Different Christian opinions towards war Flashcards
Why are Christians pacifists?
Today many religious organisations such as the Quakers and Pax Christi endorse pacifism as they believe war is pointless and endangers innocent lives. This is the reason why some Churches are fully pacifists including Plymouth Brethren.
Pacifism 1
On the Sermon on the Mount Jesus teaches that we should not fight against evil but turn the other cheek. Christians think this means that they should not take part in wars.
Pacifism 2
Jesus tells us to love our enemies. By this, some Christians believe that they should never be involved in any conflicts.
Pacifism 3
Jesus promotes Pacifism as he arrested St Peter as he prevented him from using violence. This is shown in by how Jesus says “Put your sword back in place because for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
Pacifism 4
The fifth commandment says “thou shall not murder” showing Christians should have no part in wars.
Pacifism 5
In conflicts weapons of mass destruction have resulted in the deaths of millions such as in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. This is why some Christians believe that war is never just.
Just Wars 1
In all kinds of Christian churches, they say that all Christians can fight in wars for a just purpose.
Just Wars 2
In Titus 3 and Romans 13 St Paul says Christians should obey the government even in the terms of warfare. This means Christians can fight in conflicts.
Just Wars 3
Jesus accepts people being soldiers as Jesus never condemned them and even commended the Roman Centurion for their faith in Luke 7.
Just Wars 4
Police exist to protect the vulnerable and in the same way during conflicts forces can protect people who are targeted.
