Pacifism

[CrashDogStrives]

The more I read the gospels the more I feel that I should never do violence against another person. Especially if it is only for war. I don't understand how killing and violence falls under the command to love everyone. Even if someone is attacking me, should I not just turn the other cheek?

Always,

Crash

[Ann]

Hello Crash
This is a question that no one can decide for you. You need to pray it through and study God's word and hear from Him on this. Many sincere Christians are pacifists. Many other sincere Christians serve in the military of their country and do so as unto the Lord.

There are many Old Testament passages showing that God led His people to fight and fought for them. We know that Jesus does not want us to seek reasons to quarrel but to walk in peace as far as we are able to make that choice and yet just before the He was taken to be crucified he told his followers "But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. "Luk e22:36. This is one of the scriptures that causes ma personally to believe that there are times when it is appropraiate to use force and fight.

[grandpa]

:) Hi Crash: Mizz Ann's answer is 'Right On'. I have read your question and have had to think about it for a few days. Your Post is about 4 lines long and contains questions and thoughts that people have pondered since recorded time began. A certain point is that no one can give you a few hard fast rules that will apply to all situations. I had Jury duty about 5 years ago and the question was asked to the jury pool. Has any one had a family member affected by violence?? More that half held up their hands. It is geting so that all must be continuously aware that someone can and may hurt you or kill you. I really think that our Lord Jesus wants us to stay as safe as possible. Do not go looking for trouble, but if it comes---Try to stay alive. I agree totally with Mizz Ann that if it takes Force and Power to stay alive, Do what you must to preserve your life. Law inforcement cannot be every where all the time. In addition--Pray that the Lord will keep you safe. Agape. Grandpa. :D :cool:

[CrashDogStrives]

But what about the verse about turning the other cheek? That seems like it would directly apply to the reality of someone hurting me, and my desire to respond with violence. I can't picture Jesus doing violence at all. I can see him maybe running away from an attacker, but I can't see him kicking butt.

Ann: Not to debate, but I don't see how that verse brings death to pacifism. The greek word doesn't just simply mean "sword." It also means a large knife used for the cutting of animal flesh, as when used for preparing a meal. Jesus isn't saying "arms yourself." In the verse before he reminded them that they didn't need the essentials before, but that they soon will. Hence him saying to purchase a knife used to prepare an animal for cooking. It kind of foreshadows him going to the cross.

[Ann]

Hello again Crash
As I said before this is a matter of personal conviction in the Lord.
However I can't quite see the word "machaira" in this context as a carving knife. I realize that the Greek word can have that meaning but take a look at the way it is used elsewhere in the gospels: Matthew 10:34 I come not to send peace but the sword. Matthew 26:47 Judas came with a great multitude with swords and staves, Matthew 26:52 They that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Somehow those verses would just not say the same thing if sword were replaced with carving knife I come not to send peace but a carving knife just does not work. For a more complete look at NT uses of "machaira" see Strong's Concordance on line at
http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/strongs/1017839731.html

I just can't picture Jesus running away from anyone or anything. I know there were times when He just passed out of the midst of a mob but to most people running away has the conotation of fear and Jesus did not operate from fear. If you want to see Him displaying righteous indignation with vigor (aka kicking butt) take a look at John 2:15. But Jesus usual mode of operation was to speak with assurance of His absolute authority, the same authority by which He created the world and the spirits and the winds and waves and even death itself obeyed Him. And I will certainly agree that is how I would like to be too. And we can be if we will as He did speak only what we hear the Father say, not sometimes but all the time and learn the power of our words. John 12:49 & 50,