Non-violence and the military

[Equites_Christi]

My friend asked me, “Since Jesus taught to use love and not violence, why do christian nations have militaries?” I told her that it is for self-defense because not everyone follows the non-violence rule, but she keeps saying Jesus never taught self-defense. I tell her that it is common sense, but she doesn’t seem satisfied with it. How can I get though to her and show that self defense and the teachings of Christ are compatible?

 

[porthos11]

My friend asked me, “Since Jesus taught to use love and not violence, why do christian nations have militaries?” I told her that it is for self-defense because not everyone follows the non-violence rule, but she keeps saying Jesus never taught self-defense. I tell her that it is common sense, but she doesn’t seem satisfied with it. How can I get though to her and show that self defense and the teachings of Christ are compatible?

I could find no evidence from the Bible that Jesus was a pacifist.

Luke 22:36. “If you do not have a sword, go sell your cloak and buy one.”

Matthew 10:34. “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

 

[helenhelen]

Was Jesus speaking figuratively , warning his followers to be prepared for his absence? And was he not bringing peace, but a sword, meaning the word of God?

 

[porthos11]

Was Jesus speaking figuratively , warning his followers to be prepared for his absence? And was he not bringing peace, but a sword, meaning the word of God?

Nope. He meant that he was going to cause division.

And there’s no figurative meaning to “sell your cloak and buy a sword”, and saying that two swords are “enough.” It’s a clear endorsement of self-defense.

 

[joandarc2008]

Not only that but I wonder if someone could help me where it talks about our obligation to defend others. I have a strong sense that in some situations, i.e. a holocaust, ethnic cleansing, dictators that troture and imprison, we have an obligation not to turn a blind eye. I was just wondering if someone could give me a couple of good verses for this.

Thank you and God bless,

 

[Sam_Maloney]

John 18:10, maybe.

I’ve always found it interesting that in John’s version, Christ doesn’t condemn Peter for having or drawing his sword. Instead, he indicates that Peter cannot interfere with God’s Will: Jesus will drink the cup the Father has poured for him.

To me, this indicates that John felt that deadly force wasn’t out of the question, though Matthew may have thought otherwise.

 

[Ender]

Not only that but I wonder if someone could help me where it talks about our obligation to defend others. I have a strong sense that in some situations, i.e. a holocaust, ethnic cleansing, dictators that troture and imprison, we have an obligation not to turn a blind eye. I was just wondering if someone could give me a couple of good verses for this.

CCC 2265 Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for someone responsible for another’s life. Preserving the common good requires rendering the unjust aggressor unable to inflict harm. To this end, those holding legitimate authority have the right to repel by armed force aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their charge.

Aquinas ST II/II 108 1 ad 2 The good bear with the wicked by enduring patiently, and in due manner, the wrongs they themselves receive from them: but they do not bear with them as to endure the wrongs they inflict on God and their neighbor. For Crysostom [Cf. Opus Imperfectum, Hom. v in Matth., falsely ascribed to http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08452b.htm”]St. Crysostom ] says: “It is praiseworthy to be patient under our own wrongs, but to overlook God’s wrongs is most wicked.”

Ender