Post by Josh on Jan 16, 2021 14:08:45 GMT -8
I have taken a lot of comfort from the fact that by and large Christians around the world in recent years have come to renounce political violence. It is a sign that the church is growing in maturity in the image of Jesus of Nazareth.
We have a complicated history. The example of Jesus and the early Christians was set aside when Christians first gained political power, which transformed us from the persecuted to the persecutors. It led to Crusading armies and Inquisitions and bloody wars between Christians. But in many ways in recent memory Christians have shown signs of moving past this, of renouncing violence and emulating their Master.
Yet this week I have seen countless screenshots of American “Christians” on social media sites, egged on by conspiracy and fear, urging other Christians to arm themselves, to create anti-government cells, to “resist to the last drop of blood”.
Christian, take to heart the words of your Master and his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evildoer. On the contrary, whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go two with him. Give to the person who asks you for something, and do not turn away from the person who wants to borrow something from you.” “You have heard that it was said, ‘You must love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, so that you will become children of your Father in heaven
Matthew 5:38-45
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
At times you were made a public spectacle by means of insults and persecutions, while at other times you associated with people who were treated this way. For you sympathized with the prisoners and cheerfully submitted to the violent seizure of your property, because you know that you have a better and more permanent possession. So don’t lose your confidence, since it holds a great reward for you.
Hebrews 10:33-35
Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place! Everyone who uses a sword will be killed by a sword.
Matthew 26:52
We have a complicated history. The example of Jesus and the early Christians was set aside when Christians first gained political power, which transformed us from the persecuted to the persecutors. It led to Crusading armies and Inquisitions and bloody wars between Christians. But in many ways in recent memory Christians have shown signs of moving past this, of renouncing violence and emulating their Master.
Yet this week I have seen countless screenshots of American “Christians” on social media sites, egged on by conspiracy and fear, urging other Christians to arm themselves, to create anti-government cells, to “resist to the last drop of blood”.
Christian, take to heart the words of your Master and his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evildoer. On the contrary, whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go two with him. Give to the person who asks you for something, and do not turn away from the person who wants to borrow something from you.” “You have heard that it was said, ‘You must love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, so that you will become children of your Father in heaven
Matthew 5:38-45
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
At times you were made a public spectacle by means of insults and persecutions, while at other times you associated with people who were treated this way. For you sympathized with the prisoners and cheerfully submitted to the violent seizure of your property, because you know that you have a better and more permanent possession. So don’t lose your confidence, since it holds a great reward for you.
Hebrews 10:33-35
Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place! Everyone who uses a sword will be killed by a sword.
Matthew 26:52