Biblical Teachings to Support Pacifism
In the Bible, there are varied situations reflecting the teaching of
war and peace, and Christians may have different views and opinions
concerning the morality of war and whether the right to use violence
can ever be justified. The Bible can be used to support many different
views.
People who hold the view that war can never be justified and recognise
that there is evil in the world, but that evil cannot be overcome with
the use of weapons which harm and kill are known as pacifists.
Pacifists (are not only Christians) do fight against injustice and
aggression, but in a non-violent way.
Christian teaching about agape includes the belief that love should be
shown unconditionally to everyone so it is difficult for many
Christians to see how loving someone could involve killing them in a
war.
The verse in Micah, "…Nation will not take up sword against nation…",
may be interpreted as meaning that peace is a feature of the kingdom
of God and so therefore Christians should be peaceful themselves.
Much of the New Testament is about agape and peace and some may say
that this is because Jesus had not come in the Old Testament (which
suggests war and violence) and Jesus showed the nature of God much
more clearly.
Several verses such as; "Love your enemies, and pray for those who
persecute you."(Matthew 5:44) and "If someone strikes you on the right
cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:39). This may support
the view that violence is never acceptable and Jesus is teaching that
the right response to aggression is love, and Christians should not
behave violently even when they are attacked.
Most Christians may also try to follow the example of Jesus. They may
demonstrate this by behaving in the same way that Jesus behaved, may
say that due to the way Jesus reacted at his arrest and the fact that
he would not allow people to use violence to defend him, so therefore
violence is wrong and peaceful methods of defence should always be
Then Andreas gets a report from one of his servants in Rome that his friend Barabbas has been arrested for killing a Roman soldier. Andreas immediately leaves for Jerusalem to report about Jesus in person and hopefully free his friend Barabbas. In Jerusalem, Andreas finds out that Jesus has made quite a commotion in the temple and has also been arrested. When talking with the Roman officials, Andreas finds out that they are worried that Jesus’ teachings might start a rebellion against the Romans by causing an uproar with the crowd. His expertise and suggestions on preventing a revolt allow him to obtain a meeting with
not take a stand in the situation. He took care of Paul when he (Paul)
it becomes apparent that he was, as a matter of fact, not put on trial
and I will not spy” (13).... ... middle of paper ... ... In the end, the people chose Barabbas, which meant Jesus, including two other criminals, was sent to be crucified.
guard and says 'all who live by the sword, will die by the sword.' And
Christian’s Approach to Nuclear War A Christians approach to Nuclear is entirely based on the opinion of the person. Although in this essay I will try and generalise this and try to find reasons as to why this might be. In my view; yes, a Christians approach to nuclear war should be different to other war. Any war goes against the teachings of Pacifism, but in the world, unless you can get everyone to listen and obey these teachings, then a more practical scheme should be adopted. This then makes the basis of any war; that your enemy will not listen to reason, so war being the last resort, you commence in battle.
For a long time, people had been debating about Christians with War. Christians was confused with God, as they did not understand what God wills regarding war. Are Christians allowed to go to war, or should they be pacifist about it? The bible contains both stories and parables that talks about war.
Jesus Christ or the professed Jewish Messiah was tried for terrible blasphemy. It was a great catastrophe. Had Jesus given a fair trial then His claim for divine Messiahship would have been established. Unfortunately the laws were bent and the eyes were closed and thus a fair judgment was prevented. There is no doubt that this was the most terrible miscarriage of justice ever experienced by the mankind. In open court it was admitted by Jesus Christ that He was God in human flesh. What ever would happen one day He would appear as the King of the most sacred place that is Israel and finally of all the universe. It was surprising that His trial ended abruptly and a decision of guilt was announced unanimously. Blasphemy was the main charge, which was leveled against Him. It was claimed that He presented Himself with the characteristics of Jehovah. Now the question arises if Jesus Christ was really the Messiah as was declared in the Old Testament. If this statement was true, then the Jews had no right to have a trial of Jesus Christ and give Him the verdict. If this was not proved than the Jews had no other alternative but to follow their Scriptures and impose death on Jesus Christ. It is estimated that about 30 points of Jewish civil rights came under violation while the trial of Jesus was conducted. It seems very strange that people of that caliber in learning and legal experts could blunder so badly. It has been happening from centuries that the Jews have been accused for killing Jesus. The Christians have been using this accusation to persecute and murder innocent Jews. Jews were driven out of Flanders, which is a part of Belgium now, in 1121. Jews were told to convert to Christianity or die during the conquer of Spain. The bi...
When Jesus visited Jerusalem around 29 AD, he found enthusiastic crowds greeting him as the messiah. However he was arrested for not worshiping pagan Roman gods and was sentenced to death on a cross. While he was hanging awaiting death he forgave those who had killed him and those who had worshipped him the day before were denying him. After his crucifixion he was placed in a tomb, on the third day he rose, and greeted his followers, further convincing them that he was the messiah.
As he declares his innocence the reader is left to wonder if what he says might hold some truth. He recalls memories of being married, and a gospel singer. "I never was a bad boy that I remember of," makes it seem as if he really might be a good person willing to forgive the lives of this family. That ray of hope is quickly shadowed by the grandmother’s mention of Jesus. For the Misfit Jesus was not a savior but had “thown everything off balance”. It is here that we begin to understand that the Misfit was fully capable of being guilty of his crimes. His lack of faith, his unwillingness to believe in anything he has not himself witnessed shows very clear in this moment. We see, as Stephen C. Bandy put it, how it has “destroyed his humanity”. It is often said that faith of any kind not just religious is taught in childhood. It is taught when a child is told to wait on presents from a Santa Claus or Tooth Fairy that doesn’t exist. The child is inherently taught to believe in something they cannot see or touch. Is this not the exact definition of faith? If then, the Misfit, has no faith, it is proof that he has not changed from a “good boy” into this man with such a violent nature. He has simply evolved from what he already was all
For myself, while I would like to believe that Jesus is peccable, the evidence and weight of conviction is clearly proves that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Second Person of the Trinity, the true God-man, is impeccable.
The Roman government took Jesus into their control and Pontius Pilate demanded his crucifixion. However, a number of devoted followers were able to spread the story of Jesus. They pronounced that Jesus had overcome death, been resurrected and rose into Heaven. Of these followers the most important was Paul of Tarsus.
Jesus is separated from the rest of humanity in fact that he is demonstrated as
The chief priests tell Pilate all their accusations against Jesus, Pilate offers the opportunity to pose a defense, but Jesus refrains, which takes Pilate by surprise. Further through the chapter Pilate is given the opportunity to try and get Jesus released, which he believes should happen, but to stop an uproar from the crowd he doesn’t release him and sentences him to his crucifixion. After they had finished preparing Jesus for his crucifixion, they walked him through the town as he carries the cross, to the place where he will be crucified. Once they have reached the place where he will die, they raise the cross and nail Jesus and two other bandits to the cross at their feet and hands. Time slowly goes by and then Jesus dies.