Much debate has been made among Christians in order to explain why God seems to have endorsed the wars waged by the Israelites when they left Egypt and settled in Canaan. Despite the few theories that I have been exposed to, perhaps the one that seems to convince me the most is that based on the anthropological mode which, in a few words, suggests that for that time period and locale the issue of taking ones life was not a matter of right or wrong, but rather an act of sacrifice to the deity. This was the common view for Ancient Near Eastern person, but think in mass destructions in those terms is, in my opinion, still quite a stretch.
Jesus however, rebukes every act of violence. Here some examples: In Matthew 5:44 Jesus instructs, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of you Father in heaven and in verse 39 he says if one strikes you on one cheek, turn him the other also. It is reasonably to believe that early Christians sought peace and were not very supportive of military engagement or allegiance. That early view changed more drastically after Constantines conversion and later rise of Christianity as the Roman State religion under Theodosius.
I could still go a long way, but before that, I would like to request your opinion on the issue of the wars of the Old Testament. How do you interpret them and how does it apply to our world today meaning how can we engage in a war and believe God is endorsing it?
Appreciate your comments!
Jesus however, rebukes every act of violence. Here some examples: In Matthew 5:44 Jesus instructs, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of you Father in heaven and in verse 39 he says if one strikes you on one cheek, turn him the other also. It is reasonably to believe that early Christians sought peace and were not very supportive of military engagement or allegiance. That early view changed more drastically after Constantines conversion and later rise of Christianity as the Roman State religion under Theodosius.
I could still go a long way, but before that, I would like to request your opinion on the issue of the wars of the Old Testament. How do you interpret them and how does it apply to our world today meaning how can we engage in a war and believe God is endorsing it?
Appreciate your comments!