Analysis Of Jesus Christ, The Prince Of Peace

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This paper will provide an opportunity for dialogue within a small group setting on the idea of how Christians who are to model Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, in loving our enemies, not to kill, along with the presence of defending humankind by force; more specifically, the idea of just war. This study group will meet over the course of five weeks for one and half hours each.
Session One - Welcome and Introduction

In 1941, at the start of World War II, the T.V. media aired movies and shows that had a patriotic theme to them. The reason was simple; to reassure Americans that it was both right and honorable to serve their country during wartime. There was one specific movie called Sergeant York, in which the main character, Sgt. York …show more content…

We witness the atrocities that happened in Rwanda, our stomachs ache and our mind swirls and we ask ourselves how can any human being, including those who declare their allegiance to the Prince of Peace, engage in such cruel acts of violence. Origen states, “we do not draw the sword against any nation, and we no longer learn to fight, because we have become, thanks to Jesus, Sons of …show more content…

Pacifism holds that all violence and war are morally wrong, and that Christians should not participate in warfare in any way. Pacifists literally take the “turn-the-other-cheek” and “love your enemies” (Matthew 5). They must be ready to accept violence without resistance or retaliation. Christians must never use force, even in personal self-defense. Pacifists believe that Christians who condone violence and warfare do so by relying on philosophical arguments, not on biblical text and that they have become corrupted by values that are a part of the secular world. Having a new identity in Christ and being a part of the Kingdom of God (2 Cor 5:20 and Philippians 3:20), Christians must not become entangled in this world’s affairs. Pacifists make the point that one’s loyalties and obligations are to God and when there is a conflict between obeying God or obeying one’s government, “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Discussion: Have participants read 2 Cor 5:20, Phil 3:20, Acts 5:29) Ask: Is it possible for someone to love their enemies if they are killing

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