Issues: War and Pacifism |
Holy Wars |
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The terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York on September 11th, 2001 brought the phrase 'holy war' into the media, and stirred strong feelings. The religious extremists who carried out the attack believed that to destroy the enemies of the faith was right, and those who died so doing would be rewarded for their sacrifice in the after-life, by God. |
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Photo: bigfoto.com
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This idea runs through Jewish history, and is seen when Joshua captured the city of Jericho, and instructed his troops, saying: "The Lord has given you the city! The city and everything in it must be completely destroyed as an offering (something pleasing) to the Lord." (The Bible, Joshua chapter 6 verses 16 - 17). However, a woman who had helped Joshua and believed in Jahweh / Jehovah was saved. The destruction of the Amalalekites (see Just Wars) was for two reasons:
The growth of Islam in the 7th centrury CE resulted in Christian bishops encouraging their kings and emperors in Europe to attack the Muslim states controlling Jerusalem, Bethlehem and other places of pilgrimage. They said this action would bring blessing from God, and land for the conquerors. It has left great bitterness between Muslims and Christians. Some Christians regarded Nazism and Communist regimes as 'anti-God', and believed they were doing God's will in fighting against those who killed God's people, the Jews. Atheistic Communist regimes were obviously anti-God, and destroyed churches and persecuted Christians. Most Christians in the 21st century CE reject any idea of a Holy War. They are distressed by wars that involve religion, and, even worse, conflicts where Christians are opposing each other, as in Northern Ireland. |
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Pacifism |