Pacifism has No Place in Christianity

What does the Bible actually say about violence? Does the New Testament conflict with the Old Testament on the issue of violence? How did the early Church deal with violence and war? There are a lot of misconceptions about violence in the Christian world, and this has been compounded by the enemies of the Church and their ruthless assault on Christian principles. Thus it is necessary to both examine the teachings found in the Christian Scriptures and to see how these ideals were taught and lived by the early Church to get some answers on this extremely important subject.

While these passages are not typically taught in churches today, the New Testament is filled with references to soldiers, war, and the sword. From Saint John the Baptist, to Jesus Christ, to Saint Paul and Saint Peter, to Saint John the Apostle, many references to wars and violence exist. Unfortunately, it seems that the only passage anyone ever refers to in regards to violence is Jesus' teaching regarding turning the other cheek. Many good and well meaning individuals have gotten stuck on a literal interpretation of this passage without considering the purpose of the teaching. Far from demanding pacifism, this sermon, and this part of this sermon, teach Christians simply to go above and beyond the call of duty in every aspect of their lives. Since most of us do not get slapped very often, a literal interpretation of the passage would render it irrelevant, but an understanding, especially in context, of the doctrine leads us to know that Jesus simply meant to do better and go above and beyond in our treatment of others, including not retaliating against minor offenses, but forgiving the offender. Nowhere is the message found to not defend oneself, or to fight and die for one's country, faith, and family.

The Apostles teach us that the sword in the hand of the government is a good thing, and Jesus taught His disciples to buy swords after He was gone--because the Christians were going to need them! David fought against Goliath for the very specific reason that the wicked giant had defied the armies of the living God. The Old Testament God and the New Testament God are one and the same, and the demands of the Old Testament God often included war.

The important thing about understanding the Christian perspective on violence is to seek after balance. The Christian worldview is a balanced worldview. As Solomon teaches: there is a time for war, and a time for peace.

A good, but a violent, Christian was not a perspective alien to the early Church! The writings of the Church Fathers reveal that they had already dealt with this issue in the very formation and beginnings of Christianity, and they approved violence in some instances. Men are warlike by nature, and both philosophy and theology are in perfect harmony when they demand that Man hone and direct his warlike energies into the defense of the good.