemaking approach must disdain those who serve in the military
~ Not all Christians are aware of the peace approach and some follow their conscience to different conclusions
~ People who serve in the military generally possess a number of Christ-like characteristics
Ask Yourself: Are American Christians extremely patriotic b/c ‘Kingdom’ theology isn’t communicated?
7. What about Hitler?
Don’t Assume: That the war against Hitler was wrong OR that a Nazi Empire would have been a threat to God
~ World governments have a God-given role to limit evil while the church has a God-given role as peacemakers
~ Christianity flourished under an oppressive Roman Empire and could have flourished amidst the Nazi’s
Ask Yourself: Would there have even been a Nazi army if all ‘Christians’ took the peacemaking approach?
WAR & PEACE
Appendix: Hell & Violence
The heart of the ‘peacemaking’ position that we have been discussing has been the words of Jesus Himself (blessed are the peacemakers, turn the other cheek, love your enemies, etc.). Jesus not only said these things, but put them into practice by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and being willing to suffer and die on a cross for His so-called enemies.
The traditional view of Hell, however, suggests that the enemies of God will ultimately face eternal conscious torment. How can this possibility be reconciled with the concept of loving one’s enemies? Can God simultaneously love His enemies and allow them to experience eternal conscious torment or does the traditional view of Hell undermine Jesus’ teaching on peace?
Thoughtful Christians have responded to this important issue in two very distinct ways. Some attempt to defend the two doctrines (God’s love & eternal torment) as non-contradictory. Others, however, have suggested an alternative fate for the wicked. In what follows, I offer a defense of the doctrine of eternal torment along with two alternative views held by some Christians.
“When did you stop beating your wife?” If you ask this question to a husband who has never beaten his wife, his only possible answer is to deny the legitimacy of the question. Similarly, if you ask “How could a loving God send people to hell?” a Christian has the right to deny the legitimacy of the question since, it may be argued, the wording doesn’t match with reality. Most Christians who believe the doctrine of eternal torment do not believe God sends anyone there. People choose Hell by rejecting God.
Defenders of the doctrine of eternal torment might also suggest that those with this objection are giving too much weight to God’s love in comparison to God’s justice. If there was no punishment, the question could be turned on its head to ask, “How could a just God let the wicked go free?”
Finally, those compelled to defend the doctrine of eternal torment might suggest that the fiery imagery associated with hell is symbolic rather than literal. It is, they suggest, symbolic for the fact that unbelievers will spend eternity separated from God.
While these 3 defenses of eternal torment may satisfy the objections of some, others (Christian and non-Christian alike) insist that problems remain. Many people (again, Christians and non-Christians alike) are unaware that there are alternative Christian thoughts about the fate of the wicked.
One alternative to eternal torment may be called conditional immortality. This view insists that eternal life is a gift given to believers and not natural to humankind. Upon death, an unbeliever could be punished in accordance with their sins (for a time, not an eternity) and then simply cease to exist.
Another alternative may be described as universal reconciliation. In this view, the wicked are punished after their deaths, but God’s purpose in the punishment is to bring them to repentance. When that happens, they are forgiven by Jesus and welcomed into eternity with God.
It is important to note that those holding these alternative views do not necessarily do so simply to avoid the question at hand. Both these alternatives had supporters in the early church and attempt to support their views with the Bible and reason. But if true, these alternatives do resolve the main objection raised by this question.
In sum, the Bible leaves room for a variety of interpretations as to what happens to unbelievers when they die. In the end, if there really is a God who is loving and just, we can trust that this God will deal lovingly and justly with all people even if we do not know exactly what form that will take.
posted by matthew at 12:05 PM
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