Is Christianity A Religion of Peace?

Question

Many of us who are not in touch with everyday Muslims are told how Islam is a "religion of peace." Since the same media brings us images and rhetoric of radical Muslims advocating terrorism and participating in horrific violence, many are given pause by the conlficting messages.

Certainly a religion of peace does not advocate violence. The is true about Christianity, right? Jesus was martyred rather
than using force or violence. He is hailed by his followers as
the "Prince of Peace." So, is Christianity a religion of peace?

If so, should we be given pause by Christians who endorse or engage in acts of violence?

Answer 1

Christianity and Islam are both religions of peace. However, they originated in exceedingly violent times when morality was much, much different to what it is today.

It is easy to cherry pick verses which when taken in isolation appear to make a religion look violent and intolerant but that doesn't tell the whole truth. If you adhere to a religion then you read it all and you understand the underlying threads - to live morally, peacefully and lovingly. Anything else is mere window dressing.

Of course, I'm an atheist so what do I know?

Answer 2

The Big Three organized religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) are NOT "religions of peace". The Hindi's and the Moslems have been fighting each other in and around India forever, so I guess the Hindis aren't all that peacefull. The Buddists are ususally pretty peacefull, but they've been fighting with the Communists and other religious groups in China and all over southeast Asia for decades. I don't really think that "peace" and "religion" have anything to do with each other. Matter of fact, peace and people don't have much to do with each other. The concept of peace is pretty much an individual thing.

Answer 3

The religion itself advocates peace, but like all organizations, what is advocated for is not always followed. Many earlier leaders in the Christian faith decided that they wanted to extend their influence by whatever means was necessary. If violence was required to obtain the wealth and influence they coveted, they freely embraced it. Unfortunately, these early leaders started a trend that continues today.

As religious people with morals I feel we have a duty to speak up when others advocate violence.

Answer 4

The world is a dangerous place to live in; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it. – Albert Einstein, refugee from Nazi Germany

People have been asking what the EDL is all about, what does it want to achieve, how will it achieve those things?

Well now the English Defence League has a Mission Statement……

(1) HUMAN RIGHTS: Protecting And Promoting Human Rights

The English Defence League (EDL) is a human rights organisation that was founded in the wake of the shocking actions of a small group of Muslim extremists who, at a homecoming parade in Luton, openly mocked the sacrifices of our service personnel without any fear of censure. Although these actions were certainly those of a minority, we believe that they reflect other forms of religiously-inspired intolerance and barbarity that are thriving amongst certain sections of the Muslim population in Britain: including, but not limited to, the denigration and oppression of women, the molestation of young children, the committing of so-called honour killings, homophobia, anti-Semitism, and continued support for those responsible for terrorist atrocities

Answer 5

It is supposed to be. But the reality is that it is not always practiced that way. The same could be said about other religions.

The fact is that Christianity can be as peaceful as the people want it, if they really follow the teachings of Jesus.

But it can be a religion of hate, if they allow some of their leaders to continue getting away with the promotion of discord and intolerance. That is why many Christians have abandoned traditional Christian churches, to become "nondenominational" and some (like me) have opted to follow a more tolerant path like Paganism.

Answer 6

From what I understand there is a newer, radical, form of Islam, in which Muslims are told to destroy all Christians and Jews and everyone of a different belief (I read all of this somewhere, but I can't remember where). But yes Christianity is a religion of peace, a Christian would not take place in or endorse acts of violence except for self-defense. Jesus is the Prince of Peace :)
GOD BLESS.

Answer 7

In principle it is, for Jesus did not fight wars, did not kill nor advocated hatred or killings. He even forgave his killers. It's a pity to say that lot of so called Christians did the opposite (in the past and present).
Thankfully it doesn't label itself (not yet).

In the case of Islam, I would be cautious to label it "religion of peace". True or not, but the general perception is the opposite at this moment and this will continue for a very long time.

Answer 8

Well, Jesus instructed his disciples to sell all they own and buy a sword, but he also said those who live by the sword die by the sword. Jesus also said Give Unto Ceasar What Is Ceasars and if asked by the Solider to Carry Their Packs 5 miles Carry them 10 miles. Hence, Jesus was not a "Conscientious objector."

Jesus was the be the last martyr, the last sacrificial lamb. We are not supposed to share that fate.

One has to balance it all out.

In ABSENCE of a CEASAR or SOLDIER you are to only draw your sword if required and then try not to hurt one hair on the head of your opponant, only put the fear of God into them with your skills as a swordsman.

When Cesar and Soldiers apply, you are to follow them in their worldly requests, which can even include killing. But you aren't supposed to like it or embrace it as a way of life.

Your duty to God is spiritual. Your duty to man is material.

Being a martyr is not something God nor Jesus expects from you for dead men don't spread the word.

Being forced by man to do things is not in your control. There is no FREE WILL.

Christians are not violent, man is. Christians must follow their teachings that include dealing with man.

Answer 9

Apples and oranges. Violence in the Middle East has dominated world news for decades. At some point one must "call a spade a spade".

Answer 10

If you truly follow Jesus, then you will be peaceful as He was. Many Christians do speak out against those professing to follow Jesus yet committing horrible offenses. The Bible actually tells us to and that we will know them by their fruits.

May God Bless you.