We spoke in class the other day about pacifism and the Christian perspective of war. I believe that we can take this, like everything else, to extremes. Extreme pacifism, like the country saw during the Vietnam War, can lead to extreme anti-Americanism but a barbaric, "let's go nuc someone just because we feel like it," is obviously extreme too. My quote of war lovers may sound made up, but I promise it's not. I heard it more than once in my high school.
I think that we, as Christians, should have a certain degree of pacifism in our hearts that basically stems from our love of human life. We are commanded to love our brothers (and sisters) and I believe the desire of things to be resolved peacefully dwells deep within us in a way we might not even realize sometimes. We are created to worship God and that, in essence, is also treasuring His creation, including other people. I think it just all goes back to the balance that we need in every situation as we went through Gulliver's Travels.
I do not believe that war is always useful, but I also realize that because of the sin nature of our world, it is necessary in some cases. Tell me what you think on the Christian worldview concerning war and violence.
I also commented on Ashley Holmes's blog
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This is a tough subject. Nations do have to do what they have to do. It is a form of justice for the United States to take out terrorist leaders. Countries will always be at war, promised by the Bible. But as a Christian, should we? Everyone agrees the Crusades were awful. The burnings of the church are looked down upon in today's society. Yes, in the Old Testament, God ordered Israel to kill many many people. And God does not change. But the thing is, God ordered ISRAEL to kill all these people. I have not heard God tell me to kill anyone, nor do I know anyone to whom God has spoken that. Jesus tells us to die for our beliefs. Through our death, God's name will be proclaimed, not through war. We are no where commanded to take up any sort of violence against our enemy, but to love them, and die in persecution for God's glory. Against my entire nature, I look at this question, and I have to take the side of pacifism.
ReplyDeleteSeth, I agree dude. God will get more glory through my death, then through me killing people. At least thats what I believe right now. Good stuff to think about though
ReplyDeleteSeth, one question. I loved what you said and completely agree on most points, I just wonder though. What do you believe about Christians going to war? Kyle, you too. In my blogs I try to open them up for other people to discuss their beliefs. It's more fun that way :) So yeah, what do you think?
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