Category Archives: Pacifism

Pacifism: How I’ve Got It Figured

I don’t think I’m through with the pacifism posts, but I’m sure I’m through for now. I have some other things that are itching to get out of my fingers and onto the electronic page — and we’ve pretty much … Continue reading

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Pacifism: A Hypothesis and a Question

I’ve been pondering the martyrdom side of the pacifism question. Many of us have been assuming that Christians are called only to non-violent resistance when confronted with possible martyrdom. Some would argue that a Christian may use necessary force for … Continue reading

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Pacifism: “If you don’t have a sword … buy one.”

(Luke 22:35-38)  Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. 36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; … Continue reading

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Pacifism: The Sermon on the Mount, Part 5 (“An eye for an eye”)

(Mat 5:38-42)  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other … Continue reading

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Pacifism: The Sermon on the Mount, Part 4 (“But I say unto you …”)

After declaring that he does not intend to abolish the Law and the Prophets, Jesus begins to show the deeper meanings of the commands given by God through the Law and the Prophets. (Mat 5:21-26)  “You have heard that it … Continue reading

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Pacifism: Swords Into Plowshares

Twice the Old Testament prophets announce that a day will come when men beat their swords into plowshares — (Isa 2:1-4)  This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2 In the last days the mountain … Continue reading

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Pacifism: The Sermon on the Mount, Part 3 (fitting the Sermon into the Story)

Before we try to interpret the next part of the Sermon, we need to fit the Sermon into the larger story of the Bible (“story” does not mean fiction). God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden, a special place … Continue reading

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Pacifism: The Sermon on the Mount, Part 2 (Blessed are those who are persecuted)

Even though Jesus announces the coming Kingdom in terms of prophecy, he adds an astonishing twist — (Mat 5:10-12)  “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when … Continue reading

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Pacifism: Jeremiah on What Is Just and Right

Jeremiah was a prophet of God who wrote from Judea shortly before God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to destroy Jerusalem and the temple and take the Judeans into Babylonian captivity. The book contains many warnings and contains some powerful prophecies of the … Continue reading

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Pacifism: The Sermon on the Mount, Part 1 (Blessed are the poor in spirit)

At last I get to the central prooftext of many pacifistic arguments. The Sermon on the Mount is notoriously difficult to interpret, for many reasons. One reason, of course, is Jesus’ pithiness. He uses so few words to make a … Continue reading

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