Issues: War and Pacifism |
Christians: Their Beliefs and Attitudes to War |
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Christians are people who have accepted the rule of Jesus Christ in their lives, and want to share their beliefs with others. They believe they belong to the 'Kingdom of God', but they are also subjects of a country. When that country goes to war, they may adopt differing views and take differing actions, seeking to base their decision on what the Bible teaches and what guidance is given by the church leaders. |
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Most Christians believe that war should be avoided, although many also believe that there are occasions when to fight is necessary to overcome evil and preserve what is good, and this pleases God. They speak of a just war. This is why many Christians fought in World War II against Hitler's Nazi Germany. |
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Some Christians, such as the Quakers, totally reject war. They take to heart the words of Jesus in The Bible, John chapter 18 verse 36: "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If it did belong to this world, my servants would fight." At times, Christian church leaders have proclaimed holy wars, called crusades, to capture traditional places of pilgrimage in Israel, which had been conquered by Muslims. They promised a special blessing to those Christians who died fighting, although the Bible does not teach this. Jesus did not teach his followers to fight. Peter drew a sword to defend Jesus and prevent his arrest by Jewish soldiers. Jesus said, in The Bible, John chapter 18 verse 11, "Put your sword back," and he healed the ear of the wounded guard. He also told his followers to seek peace, in the famous Sermon on the Mount in The Bible, Matthew chapter 5 verse 9: "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God." The early Christians did not fight or resist arrest when they were persecuted. They counted it a privilege to suffer for Christ. "The apostles left the high council (meeting of the Jewish leaders to condemn their activities) rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus." The Bible, Acts chapter 5 verse 41. Christians recognise that injustice and poverty can drive people to war, especially in under-developed countries and under cruel and harsh leaders, such as some in Africa and South America. They also recognise that to enjoy the benefits and protection of their country brings the responsibility to defend their country, and countries friendly to their country. |
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Just Wars |