Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have to turn “ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--- a man’s enemies will be members of his own household.’
-Mathew 10:34-36
Within Christian theology Jesus is often depicted as a staunch pacifist and I will agree that he was peaceful. Where I am lost is the many places in the Bible where Jesus speaks of using force/violence. The above verse being one many examples. Was Jesus really a pacifist or did he condone the use of force?
2007-06-21 09:55:30 · 15 answers · asked by Yahoo Sucks 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Matthew 10:34-36 is one of many examples of Jesus speaking of using force. I'm not suggesting he a violent person but there is a difference between being peaceful and being a pacifist. Jesus did demonstrate aggression with the money changers at the Temple.
2007-06-21 10:13:59 · update #1
Jesus was never a pacifist. The trouble is most people only see Jesus as a baby in a maneger or on a cross dying.
He is now the second most powerful creature in the universe. His own kingdom was given him by God's power. He is the one slated to wipe earth clean of wickedness. That means people will die who love this old system of things.
After, his kingdom will rule earth as it should be. He helped create us in the first place and was one of us for 33 years. He knows us and cares and has the power to shape things up.
2007-06-21 11:52:12 · answer #1 · answered by grnlow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Using the sword was a metaphor - many of the early fathers fo the Church spoke about doing violence to the passions - also a metaphor - strongly rejecting them.
Jesus did not come to bring peace - He came to bring us salvation!
He does turn a man against his father and daughter against mother, etc. When someone decides to follow Jesus, their family is not always for it - some parents reject their children when the become Christian - in early Roman society if your son rejected the gods and became a Christian it was a disgrace and you would reject him.
Even today - how many parents (who aren't believers or who are atheists) would like it if their children accepted Christ into their heart - or entered a monastery - think about it, the scriptures are not that far off here.....
2007-06-21 17:03:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus did come to bring peace - "not as the world knows peace, but My peace..." This speaks of a personal, internal, contentment, not political or military peace. It is the same kind of peace as spoken in Luke, "peace on earth and good will toward men on whom His favor rests."
Yet, Jesus was not really a pacifist in the way we understand pacifism. He not only stood firm against the twisted dogma of the Pharisees, but He also turned over the money changers tables for turning a fat profit on selling sacrificial animals. He never condemned war, per se, but he did not condone unnecessary violence or selfish vengeance.
This is why He rebuked Peter when he cut off the ear of the Centurion. Peter's action was not going to change what was destined to take place - as often, Peter was running on his emotions. Yet, I believe that if Peter was physically defending someone, He would not have been rebuked.
In the passage you cited above, this speaks of the potential choice between doing God's will or catering to one's own family. For example, first century Christians were often slaughtered for their belief - even being turned in by their own family members. Yet, they stood tall in the Name of Christ despite how their families treated them. Certainly, I do not hate my family members, but they will not override my love and dedication for God.
I hope this made enough sense to shed a little light.
Good day!!
2007-06-21 17:16:11 · answer #3 · answered by TroothBTold 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first time he was here, He brought the message of Peace and Love and how you could enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He was a lamb. However, He also speaks about those who mock him, disbelieve and won't accept Him as their Savior. When he returns a second time, it will be to take vengeance on those who did not care that He died for us in a most cruel and hideous way. He will return as a Lion. Hope this helps, thanks and have a great day!
2007-06-21 17:03:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What Jesus is telling us is really of what is to come in the last days, of which we are already living in. He is giving an example as to how society and families - will become. Mostly, that unity will be broken. Look around in your community, in the media, and we are already seeing these words come true. And yes he did come to bring peace through him to those who believe in Him and whose hope of eternal life is Him, eventhough we will have troubles and struggles here on earth, our hope is we will see and live in peace when we go to heaven!
2007-06-21 17:11:12 · answer #5 · answered by JY 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You miss the meaning in context. He doesn't perform an aggressive act of his own. The results of people reacting to him and his message results in families being divided over him. Also, look at this from the Jewish perspective. Some in a family believed he was the Messiah; others did not, and division and strife results.
2007-06-21 17:04:15 · answer #6 · answered by Hogie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll find varying opinions on this, but recall that Jesus used force to drive out the money lenders in the temple. He's not as meek and mild and controllable as people might wish.
2007-06-21 17:02:54 · answer #7 · answered by uncannydanny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quoting Jesus--"I come not to bring peace but a sword"--
Most of Jesus' words were parables and symbolic in nature. He was not speaking literally of using a physical sword. He was not on the planet to make prison conditions better ... he was there with the key to liberate those from the prison of the mind, that they might be liberated and ascend in consciousness.
2007-06-21 16:59:00 · answer #8 · answered by MyPreshus 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jesus did not come to bring peace, he came to bring Salvation. Though I believe he wants peace for us but alass accepts it is our choices that keep the world in turmoil.
2007-06-21 17:09:33 · answer #9 · answered by ogphatboi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will turn person against person for His sake, that they might love Him more than all other things.
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’[ 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
2007-06-21 17:02:21 · answer #10 · answered by Isis D 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋