Is there anything that Jesus said that EXPLICITELY endorses violence in the form of war?

Question

No. Which means people like George Bush cannot actually be Christian...

Answer 1

It's amazing how many of the fools here have ignored the initial question and extrapolated far too much. Faithful Atheist is immediately guilty on that account. One has nothing to do with the other and I'm ashamed to lumped in with them as an atheist. [At least one of us has a brain, and it's not FA.] Also, because Jesus doesn't say anything against it IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF the use of violence. Jesus didn't have fanny packs in his time, but if he did, no one could say whether he'd endorse them or not; the point is moot. There was war in Jesus's day and considering the importance of war to the world, you'd think he might have had something to say about it (which may have been erased from history being that, you know, war was the status quo as much then as it is now). The point you are obviously trying to make is that Jesus would not endorse war because he was - supposedly- a man of peace, and his modern day Fox viewing followers DO endorse war. Thus, in effect, such followers are not follwing the example of Christ and therefore have no right calling themselves Christians. Yes, they are hypocrites. That is nothing new.

Answer 2

Trying to determine the condition of another person's soul is the REAL meaning of "Judge not," not the scapegoat for bad behavior passage it has been used as. Be careful here.

Certainly there are Christian sects like the Mennonites who disavow violence of ALL kind, but there is an even larger group who sees scripturally that there is a time for peace and a time for war. There are times that war is necessary. Even scripture shows us this. Most Christians do not believe that Christ intends his people to be doormats!

Likewise, there is nothing Jesus said that EXPLICITELY condemns violence in the form of war. In fact, He spoke of future wars. In doing so, he spoke matter-of-factly and not in either an approving or disapproving manner. Just a fact of history.

Answer 3

Yes, and b4 I get on with my explanation, I am 1 of the thumbs up to Faithful Atheist. Whatever we might disagree on, apparently we agree on defending our families. Praise the Lord (excuse me) and Pass the ammunition!!

Now, then, Jesus never spoke explicitly of common sense did he? He DID speak in parables, so the reader will have to define "explicitly".

1) Like it or not, since the dawn of time (another subject) our world in which we live IS a world governed by the aggressive use of force. Therefore:
a) the ONLY reason you and I have the freedom to sit at our keyboards and have this pointless little discussion is that there are rough men ready to do violence on our behalf.
b) Are you familiar with the SECOND verse of our National Anthem? In case no, I'll hum you a few bars: O thus, be it ever, when FREE men shall stand, between their lov'd ones AND THE WAR'S DESOLATION? Please refer to a).
c) Remember those parables? Mat 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man and then he will spoil his house.
d) I therefore submit that our nation is the house, and our Army is the strong man.

Jesus never spoke explicitly AGAINST war, and the Bible DOES SAY that we have been given knowledge of ALL things we need to know: 2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.
Luk 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath NO SWORD, let him sell his garment, AND BUY ONE.
Luk 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, IT IS ENOUGH.

I should also make the point that Jesus NEVER CONTRADICTED ANYTHING in the Old Testament:

Ecc 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; A TIME OF WAR, and a time of peace.

Whether or not you call yourself a Christian is immaterial; do you believe in self-defense? What do you think happened on September 11, 2001? Do you think any of the perpetrators cared whether YOUR relatives were in those buildings?
Do you have anything in your life worth fighting for? You are in serious need of growing a set. Nevermind George Bush, worry about your own sorry (three letter word for donkey)

Answer 4

I really don't think the President's religion has much to do with the current war(s) in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Afghanistan was because that's where the terrorists were hiding.

Iraq? Most folks don't pay attention (or they got distracted by WMD) but Iraq was invaded because Hussein did not abide by the terms of the cease-fire that ended the first Gulf War. Clinton excersized the right to re-engage hostilities several times. Bush excersized that right (signed by Bagdad) a little more enthusiasticly. The only thing that surprised me is that it took 10 years.

Answer 5

Well, I disagree with your line of reasoning. First, just because Jesus never explicitely endorsed anything does not mean much. Second, Christians believe in the rest of the books of the NT too.

So, your reasoning is flawed, but your conclusion is pretty much true.

I could be wrong, but according to his actions, I submit that Bush is not a real Christian, but one who uses his religion to get votes from Christians and sound good.

Answer 6

The people to whom Christ addressed his message, the Jewish community of which he was part, was living under the yoke of the Roman Empire as second-class citizens. There was no need to address any issues of warring or fighting, per se; unlike, Muhammad, who came from a brutal, vindictive, anarchic, blood-thirsty society where clans fought each other at the drop of a hat.

As for Christ's intentions and thoughts about war, I think second-guessing him, which is saying what he means when he didn't say it, is YOUR opinion, not his. Justifying war based on Christ's teachings cannot be substantiated and is mere conjecture. Making assumptions based on what he didn't say is again mere conjecture, conjecture to justify personal agendas.

As for presidents and paupers, it is not for us to decide whether or not they are Christians, unless they tell us, no matter how tempting, but we have the right to judge anyone's behavior on ethical grounds.

Answer 7

If Christianity did no longer exist they does no longer have wrote or reported those issues. they could have chanced on yet another excuse to do it. They have been for sure ill interior the top. you ought to argue the religion made them do it, for this reason spurring their violence. yet shall we face it, this replaced right into a terrible occasion you used. shall we no longer overlook the Spanish Inquisition, a gaggle of Christians who burned human beings on the stake and stoned and hung human beings for no longer believing their ideals. Or the Crusades, the place Christians and Muslims killed eachother over the comparable flippin God. those issues make no experience once you contemplate them. you are able to blame faith or no longer, yet people are revolting creatures. If there's a God, he does not love us, and at last we are going to all purely be smited.

Answer 8

Is there anything that specifically prohibits it?

No. The Catholic Church states that defensive war is permissable.

The enemy has clearly stated his intentions: Defeat America, force America to submit to Islam. Islam is satanic. A war to defeat the forces of Islam that seek to enslave YOU and ME is permissable. And you, my friend, are a useful idiot for the enemy.

Answer 9

No, but He didn't speak out against it, either. Why do people try to drag politics into religion and vice versa? And how do YOU know President Bush isn't a Christian? I don't think anyone knows his heart except for himself and God. I prefer not to judge him, or anyone else.

Maybe he has good intentions, or maybe not. I don't know.

Answer 10

Many times! Try this one:
Revelation 19:15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.