Much ink has been spilled over the past few years over whether or how much the Koran advocates violence to achieve it means. Some Muslims argue that the references to jihad must be taken in context and constitute a "spiritual battle." Most Christians - especially the more conservative ones - aren't buying it... But few of those same Christians are willing to deal with our own passages from the Bible that can be construed to condone or even advocate violence. And I'm not just talking about the Old Testament, but quotes from Jesus himself.
Take Matthew 10 - Jesus is sending his disciples out to the towns of Israel to preach the gospel message that the "kingdom of heaven is at hand" (v10:7). He then gives instructions on what they should and shouldn't take along - and warns them of the coming persecutions on his account. But then we get to v34-36. Jesus states: "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth... but a sword." What does this mean? How do we reconcile this with the Beatitudes - esp v9 that says "Blessed are the peace-makers"? How can Jesus advocate making peace at one point - but bringing a sword at the next? Is this where the UN got the idea of calling heavy combat troops "Peace Keepers"? Or the Army nicknaming a Colt .45 a "Peacemaker"?
Jesus follows this statement with another: "For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household." Now earlier, Jesus indicated that it was those opposing the gospel that would turn against the Christians - but here - it's not that clear.
So what do these statements mean? Is Jesus calling for violence in his name? Or is he simply saying that violence will break out - as people oppose the gospel message? I believe he means the latter - that he is not instructing the Christians to engage in violence - but is warning them that they should be prepared for the violence of others against them. This does not preclude defending one's self - but I think Jesus would certainly look down upon initiating an attack.
So does Jesus ever condone violence? I don't think he does from a Christian perspective - although he indicates that violence will definitely be a part of this world - until the End of Time - when he returns and sets things aright again.
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The blessing of enlightenment carries with it the responsibility for making a decision. Those who are privileged to hear the gospel of the Truth must, either purposefully or through inaction, decide to either accept or reject that Truth. The decision, of course, will have profound consequences.
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). The gospel of the Truth is something that, once heard, cannot be lightly regarded.
And more people have probably died in the name of, or for the cause of religion than for any other cause. And it continues on this planet even to this day.
How ironic, therefore, that the teachings of our Lord are directed at, and for the purpose of peaceful relations between men. We are to honor our parents, love our enemies, and treat others as we would desire to be treated. And, unless we become as little children, we shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. And yet our world, our nation, our society, our cities, our neighborhoods, and even our families are far from such a peace. How can it be? Why is it such?
Perhaps God even asked himself those very same questions, once. "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart" (Genesis 6:5-6). Looking at the world around me, and listening to the evening news, I have to wonder, how much has really changed? And I fully realize, were it not for the controlling influence of the Holy Spirit, it would be much worse.
Opposition to the Truth can come in many forms. Ben mentioned Islam, although he did not say that it directly opposes Christianity. I believe it does, as do other forms of religion. But their opposition is obvious, and external. Not so obvious, and not external, are such subtle things as allegory, liberalism, and apathy.
When Jesus sent His disciples out, "as sheep in the midst of wolves," He was starting to build His church. Our responsibility now is to prevent it's collapse. And the greatest danger is not from without, but rather from within. Far too many Christians have never taken up "the sword," the gospel of the Truth, that Jesus brought with Him. Far too many Christians yeild to the pressure exerted on them to be tolerante, inclusive, and non-judgmental. Far too many Christians "look the other way," or simply become apathetic when faced with family or friends who are engaged in sinful or immoral behavior or lifestyles. It's the old saying, "it's easier to get along, if you simply go along."
But Jesus warned us against this very behavior. If we love our fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters more than we love Him; if we are not willing to bear the consequences of our convictions, then we are not worthy of Him. "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glority God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear" (1 Peter 4:16-17)? Righteousness and obedience to God begins in the heart of every true believer, and extends outward. How far they go depends entirely upon the actions of the individual believer.
It is sad to say but, our actions today, as Christians, if true to the gospel of the Truth, will be offensive to many; family, friends, and even some liberals now within the church (members of our own household). And we, as Christians have yet another decision to make. Do we take up our cross and follow Jesus? Or, do we not?
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