The Bible and war

Question 1

Describe what war was like in the OT

Answer 1

• War was very important and Israel called God to fight with them
• God engaged in war against those who opposed him and on behalf of his covenant people
• Kings Saul and David both had standing armies
• War was brutal and Israel would slaughter their enemies to the last man
• God warned his people about relying on military strength and going to war unless directed by God

Question 2

Describe the NT concept of war

Answer 2

• Warfare is seen as a spiritual battle against evil - culminating in a final battle led by the messiah
• Paul said that believers needed to prepare for conflict against the forces of evil
• Jesus refused to use military power and taught ideas of righteousness and peace, to love enemies and resist revenge

Question 3

State Romans 12:21

Answer 3

‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’

Question 4

Give three quotes from Jesus that advocate for pacifism

Answer 4

• ‘All to take the sword will perish by the sword’
• ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’
• ‘Love your enemies, do good to those that hate you’

Question 5

Why was militarism a common view in the ancient world?

Answer 5

Because Kings and Emperors would gain glory by winning wars

Question 6

How does the early OT approve of war?

Answer 6

Abraham, the founding father of Judaism, is described as winning wars and being blessed by the priest king for his victory

Question 7

How does God encourage Abraham’s descendants to engage in war?

Answer 7

They are instructed to attack the tribes settled in their promised land. God commands them to do things like kill civilians and enslave women and children

Question 8

Who become the leaders of Israel after the Jews settle in the promised land?

Answer 8

Judges (warriors) that fight battles with the Philistines. God grants them victory when they are faithful but punishes them with defeat when they are disobedient

Question 9

What was King David’s rule based upon?

Answer 9

Military force

Question 10

How does the OT’s view on war shift after David?

Answer 10

The focus is more on self defence and less on launching wars of conquest and extermination. Prophets increasing look towards a time where war will end (Isaiah)

Question 11

What do OT prophets picture the messiah as doing?

Answer 11

Ushering in an era of peace

Question 12

Who did the Jewish people live under the military rule of during Jesus’ lifetime?

Answer 12

The Romans

Question 13

What did the Zealots propose in the NT?

Answer 13

A violent revolution to drive out Roman occupation

Question 14

When does Jesus use violence?

Answer 14

When clearing the temple of money changers and animal traders

Question 15

Why do some Christians view the cleansing of the temple symbolically?

Answer 15

They see it as representing judgement day

Question 16

Give a quote from Paul where he advises against revenge

Answer 16

‘Do not repay anyone for evil’ (Romans 12:17)

Question 17

How does the book of revelation discourage war?

Answer 17

Describes terrible wars taking place before judgement day, but shows faithful Christians praying for God’s intervention rather than taking part

Question 18

What did most early Christians refuse to join?

Answer 18

The Roman army

Question 19

What did early Christian thinker Origen say?

Answer 19

That Christians should not go forth as soldiers but should still pray for the Roman army to win battles

Question 20

What did Tertullian say about the role of Christians in war?

Answer 20

‘Only without the sword can the Christian wage war: for the Lord has abolished the sword’

Question 21

What did Clement of Alexandria say a soldier who had converted to Christianity should do?

Answer 21

Give up your job or risk being rejected by the church

Question 22

Why is Christian tradition not completely incompatible with military service?

Answer 22

Because there are military saints like Saint George

Question 23

What did the Constantinian shift mean for Christian militarism?

Answer 23

Christianity was now the official state religion of the Roman Empire and so Christians had to fight in its armies

Question 24

How can the Bible be seen as presenting pacifist ideals?

Answer 24

Militarism gives way to defencism which gives way to pacifism

Question 25

How can the Bible be seen as presenting judicial ideals?

Answer 25

It presents the world as a fallen and sinful place where war is inevitable. Christians are required to protect the innocent and combat evil and sometimes conflict is necessary to do this.

Question 26

Why did the constantinian shift represent a disaster for pacifist christians?

Answer 26

Because it turned Christians away from strict pacifist ideals by forcing them to accept the necessity of war.

Question 27

Why was the Constantinian shift positive for judicial ideals?

Answer 27

It put Christian ideas into practise in society. The RCC continues to support the just war theory. Catholics argue that they are working out how to apply Jesus’ ethics to an imperfect world

Question 28

What did Pope Urban II declare in 1095?

Answer 28

Crusades against the Muslims ruling in the Middle East. He promised Christians who died in battle would immediately go to heaven. They would last until 1291

Question 29

Why were the crusades so damaging?

Answer 29

Most historians estimate that between 1 million- 3 million people died. They have also contributed to 21st century terrorism by poisoning the relationship between Christians and Muslims

Question 30

How did Francis Bacon defend Holy Wars?

Answer 30

• Spreading the Christian faith
• Saving persecuted Christians
• Recovering lands and Holy sites that used to belong to Christians

Question 31

How do Christian militarists reconcile their ideas with Jesus’ teachings about pacifism?

Answer 31

They say that these teachings apply to people’s personal lives, but not how Christians should treat organisation or countries