Did Jesus make a mistake?

Question

I notice that a lot of people who call themselves christians seem to support bush's wars.

Yet Jesus said "But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you"

Can anyone explain to me how this can be?

Love and blessings Don

Answer 1

Simple, half of America is Ignorate. Yes Jesus indeed said that, but Americans what blood. And they will say anything to get it. It's a sad sad thing.

If everyone in history followed that simple belief and TRULY followed the bible, like we are supposed to, then the world would honestly be a totally differnt place. Those who claim war in the Name of Christianity are NOT true christians

Answer 2

I agree with you 100% on this because we should all condemn war of any sort and seek peace.

There has been much war in the past between the Christian and Muslim nations that both are not likely to forget anytime soon (unfortunately). Perhaps also the nations supporting terrorist attacks say directly that it is a strike at the western way of life (founded on Christian principles). Bitterness is probably the largest cause of Christians supporting this war (remember the muslim considers the christian a mortal enemy and they will not be punished for killing a christian or infidel but will still be given their place in heaven). While muslim teachings do not encourage violence it does not help that some interpret this differently. Many Christians feel that is too hard to love someone that you feel hates you, and IT IS HARD but they should still be loved.

We'd all hate to see another radical fundamentalist dictator take over Iraq. This is why I think the time has passed for the military to be there and now its a time for diplomacy to be there! US and Bush still have a lot to offer but they need to start trying to get the Iraqi people to taker care of themselves. We could continue to baby them but they may just become further dependant and they would never advance as a country.

Answer 3

I don`t know what to think about everything thats going on, but I notice, a lot of people are worried about the things going on in the world today, Its a feeling that is in their spirit, that this is the time of the end, I know everyone is talking about it, I also know Jesus said there would be wars, and rumors of was, But when you see the abomination, of desilation, know that it is NEAR even at the DOOR. You know I don`t understand, why those that don`t believe in God, can go through everyday life, as though nothing is happening, can they truly NOT see that the Bible is being fulfilled? or do they just not read, or care? Don`t they wonder, WHAT IF THEY ARE WRONG, AND THERE IS A GOD< AND A HELL, I Mean what do they have to lose? But if their wrong, And im sure they are, they will have hell to pay, OMG thats so so sad.

Answer 4

Jesus made no mistake. He gave us some very good advice.
Problem is, advice like that is hard to listen to. Yes, it'll work in the long run. But who wants to be the sacrifice necessary to make it happen? No politician could EVER get away with that! Can you imagine the fun Democrats would have at Bush's expense if he actually followed Jesus' instructions??? He'd be impeached within a week! Something about separation of church and state...

Answer 5

I was going to say this isn't the forum for politics but, alot of what goes on today has to do with religion or morals so I guess maybe this is a valid question. but, to answer you --no Jesus did not make a mistake. They are under the belief that if they did not do something with this part of the world they are taking the chance that alot more people could die and they then would be committing the sin of omission, which is NOT doing something that you should have done.

Answer 6

How does Jesus' message you quoted correlate with war?

As Americans, we do love our enemies, we do bless those who curse us, we bring good to those who hate us and we pray for those who mistreat us and persecute us. But we will defend and protect our country and kick the rears of anyone who messes with us ... in a loving way of course. And blessings? Look at all the improvements since the war .... better food, better electricity and phone, voting.

Answer 7

He was teaching us the "forgiving" and "love on another". We must forgive those who have done wrong towards and not wish to anialate them. Basically, he's telling us to do good despite how great the evil is, for there is a slightest chance that such goodness and purity of kindness can warm the heart of a cold-blooded enemy. Also, we are all brothers and sisters in God's eyes, so we must love, care, and forgive them as we would to family. Lastly, the meaning of this all is to form a balance peaceful relationship with other only with love and not war.

Answer 8

I may be wrong but think Jesus is calling us to a personal responsibility to respond to the persecution of ones self with an attitude of love toward those that would persecute.

Nations are responsible for protection of the weak and oppressed. Jesus never told us to shirk that responsibility.

Answer 9

I have to agree with many of the others. I think one can do all the things Jesus is alleged to have said in your quote and still defend oneself against aggression. (Not that Bush's war in Iraq is about repulsing aggression.)

I honestly wonder if Jesus would have turned the other cheek to someone wielding a spiked club, or would he defend himself, subdue his attacker, and then, once he's down and no danger to anyone, try to reason with him? We can't judge this by the story about Gethsemane, since he supposedly knew that his being taken was all part of some grand plan.

Answer 10

The Bible is a big book - 31,143 verses in it. You take one verse out of the whole thing and think you have a handle on what Christianity is all about? Read some more of it and you will see that God has given authority to governments to wage war against evil and to protect our home families, and country. It also gives authority to government to put to death murderers. There is a lot in the Bible and you need to read a little more before you can consider yourself an expert on what Jesus taught.