I am very confused when I hear "devout" Christians talking about how much they want to invade this country or that country. Their support of the Iraq War confuses me most of wall. Why not rise above such senseless violence?
Note: I am not claiming that all Christians support war. This isdirected to the many that do.
2007-09-28 08:27:25 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Biblegod loves death, blood, genocide, slavery and mayhem.
Just read the Bible and see for yourself.
2007-09-28 08:38:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question begs the question: You ask, "Why not rise above such senseless violence?" But calling the violence "senseless" is your personal opinion.
I agree that some of the violence in Iraq is senseless: namely, the violence of those who are resisting the new government. They are killing not only soliders but countless civilians who are only trying to go about their daily routines.
The Iraqi people overwhelmingly expressed their support for the government by showing up to vote by the millions. What was it, a 90% turnout, even under the threat of violence? Therefore those opposing the new government should let the people's will be done. If they had, we could have been out of there long ago. Let's put the blame where it's due.
In short, the Americans are not randomly targeting Iraqis, the Americans are targeting those who are randomly targeting Iraqis.
But to answer your main question, non-violence is not mandatory, because it's necessary to fight evil. A Christian can choose to allow *himself* to be attacked, and turn the other cheek. But if, for example, a defenseless child is being attacked, a Christian has the *duty* to fight the attacker.
Also, we have the duty to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, nurture the sick, etc. Sometimes the best way to do those things is to fight the forces that are causing people to be hungry, naked and sick in the first place. Such fighting would not be senseless.
2007-09-28 08:38:40 · answer #2 · answered by Agellius CM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The christian religion is based of peace full intentions that is true. However, indifference in the face of evil is considered sinful. For example, the man who simply watches as another innocent man is murdered has sinned. The greater good would be for the man that is watching to end the life of the attacker. I'm not making a political statement, I think all war is terrible. I also think that some wars are unavoidable. Would you be asking the same question in the times of Hitler. I'm not comparing this war to that one, just pointing out the holes in your question.
2007-09-28 09:05:45 · answer #3 · answered by irish398 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Justice ( not vengeance ) always played a factor in the bible . In the old Testament God gave power to the Jews to defeat those that condemned them . When Bin Laden Bombed us . We had to retaliate . How do you let something like that go away . Jesus said to turn the other cheek , this is true . But this was to fellow man . We have the right defend ourselves . As a Christian , If you attack my neighborhood and hurt many , It is Justice to fight back . I would not turn the other cheek if I saw my wife being attacked either .
2007-09-28 08:37:09 · answer #4 · answered by Suicide642 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nobody should like war, Christians should avoid war, but with that said, I don't believe for one second that this Country would still be free, apart from defending that right of freedom. To defend yourself from annihilation seems far less sinful than to stand back and let your freedom be plucked away. I am sure the times that God required Israel to go to war was not something the Israelites were jumping for joy over, but it was necessary for survival.
2007-09-28 08:46:36 · answer #5 · answered by Gregory D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus utilized violence in the temple when the money changers defiled it.
I don't use that example as an endorsement for war, but there are times when righteous anger justifies the use of force. Example- You catch a bully picking on a weaker person and the only way to make him stop is a good punch in the face.
2007-09-28 08:30:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Actually, most do not condone this particular war, myself included, but I one am glad christians don't believe in being doormats. I'd hate to think of what would have happened to Europe if the US and Russia hadn't decided to get involved in WWII.
2007-09-28 08:31:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If there was a Jesus, then he would most likely condenm all those who wage or condone war. But since jesus is a invention of Man, to bolster their frail and scared egos it's a question of personal interpretation.
2007-09-28 08:37:34 · answer #8 · answered by You make Kitty ANGRY !!! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Violence is a necessary evil because you have to defend yourself, your family and your country.
If the war in Iraq is moral that's another story.
2007-09-28 08:37:56 · answer #9 · answered by carl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, it confuses me too.
But then, how many Christians are really trying to live their lives the way Jesus taught? I dont' see much compassion or understanding coming from many of them...
2007-09-28 08:31:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just read the bible and the words of Jesus concerning love, now it's a different matter to really practice what Jesus spoke about loving your enemy.
2007-09-28 08:39:10 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋