More wars and rumours of wars
What did Jesus really mean when He commanded us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48 and Luke 6:27-36)?
Does this mean that Christians should refuse to fight in wars? Paul seems to teach this too - we wage a spiritual war against all that is evil (e.g. 2 Corinthians 10 and Ephesians 6). The weapons of our warfare are not guns and bombs but compassion, prayer, praise, preaching and proclamation.
In the Early Church, up to the fourth century, almost all Christians believed killing goes against God’s laws of love, therefore Christians should not fight in any circumstances, but rather be martyred. Things became more complex when rulers and powerful people became Christians and Augustine developed the “just war” theory that many Christians have adopted over the centuries. The theory goes:
1) Jesus’ command applies to our private lives but we also owe a duty to the state and killing can be permitted if …
2) the war is for a just cause (e.g. state is under attack), and all other ways of resolving the problem have been tried first,
3) it is lawfully declared by a lawful authority,
4) there is a reasonable chance of success, and most important
5) the means used must be in proportion to the end that the war seeks to achieve. That includes innocent people and non-combatants should not be harmed.
One problem with a “just war” is that history suggests there has rarely ever been one. Wars in the last century and this have been “total war” - tragically most of the victims in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and DR Congo are civilians.
Another problem is that there is no indication in Scripture that our faith is merely private. In fact there are many indications that our love for God and for people affects every area of life.
This might seem very impractical though. If a nation does not defend itself, it will be a victim. We can’t expect the general population to act like peacemaking Jesus-followers.
Maybe the nation will fall victim to aggression. But there are examples of non-violent resistance working even against apparently overwhelming force. Ron Sider, who began Christian Peacemaker Teams, noted that non-violent resistance will lead to casualties but history suggests far fewer than violent resistance. He argued that if soldiers are courageous enough to fight then non-violent Christians must be at least as courageous. And we have the advantage of the Holy Spirit’s strength and comfort!
Eleanor Roosevelt said, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” We Christians have a better way: we can let Jesus, the Light of the World, be seen in this darkening world through what we do and say!
Whatever happens we have a win/win. If we succeed in defeating aggression through non-violent resistance, we win. If we are martyred for pursuing peace, or imprisoned for being conscientious objectors, we win in the end at the resurrection!
Please post any comments below - this is an important topic and Christians have some varying views so let’s have a loving, respectful debate!
See also previous blog posts:
‘The Myth of Redemptive Violence’ and
‘War in Ukraine - Does God take sides?’
- Chris Horton