2006-09-27 07:33:17 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"Blessed be the peacemakers"
2006-09-27 07:36:15 · answer #1 · answered by Commander 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because Jesus' teachings are hard to follow ("unrealistic", "unscientific", "not real life" etc.) some Christians "justify" self defence or protection of others including war, which Christ did not.
A number of the world’s "religions’" and philosophers’ wisdoms have been the basis for our "rules of conduct".
If we look at what most of those wisdoms have in common we find that the qualities of compassion and forgiveness are the most prevalent recommendations for “human” behavior in all the serious “religions”.
Unfortunately, they are not easy to incorporate in our “normal” life. So we look for – and find! – the “loopholes” and use them to justify (= make something unjust appear “just”) our deviations from the basic message.
Jesus said that the two “first and foremost commandments" are: to love God, our creator, with all our being and above all "things', and to love our neighbour – even if that neighbour may be our enemy! Those two are the basis for all other laws. Any interpretations deviating from those two are invalid.
Anybody who does follow those two laws (no matter what “religion” or “denomination”) will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Trouble is we don’t. We are NOT perfect. That’s why we have the various “religions” and “denominations”, to accommodate OUR various views on what is “good” and what is “evil” according to OUR OWN interpretations instead of listening to Christ’s words, THE TRUTH.
Just imagine! If all Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Sihks and Jews would willingly (not because they have been told) act out of compassion toward the "others" (as they were taught!) there truly would be peace on Earth!
As someone put it: Love (as in compassion and forgiveness!) is the answer - whatever the question!
2006-09-27 15:03:44 · answer #2 · answered by fresch2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon the warfare. The Bible speaks of warfare, in the past, and in the future. These include both spiritual warfare and physical warfare.
As for today, there is no justification to be found in either the teachings or the conduct of Jesus Christ which could reasonably lead anyone to conclude that man's wars can be reconciled with Christian teachings. It is impossible to follow the Prince of Peace and engage in or justify carnal warfare.
Hannah
2006-09-27 14:38:24 · answer #3 · answered by Hannah J Paul 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being a christian is being christ like. War is defined as a state of prolonged, armed, conflict carried out between two groups. The message of Christ is one of peace. Am not sure what you heard but all I read about Jesus is about encouraging us to be at peace with eachother, demonstrate understanding, forgiveness, patience, goodness. You know, I always used to wonder why christians I met seemed so peaceful even when I felt more advantaged than them. It must come from their demonstrating these beliefs.
Religion, however, does mess things up. I don't even want to go there.
2006-09-27 14:40:54 · answer #4 · answered by jackbauer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We do not have to. Self defense and pre-emptive war for the purpose of self defense is already part of the scriptures, which Jesus supported.
The prime example is when God told the Israelites to go into Canaan, defeat the Canaanites and take the land. If they did not fight, and just tried to move in and live there, the Canaanites would have killed them. The Canaanites had lost their right to live in the land through grievous sin.
2006-09-27 15:12:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Big Daddy,
I don't try to justify war for the sake of proving my Christianity to anyone. Jesus never did say, " Go to war, and you will not be saved."
I wonder, how are you versed on history. Because I have a theory; That those that are somehow thinking that Christians are not supposed to be in armies just have no information on history. I don't know what it is they read, IF they read, but to come anywhere close to what you are saying, you HAVE to be totally ignorant about history. Either that or dense beyond the norm.
What do you think?
2006-09-27 14:38:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Actually there is words from Jesus calling for defense. However, the Pope has called to an end to violence, so I will not share these to stand by the call for the end to violence.
2006-09-27 14:37:50 · answer #7 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well since the bible tecnically wasnt written BY Jesus... I can use the bible to justify the need for war at times...
2006-09-27 14:35:58 · answer #8 · answered by Heather 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Jesus said that he came not to abolish the Law(the old Testiment Laws) but to fullfill them... the right to defend ones self is still valid. and that alows defence against any enemy to the extent needed to eliminate the threat. Individuals my band togather to defend against a common enemy.
2006-09-27 14:38:59 · answer #9 · answered by IdahoMike 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They twist things aound to better suite them. thats why theres so many sects of the christian faith.
2006-09-27 14:37:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋