Issues: War and Pacifism |
Pacifism |
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Christian pacifists believe that all war is wrong, and refuse to participate in any action that promotes conflict. (See Case Study.) Their beliefs are firmly rooted in the teachings of Christ and the practices of the Early Church, not on Jewish history, the ideas of writers and leaders since the time of Constantine and Augustine (4th century CE). Jesus frequently said in the Sermon on the Mount: "You have heard it said ... but I say" (see the examples below). This means for Christians that his new standards are the ones to follow. |
'Jesus Video' image used by kind permission |
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"You have heard that the law of Moses says, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven." (The Bible, Matthew chapter 5 verses 43 - 45). This is a direct command to act differently, and to love your enemies, not kill them. "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God." (The Bible, Matthew chapter 5 verse 9) This suggests that God's priority is peace, and that he wants his children to be like him - peacemakers not warmongers. |
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Peter "Put away your sword," Jesus told him. "Those who use the sword will be killed by the sword." (The Bible, Matthew chapter 26 verse 52). This is a direct order not to use weapons - even for a cause that seems to be Christian - in this instance, defending Christ himself. Some Christians would argue that these apply only to individual Christians, and when countries or groups (in civil wars) are attacked, there is a difference. A Christian pacifist would say this is both wrong and illogical. |
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'Jesus Video' image used by kind permission |
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The most consistent Christian pacifists are Quakers. They began in the seventeenth century, after the English Civil War. |
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Go to 'Churches - Quakers' |
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Many Christians have become pacifists in the last century because of the horror and threat of mass destruction from nuclear bombs and chemical weapons. Jesus clearly taught that the priority was to love and care for others, not to fight, but to pray about situations of violence, and ask God to bring peace. Although his kingdom is not an earthly one, he taught his followers to bless (do good and help) the people around them. Wars waste God-given resources, bring suffering and open the door to hatred, violence and murder. These are not Christian values. |
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In The Bible, John chapter 10 verse 10, Jesus talks about himself as the good shepherd. He says Satan is like a thief. "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." Nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus advocate war, but he encourages compassion. He himself died in a nation under harsh foreign rule, and did not praise freedom-fighters ('zealots'). |
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Facing the Issue: Andy Reed MP |