I have observed with great interest the continuing debate between the disparate religious groups on here. To take one example:
The Christians and the Muslims. Mutual apostasy, blasphemy whatever you like to call it. The various arguments/threats from either camp seems incapable of placating or convincing the other. Surely this is an impossibly unbearable situation for both. I have read that in both your scriptures that it is valid, obligatory, (demanded even!) of you that you be prepared to literally fight and die to defend YOUR beliefs against unbelievers. Christianity has a long and honourable tradition of martyrdom and persecution in the name of its faith. Islam is no stranger to fighting holy wars in defense of the Prophet (PBUH) (past and present). The logical answer to this intolerable situation is obviously to stop hiding behind placards or dissing each other in chatrooms, and get out there and fight the good fight for the right! No doubt GOD will be on the winning side!
2006-11-27 16:08:37 · 9 answers · asked by troothskr 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
hold up, isnt it the 5th commandment (i can never remember the order) that says "Thou shalt not kill"? so no the bible doesnt teach christians that they should fight holy wars and kill people who attack christianity, hell Jesus himself healed the bloke who had his ear chopped off when he came to arrest jesus (if ur a believer).
but im all for good entertainment so tell me what channel itl be on :)
2006-11-27 18:43:43 · answer #1 · answered by Mark H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You write with candor and in an articulate manner.
You cite Ecc. which needs to be taken into the context of the entire passage i.e. a political not faith section. It is also OT.
As you note, Christians tend toward martyrdom. It has often been grieviously misused as justification for trade wars (Crusades) and rapine (Cortez). Persecution, however, is not part of the NT or Christian doctrine per se.
It is difficult to suggest God will be on the winning side since we are seldom willing to see beyond our side. God's timetable also tends to be somewhat elongated by our standards. Thus - to the Jews immense discomfort, God chose heathens such a Nebuchnezzar and Cyrus to defeat God's people and destroy their culture. God's will certainly be on the winning side, but spilling blood to find out which side is presumptious.
2006-11-27 16:16:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must not have fully researched Christianity because there are no commands to wage physical war for your belief in the New Testament. Even granting that many professing allegience to Christ in centuries past have waged war in His name does not nulify the remaining fact of Christ's own words, "Bless those who curse you, pray for those who persecute you." You have correctly observed that Islam, as it's own Quran will say, indeed commands literal war against non-believers. But that is an easy observation. Whenever people make erroneous judgements against Christianity or the Bible without varience it is due to insuffucient research.
2006-11-27 16:16:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The killing that God allowed in the Old Testament was to cleanse the land of people who did not worship Jehovah God [ Exodus 3;13-15, 6;3] . He did not kill national groups that lived in peace with the early Jews/Israelites.
When Jehovah god sent his only son, Jesus to earth...for us...there was no more mention of killing. Only forgiveness. Even Jesus replaced the cut off ear of the servant on the night he was arrested. Matthew 26;51...Mark 14;47...Luke 22;50,51...John 18;10,26
2006-11-27 17:47:50 · answer #4 · answered by pugjw9896 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sadly, people have always taken their scripture as an excuse to vent their hatred and show their agression.
If there is such a thing as a creator God, then it is difficult to imagine him or her enjoying the spectacle of whole armies of us killing each other for 'religious' purposes.
I prefer Buddhism, with its preference for harmlessness and compassion.
Jon C
2006-11-27 20:18:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
brilliant wouldn't that stop the arguing once and for all if one group of fanatical relgious fools killed another group of them ..... did you ever consider that maybe neither of them is the right path .
on the other hand I think the followers of many other relgions would be filled with the utmost joy if this occured because once all the christains and muslims are gone no one will persecute them for their beliefs
2006-11-27 16:16:34 · answer #6 · answered by harro_06 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the bible never instructs Christians to kill for their religion. that is a belief of certain Christians, but is not one of the teachings of Jesus.
2006-11-27 16:18:18 · answer #7 · answered by Raul D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Excellent!
*grabs sword*
Where do we meet?
2006-11-27 17:48:48 · answer #8 · answered by jinz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As you said: NO DOUBT!
:-)
2006-11-27 16:27:05 · answer #9 · answered by ThomasR 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋