Christians, what would you say to someone who says that the Bible endorses violence?

Question

Namely the Old Testament. Do you truly think that it is in any way comparable to or gives legitimacy to Muslim violence today? I have my own view on this but I want to hear what you all have to say. 10 points to the best, and most easily understandable answer.

Answer 1

I have to say I've wondered the same myself. I've concluded that on the whole, no, the Bible does not endorse or approve of violence as a legitimate means of dealing with non believers as such. Here's why:
First of all, although God did at times order the the Isrealites to fight certain specific battles, he never gave a blanket approval for violence of any kind. In fact, one of the Ten Commandments is Thou shalt not kill. And later, in the New Testament, Christ specifically said not to repay "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," but to turn the other cheek. And of course, he carried this out to the extreme at his crucifixion, accepting all the physical, and verbal abuse and praying for forgiveness for his tormentors.

Answer 2

There is a peace that is only to be found on the other side of war.

In Old Testament times, God spoke with an audible voice to a quantity of people, including about the takeover of the promised land. There is no comparing that to extremist, brainwashed Muslims and their random killings. Jews and Arabs are descendant from two half-brother, the first of which is the "Son of the Promise". It's been sibling rivalry of a particularly violent kind between them ever since, involving other nations who pick a side.

On the other hand, I certainly don't approve of the so-called Christian Crusades either, and don't believe they were ordered of God. Jesus was the sacrifice that appeased God's anger against the sins of mankind. We are to win people for his Kingdom through love, not violence.

Answer 3

I would say that they are right. I can tell you near nothing why God either poured His wrath out on a people or commanded a war in which no one was to survive on the opposing side. I believe there were good reasons it's all part of having faith in Him. That includes having faith that He does the right thing at the right time. Now, through the Blood of Jesus forgiveness and long suffering have replaced extermination as the rule of the day.. I praise Him I was created during this time and not the other... Jim

Answer 4

Here is the problem. The Old Testament often espouses violence, although generally as a punishment for a sin. The violence more often comes from God himself but is often allowed by men as well.

for example an Eye for an eye, the taking of the firstborn in Egypt, the red sea closing in on the Egyptians, Lot's wife etc.

However, it is my understanding that the teaching of Jesus in the New testament trumps the rules and values of the Old Testament.

"Love thy brother as thyself"
Turn the other cheek
Judge Not lest ye be judged. etc.

However, if one is to argue that the old testament rules no longer apply because of Jesus, then one needs to abandon ALL the rules of the Old Testament, including the ones on homosexuality for example.

The real problem as many non-Christians see it is that Christians tend to Pick and choose which laws of the bible they see fit to follow.

For example, most of the dietary laws are not followed by modern Christians.

Another is the idea of abortion violates thou shall not kill, but the death penalty is justified because of the eye for an eye thinking.'

so here you are with a poor answer. For some yes the Bible endorses and justifies violence, and for some it does not. Just as the Koran does and doesn't at the same time as well.

Answer 5

Violence isn't a recent occurrence. Most people looking for a Messiah during the Biblical era weren't looking for a peaceful Messiah. Most believed that the Messiah would lead them to a violent revolution; many men stepped forward to claim to be their Messiah, and most failed in this revolution. Take it as you will, but the people during those times were desperate.

The world is a very violent place, and although many don't agree with Muslim violence, I for one believe that as long as the US fights as "ONE NATION UNDER GOD" we have no room to contest the Muslim views. They are following their religion just as we are following ours.

An Islamic martyr is no better than a Christian soldier trying to what he feels is right. Religion is used far too often, i.e. the Crusades, Spanish Inquisition, etc as a reason to fight.

Answer 6

Whether it's less or more than Muslim religion shouldn't matter sweetie, it's still violence regardless.
But clearly, the Old Testament isn't a walk in the park or bouquet of roses, so I won't say it promotes violence, but there's a lot of it in it.

Answer 7

The Bible must be taken as a whole rather then isolating paticular passages to suit ones agenda. Taken as a whole the Bible does not endorse violence. The Bible shows the heroic qualities of mankind and also the most terrible qualities of rape and murder and all sorts of sins. Yet despite this all the old testament points to the Messiah that being Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ turns the other cheek and answers the absurd amount of violence visited upon him with heroic LOVE.

A love that overcame sin and death. A love that cause St. Paul to say "Death where art thy sting?". 1 Corinthians 15:55

Jesus Christ answered all that was vile, violent and sins of every sort with heroic Love. By his Love and ressurection we to can put our trust in him and be with him in heaven. As Jesus said himself "I AM the Way the Truth and the Life"John 14:6

Jesus said as well "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil [men]."Luke 6:35

Jesus basically answered the violence and all kinds of wickedness with Love. In a way God showed us through the old testament that by our own strength we are really unable to do good. Yet by the power of the Holy Spirit sent by the son, Jesus Christ we are more adept at being good. God himself is the only one capable of making us good. Goodness and old testament prophesy is fulfilled in the God/Man Jesus Christ.

Look at Saul from the Acts of the Apostles he is a violent zealot like 'extremist Muslims' (I do not put all Muslims under this bracket just violent extremists). Saul believes he is right in his endeavours to wipe Christians off the face of the earth for the Glory of God and sincerely believes this is his mission from God in his confusion. However, when he encounters Christ who is LOVE itself his life is transformed. Instead Paul becomes a fearless apostle of LOVE. Who is killed himself for spreading this message of love.

The Bible points very clearly and conclusively that the only answer to hate and ill will to God and man is Love.

Answer 8

The middle east has been in upheaval for thousands of years.You don't need the bible to know it's true.

Here's my question.Are you going to commit suicide just because you listened to Ozzy Osbourne's song Suicide Solution?

If you are of sound mind and body,I certainly would hope not.I can't answer for the wrong doings of the past,present,or future for anybody.The Muslim's fighting now are using it for political gain,and to radicalize the laws they live under.There is nothing "holy" about what they are doing.It might have been at one time,but it's went overboard and they have lost control.

As far as the bible is concerned,the truth does hurt sometimes.

Answer 9

The Old Testament violence came from God.

The Muslim violence comes from men.

Answer 10

Jesus is the encapsulation of the old testament, and since JESUS is love,than , no, the Bible does not endorse violence.

Jesus is the truth, the way and the life!

"Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One"

(Shema Yisrael Adonai eloheinu Adonai ehad)