I think a discussion of Christian pacifism would be interesting. From my research I understand that Christians were unanimously pacifist before the time of Constantine. Here's my take: When Christianity was declared the one official legitimate religion in the Roman Empire, many Christian values were lost, including pacifism. Conquered people were declared "Christian," after being herded through "baptismal waters" at spear-point. Christians from the original church were killed by the Roman gov. for refusing to serve in the military. Here are some good verses on what Christ and the New Testament writers said about nonviolence: "love your enemies" Matthew 5:44, "Turn the other cheek" Matthew 5:39, "walk the extra mile" Matthew 5:41, "Heap burning coals" Romans 12:20. Each of these verses suggests methods of non-violence resistance. Here are some good videos: best one: Such a Thing as 'Just War?' Shane Claiborne - YouTube
another: The Effect of a 'Just War' - Shane Claiborne
Perhaps one of the best testimonies against Christian involvement is the effects war has on soldiers: PSTD, etc. Here's a song about PTSD by Charlies Daniels "Still in Saigon" - YouTube. Consider checking out the statistics on PTSD sometime, it seems to me that perhaps, even the MAJORITY of soldiers on the front lines of our wars, right now, have some level of PTSD syndromes. Non-violence HAS been used successfully: in India, led by Gandhi, to take back their country from the world's most powerful empire at the time, by Martin Luther King, in South Africa, etc. How can Christians continue the cycles of violence and allow structural violence to exist? This world needs a better way. So that's my take on this issue. What do you guys think? What you agree/disagree on? What questions you on this topic? Do you believe the US has ever been in an unjust war(s)? What makes a war just? What if your enemy also says that God is on his side (this has happened in many of wars throughout history)? I am eager to discuss with you, debate, answer, and ask questions. I come from a Mennonite/ Anabaptist (NOT anti-baptist lol) prospective:Anabaptist - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
another: The Effect of a 'Just War' - Shane Claiborne
Perhaps one of the best testimonies against Christian involvement is the effects war has on soldiers: PSTD, etc. Here's a song about PTSD by Charlies Daniels "Still in Saigon" - YouTube. Consider checking out the statistics on PTSD sometime, it seems to me that perhaps, even the MAJORITY of soldiers on the front lines of our wars, right now, have some level of PTSD syndromes. Non-violence HAS been used successfully: in India, led by Gandhi, to take back their country from the world's most powerful empire at the time, by Martin Luther King, in South Africa, etc. How can Christians continue the cycles of violence and allow structural violence to exist? This world needs a better way. So that's my take on this issue. What do you guys think? What you agree/disagree on? What questions you on this topic? Do you believe the US has ever been in an unjust war(s)? What makes a war just? What if your enemy also says that God is on his side (this has happened in many of wars throughout history)? I am eager to discuss with you, debate, answer, and ask questions. I come from a Mennonite/ Anabaptist (NOT anti-baptist lol) prospective:Anabaptist - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
