How can christians support war and the death penalty when jesus taught to love your enemy?

Question

i am always amazed and confused how people think the way they do...

we as a people are action packed......

jesus laid down and was slaughtered by his enemy.....

he did teach this.... total submission,,,

Answer 1

You can love your enemy, you can forgive an enemy. But Jesus never said to lie down and be slaughtered by your enemy.

Answer 2

He also taught violence can be necessary when clearing the temple...

He also taught that we are all subject to laws and their accompanying punishments/rewards. If a lawful government says "Go to war," then off to war we go. If a lawful government says "Murder and you will be killed," then I'd suggest you avoid committing murder.

He also taught there are things worth fighting and dying over. After all, he died for each of us and he fought against Satan.

He also taught that those who harm any of God's children would be better off if they had never been born. Wonder what he really meant by that one....

He also taught that diverting responsibility away from the doer is NOT love, that being able to escape the rewards of our actions is NOT part of His plan, that some acts are so heinous there is no hope of redemption.

Much of this may seem contradictory, but there are many types of wars, many types of death, and many types of people.

If you believe that war is not compatible with Christianity, then register as a conscientious objector. If you believe that the death penalty is incompatible with Christianity, work within your local community and state to abolish it through legal and legitimate channels.

Remember that final judgment is God's purview, not ours. Allow those who hold views different from your own to embrace those views. Live your life up to your own ideals and standards, not those of others. I believe God is the only one who really knows what is in our heart and mind and that's why He reserves final judgment for Himself.

Now, for a different slant - we all live under a death penalty. None of us are getting out of this alive. So death is really just a transition to a different existence. Some of us are going to be happy with that next step. Some of us are not going to like it.

Answer 3

I, sir, am a real Christian. I support the death penalty, I support the right to own guns, and I support this war. I find it amazing how non-believers will point to "love you enemy" but criticize the rest of the teaching of the Bible.
Jesus did say love your enemy. He also said he that is without a sword let him sell his cloak and buy one. He also said render unto Ceasar the things that are Ceasar's. He also said he that lives by the sword shall die by the sword. He also said to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Those that say Jesus was anti-war, I would suggest that you read the book of the Revelation. Jesus comes back to lead the Armies of Heaven in the Battle of Armageddon. For those that believe he was anti-death penalty, again read the Revelation. He punishes those that didn't believe in him by casting them into the lake of fire.

Answer 4

Jamming has been called "psychological terrorism." Remember how the Soviets used to jam the signal when Radio Free Europe would broadcast behind the Iron Curtain? Today "jamming" literally means silencing your critics or opponents by attacking and intimidating them. Fair, unfair, it doesn't matter – you attack the other side any way you can to get him to shut up. American policy debate is full of jamming.

If you criticize any of America's self-appointed black leaders like Jesse Jackson, you risk being called a racist. And of course, most people fear being called a racist more than they fear their own death. Say anything critical of the radical illegal immigration activist agenda, no matter how well-intentioned, and you will be attacked as a bigot and a racist and a hater. No real debate is tolerated. Criticize the government for astronomical spending on social programs, and Sen. Kennedy will excoriate you for being uncaring, mean-spirited, and for hating old people on fixed incomes – and very likely being a racist, too. That's jamming.

You are one of the best "jammers" around....congrats

Answer 5

It's simple. Xtians spew their religious tenets when it is convenient and suits their agenda. Xtians believe Jesus has given them MORAL AUTHORITY to tell us religion/god free folk how to live our lives. It's easier to be a godbot than it is to actually *think* for yourself and come up with REAL solutions.

PS - Xtians are hypocrites of the highest caliber.

Answer 6

David L had a good answer, Plus I doubt you have read the Bible at all but Jesus trashed the temple when he found out it was being used by pagans for business

Answer 7

He was not speaking of an enemy that was desiring to kill you. The new testament does not stand alone it must be taken as an addition to the old. The old sets the rules for government and the new for the person.

Answer 8

NOT ALL CHRISTIANS SUPPORT THE WAR OR THE DEATH PENALTY GO TO CHURCH AND U WILL SEE HOW WE PRAY TO STOP THE WAR AND THE DEATH PENALTY... AND THE BIBLE DOES SAY LOVE UR ENEMY AND IF UR A TRUE FOLLOWER U WILL SEE THAT WE DO LOVE OUR ENEMIES.... GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO DON'T UNDERSTAND GODS WORDS...

Answer 9

Jesus rebuked one of his disciples who drew his sword and cut just an ear off of one of the Roman soldiers when they came for Jesus in Gethsamane. I believe it was Peter. This was done in Jesus' defense. What WOULD Jesus say about killing an innocent man who never attacked America? (Saddam)

Answer 10

Easy....Jesus is the ideal no one is expected to achieve. Christianity teaches we are all sinful creatures, and that we must repent constantly. What's a few more sins added to the list?