Does Christianity Cause Wars?
I see this posted a lot in threads, and wanted to explore the idea. It may be true, or not. For example, it has been said,"I have seen "Your religion (Christianity) causes so many wars." It is stated as a fact.
I am wanting to gather some thoughts and information, and request you share your best example of a war that was fought out of Christianity, or based on it in any form.
Thanks in advance for what I hope to be a fruitful discussion. We could add, does it still cause wars, and if so how?Well I'm no historian, but...
There were the crusades, a series of religious was blessed by the Pope and the Catholic Church with the goal to restore Christian access to the holy lands.
While religion wan't necessarily what started WW2, it was Hitler's Christianity that was used by him against the Jews.
The religious wars began with overt hostilities in 1562 and lasted until the Edict of Nantes in 1598.
The European wars of religion 1524 - 1648
9/11 was religious according to Osama bin Laden ''The call to wage war against America was made because America has spearheaded the crusade against the Islamic nation, sending tens of thousands of its troops to the land of the two holy mosques over and above its meddling in its affairs and its politics and its support of the oppressive, corrupt and tyrannical regime that is in control.''I can't think of any of Christs teachings that would generate any war. I think they in fact inspire the opposite of wars, and if followed, would prevent wars.
They certainly should. I was raised as a christian and my children are being raised in the same manner, but when fundamentalism creeps in to any religion hatred follows. We may not like it but it has caused many wars and deaths in the past.
My point was, has Christianity caused any wars? The teachings of Jesus, are what Christianity is. When I see wars being fought, I can't ever tie a Christian teaching to it that supports it. It usually is political, or for some other gain, but not to carry out the teachings of Jesus. (Which again, is what I think Christianity is defined as.)
Without the teachings of Jesus, we would have no Christianity.I think you also hit on a point, fundamentalism. I will add to that, man made teachings that are not in line with, but added to, the teachings of Christ. I agree, it is the extra things that creep in that cause the problems.
You have no direct teachings from christ. Every bit of information you think you have about what jesus supposedly taught is from men that were born after jesus died.
Noone knows what jesus taught, or if he even existed.
But to answer your question, history shows that christianity has caused many wars.Jesus was a hippy, I am speaking of what Christianity actually "is." Your points are could be other threads, and I think they have been, about Jesus's teachings and historical existence don't necessarily apply here, because what I was saying is that the teachings we have say things in particular. Regardless of whether they are the exact as spoken from his mouth or not, we have them come down to us, and we have the gospels.
So while fair points and great discussions can be had on your points, my point was that is there anything in the gospels that supports or encourages wars in our world? Or in fact, does it encourage behavior that would in fact diffuse war minded people?There are verses that seem to promote antisemitism and other verses that seem to promote an "us and them" mentality against non believers.
There is no reason why these verses cannot be cause for someone to start a war.I am not aware of any Christian teachings like that, and don't know of wars that stem from that. Jesus, being Jewish himself, is not likely to support or even consider anti semitism. It would make him incredibly contradictory as well, which I don't find evidence for from my studies.
I thought I was going to have to spend ages finding all the verses for you but look what I found;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisemiti … _Testament
The belief that the jews killed god can cause some conflict amongst some of the more strong minded idiots.Maybe, for some extreme minded folks. Giving the benefit of the doubt for the moment, do you know of any wars that stemmed out of the crucifixion of Jesus, with that idea in mind, that it was somehow anti semitic or something?
I don't know of any specific reasons for any wars but the crusades are the most obvious wars caused by christianity.
Something about spreading the word and non believers being damned I think.Some of those were in response to the Islamic take over that Muslims were trying to do... It was in France I believe, where they were trying to stop that, and they finally succeeded.
That was the Roman Catholic Church mostly as well. Even they have revised their views on things like Crusades, (if I am not mistaken), as they found them to not be good things to do, lol.
When I hear "Christianity starts wars", I think most of those people must be meaning the Crusades.The Roman catholic church has the same book as any other christian denomination. How does revising views change a 2000 year old book?
You mean they chose which verses to ignore?They (The RCC) revised their views, because those views that caused those wars, are not supported by Christianity, even Catholic Christianity. Catholics actually have added books to their bible, and so it is different from other kinds of Protestant Christianity and their denominations actually. Still though, I don't think you will find any support for wars as seen in the NT or taught by Jesus in there.
Catholics, when in doubt, trust the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope and their traditions.Just to clarify - the Roman Catholic Church has not added books to their bible. They were the universal Church prior to the Protestant Reformation, when it was indeed the Protestants who chose to remove books from the bible.
The question was very simple "Does Christianity Cause Wars?" The answer is yes. Even if you ignore the the rest, the crusades is an undeniable war caused by and fought by Christianity, given that if there were no Christiantiy there would be no war.
Unfortunately, you are defining Christianity by its heretics if you judge it by those that fought wars. They had to act opposite of Christianity to do those things.
In other words, if Christianity had been followed as taught by Jesus, what it is, then no wars that were not to defend, and just for the sake of wars.Rad Man, how am I in denial? I am not challenging you, I want to see if it is possible I really am in denial. Show me how you are seeing me in denial?
I am not denying that the Roman Catholic Church and some other groups have participated in atrocious things over the years, especially millenia ago. I also understand atrocious things continue to be done by people calling themselves Christians.
It is true what you say about the Crusades but atheists erroneously try and point out that this is the reason why religion should be abandoned. Why should it? My faith has nothing to do with war as Jesus said those who live by the sword, die by the sword.
I do not believe anyone can say that Christianity is behind all the wars today. Sudan, Libya, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Iran, Israel, for example....Are they motivated by Christianity?For the first time Claire, I agree with everything you've said. All of it.
I for one don't think religion should be abandoned because some people need it. I've been asked many times "If you don't believe in God and Judgement what's stopping you from killing?" Clearly the people who asked these questions need to think they will be judged. They need to know they can't get away with it. These people are immature ethically and need help getter through life.Those people need a serious wake-up call. It's insulting to God that these people only are "good" because they fear judgement. They are revealing, in fact, that this is what they'd do if there was no punishment from God - or the law.
That's because Christians outnumber atheists by far.
Athiest make up 16-20% of the US population but less then 1% of the prison population.
The RCC has the same bible as the protestant churches do, excepting the fact that the protestants began to remove certain books (6 in total) around the time of the Protestant Reformation.
Oh, and Hitler is a good example, of a person that if a Christian, is a Christian heretic, using Christianity to gain support for his position initially, but acting totally contrary to Christianity to carry out his atrocities.
To a person looking at varying worldviews, maybe to see what is the best world view out there, what if he looked at Christianity as a religion that causes wars, when the opposite is actually taught from its Prophet or leader, Jesus. He didn't ever wage war. Do you see how he might get not only wrong information, but the opposite of the truth about Christianity if he believed the lies going around about it?
Judging by Hitler's actions, he acted like he would never have to meet his maker one day, or that he lacked a belief in any God. Anyone can use Christianity, and evil uses it for gain, while making it (Christianity) look evil.Hitler is a terrible example, but he is an example.
Radman, I agree Hitler is a terrible example of a Christian, and its only in these latest recent years, I actually see people saying he was some kind of Christian, when he is so obviously not. My point in that he was a GOOD example, is he is the worst kind of Christian heretic people have actually tried to use, to put down or reject or judge Christianity!
It doesn't get much more dishonest at the core, to suggest he was, and then we wonder why some people seem so deeply frustrated at themselves and others and lash out. We all know on a deeply intuitive level, that something VERY opposite of Christs teachings, were inspiring Hitler's choices. In fact, that "thing", is so evil, that it continues to try and distort a good thing, Christianity. Its really amazing.Hitler was an occultist who hid behind Christianity to garner support from the Germans. Bush Jnr said God gave him the go-ahead to attack Iraq when in fact he is a Satanist. So the problem is those who abuse religion and not religion itself.
You are attempting to disconnect all wars with religion or christianity. You can't rewrite history. You also don't get to say who is a christian and who is not. It's not your call. The fact is Hitler used his christian teaching to fuel his hatred for Jews. This is a fact, because it was written by him in his own words.
You also may not like the crusades, as do I, but you can't deny them. You can't change history.I think you are in denial about those who are evil using Christianity as a front and those who truly practice the teachings of Jesus. What is the Christian teaching? To kill those you deem inferior? Could you point out that verse in the Bible, please.
Let me just say that the teachings of Jesus was another matter. But the problem is with the rest of the bible and people can misinterpret the words and begin to hate. Hitler was a good example and so was Mel Gibson.
2 Chronicles 15:12-13 NKJV
Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; 13 and whoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.
Deuteronomy 17:2-5 NLT
When you begin living in the towns the Lord your God is giving you, a man or woman among you might do evil in the sight of the Lord your God and violate the covenant. For instance, they might serve other gods or worship the sun, the moon, or any of the stars—the forces of heaven—which I have strictly forbidden. When you hear about it, investigate the matter thoroughly. If it is true that this detestable thing has been done in Israel, then the man or woman who has committed such an evil act must be taken to the gates of the town and stoned to death.
Deuteronomy 13:7-12 NAB
They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth. But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them. You must put them to death! Strike the first blow yourself, and then all the people must join in. Stone the guilty ones to death because they have tried to draw you away from the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of slavery. Then all Israel will hear about it and be afraid, and no one will act so wickedly again.But these are Old Testament verses! Anyone who uses these verses as justifications for any evil doing is contradicting Jesus. Jesus never preached these things.
Matthew 5:18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Luke 16:17 It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.
Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
John 10:30 I and the Father are one.
The one who gave the ot and nt are same?Jesus didn't, but your God did if you believe the bible and if you believe Jesus and God are one then you've got a problem. I do agree Christians are not what they preach. Even Gandhi agreed "Oh, I don't reject Christ. I love Christ. It's just that so many of you Christians are so unlike Christ."
You're assuming that God is like He is depicted in the Old Testament. So either the latter is right or God has a split personality.
People just cherry pick from the bible for their own political gain. Why can't the predominate Christian war countries see that?
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."
Matthew 10:34Luke 12.53“They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Now wait for a barge of quotes with opposite meaning that they some how will nullify the above quotes.Do you know what figurative speaking means? Jesus presence on earth has caused division. Just look at these forums. He presence causes division between other religions even those family members who may not shall the same beliefs as each other.
Rad Man forgot to mention the genocide of most of the world's indigenous people. Done in the name of God to 'save' them. Of course, the motive wasn't religious, it was greed.
The real question is: why does Christian dogma lend itself to justifying these sorts of things over and over? One would think that a religion of love would make these kinds of justifications hard to get away with. That doesn't seem to be the case.Can you be more specific, though I think I know what you are talking about, and if there is one thing I have learned over the years, it is to not assume anything! lol
thanks, and then I will respond to your point after.."We come to conquer this land by his command, that all may come to a knowledge of God and of His Holy Catholic Faith; and by reason of our good mission, God, the Creator of heaven and earth and of all things in them, permits this, in order that you may know Him and come out from the bestial and diabolical life that you lead. It is for this reason that we, being so few in number, subjugate that vast host. When you have seen the errors in which you live, you will understand the good that we have done by coming to your land by order of his Majesty the King of Spain. Our Lord permitted that your pride should be brought low and that no Indian should be able to offend a Christian."
Pizarro, after defeating Atahuallpa, Emperor of the Incan Empire. The motive is greed, but the justification is salvation.
Christians used similar rationalizations all over the new world to steal land from the indigenous peoples. But this isn't a history lesson, is it? Surely the examples are too numerous and easy to locate to waste time with them here. I don't think Christianity causes wars so much as it justifies them. I still think the primary motive is greed, not religious intolerance.Hi Juice, I think its great to look over the history. My point in this thread is to make people think more deeply about these things, and what actually caused the wars so long ago.
You say, "I don't think Christianity causes wars so much as it justifies them. I still think the primary motive is greed, not religious intolerance."
Anyone that justifies any horrific acts, can not be practicing Christianity, especially when Christianity teaches the opposite of those things. It is a fact, that someone can say, "I am a Christian" then do horrific things. I see many people defining Christianity and accusing it for such things. I think that isn't giving a fair chance to a worldview that teaches peace, love and forgiveness at its core.
So we are left with how do we define things. Some have a motive for using the atrocious acts committed by Christians for their defining and often rejection of Christianity. I would encourage them to find better reasons to reject it than that, as Christianity itself, what it actually IS, is not a thing that encourages or wages war against innocent people. People do that, and I agree with you, greed can be one big factor, political, and any kind of gain.
Empirical tenets and human nature, a bad mix indeed.
Can you weigh in a little more? I agree though, we can look at what we see, and conclude things based on that. People, especially ones that do bad things, can and will say they are all kinds of good things, like "Chrstian" or whatever. If we don't have a definition of what it even is, how are people to test the religion or worldview?
My point is that for those wanting to defend their reasoning against Christianity will almost always define it as something negative, and not by what makes it what it actually is. This can be tested as well. If a person or group or country says one thing, then acts the opposite, and those actions are labeled by others as the thing they are acting opposite against, how is that behavior defining the thing they clearly are "not"? It doesn't, except that its a way to kind of cheat to put down for other reasons. (which there are plenty of really)
Would be curious to hear more of your thoughts also.If one cannot contest or question and opinions are evil, what is expected is obedience. The middle eastern religions are very dangerous in this way, they don't leave any room for progress and their minds stagnate into violence... It's human nature and it's not confined to religion, it's a global thing.
I believe that the injunction to proseletize (sp?) is part of the problem. Many members of Christian religious sects think that winning converts is everything. I think that Jesus just mean for us to use our innante good sense and conscience, not listen blindly to powerful leaders, religious or otherwise...but instead, religious leaders demanded obedience and became territorial...and there you go. So sad...and so primitive.
Jihad is not a Christian word. So why blame one religion? I'm not saying the "religion" of Islam or the "religion" of Christianity is the cause of war.
I'm saying, be objective with your questioning. That's all.Eph_6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
There is a war going on but not like what so many had posted about.
Christianity caused wars. Take the crusades: among other aims it was meant to counter the expansion of Islam, to retake the Holy Land and as a way to earn redemption and expiation of sins. The first crusade was launched by Urban II in 1095. The passion for crusades diminished, due partly to the reformation movement initiated by Luther, and may be considered to have ceased (at least the military campaigns) with a victory over the Ottoman fleet in 1571. But not without enormous losses of lives from both Islams and Christians.
No, people cause wars sometimes using Christianity as a mask. In the case of Libya and Syria, Christianity has nothing to do with military intervention.
Most wars are predominantly Christian countries and the greatest reason is in the name of God. A subhuman demon is much easier to kill than a fellow human being and the rich tooled religion and politic to create their power, as the historical song Christian soldier continue to marching as to war. Do we think everyone will work peacefully under one group Mha MMmmhhaa MMMMMHAHHAHA!!!!lo lol lol
In the beginner Man fought animals and other cavemen. Then Man created Religion and the Military. Then man created religious, politics mix with military.
Then Man evolve to a healthy sound reason of purpose to live by, starting with self.....to be continuedFunny, I always thought the Middle Eastern countries were the most violent.
Why would American having only 4% of the world population need half of the world's offensive war budget. With Russia they have 90% of the nuclear war heads and American has 26% of the world's Prisons
If that is not enough proof that America is the most violent nation on earth, I don't know what is?Just to add, America has 4 times the murders rate than Europe combined.
Then Japan ( per capita) is half of what Europe murder rate isAmerica was not founded upon Christianity. It is founded on Freemasonry. Obama doesn't justify war America has entered by doing it in the name of Christianity. Some of the reasons was 9-11, WMD, Gadhafi, Assad....what does Christianity have to do with that??
Well, according to Osama's own words he attacked because he was threatened by christianity.
That make sense, he is somewhat honest. yet frighten for his life being a puppet and all, maybe if I was in his shoes, I might be too
LMAO! Where did you get that nonsense from? Where's your proof he even committed 9-11?
I'll have to take his word for it, do you have PROOF he wasn't behind it?
The onus is on you to prove it!
Stanley Hilton was a senior advisor to Sen Bob Dole (R) and has personally known Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz for decades.
“This (9/11) was all planned. This was a government-ordered operation. Bush personally signed the order. He personally authorized the attacks. He is guilty of treason and mass murder.” –Stanley Hilton
"The hijackers left no paper trail," proclaimed FBI Director Robert Mueller on April 30, 2002. "In our investigation, we have not uncovered a single piece of paper...that mentioned any aspect of the Sept. 11 plot."
http://www.globalresearch.ca/articles/KUP310A.html
On June 5, 2006, the Muckraker Report contacted the FBI Headquarters, (202) 324-3000, to learn why Bin Laden’s Most Wanted poster did not indicate that Usama was also wanted in connection with 9/11. The Muckraker Report spoke with Rex Tomb, Chief of Investigative Publicity for the FBI. When asked why there is no mention of 9/11 on Bin Laden’s Most Wanted web page, Tomb said, “The reason why 9/11 is not mentioned on Usama Bin Laden’s Most Wanted page is because the FBI has no hard evidence connecting Bin Laden to 9/11.”
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php? … p;aid=2623
I was thinking about how the middle east, where Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize for increasing America war budget along with a man dancing with words.
The 9-11 might have been an inside job by GW Bush because he had most to gain, as the 9-11 gave him the highest polls than any President in American history, at Bush exit from President he had the lowest polls of any President and most dislike President ever. kinda like how Hitler won over the people in christian like nation Germany then became the most hated man in history. Hey, Bush was little Hitler
Can you ever imagine a non christian President ever getting elected or even a half Jew like Jesus ever getting elected for office?I asked you where you got the idea Osama attacked 9-11 because he was threatened by Christianity?
Bush had nothing to do with the planning and executing of 9-11. He just knew about it. It was Israel that was behind it.
I can see a Jew becoming president of the United States but not a non Christian. I am sure Obama is Muslim. If he said he was he'd lose a lot of support. I mean, the name Hussein says it all.His name is what he was given at birth. It has nothing to do with his faith.
You can see a Jew becoming president, but not a non christian? Jews are non christian. You are making no sense.Sorry, I meant to say I do not believe a non believer in any god will become president.
America had to kill Million Iraqi on their soil to prove to the world that killing is wrong. When no Iraq has been proven to kill on American on American soil.
Meanwhile the American people who are 85% christian take no responsible for their action. They use nuclear weapons on Iraq and Japan and they are the only one
If that is Christian honesty then shame on the Majority voters for this kind of kindness toward the middle east and mostly the brown skin countries of the world who America is at war with most.You are off point. I am asking you what wars now are done in the name of Christianity? Was it to please Jesus or to dominate the Middle East?
It is not being Christian that makes people vote for people like Bush. People of other religions and none believers did so as well. It makes them truly gullible and they were influenced by their outrage over 9-11. Anyone deemed to be Muslim was met with derision and even today.Of course, Christianity is entirely different from Christians, just like a mouse is different from a rat!
Two totally different species... Christians are one in the same with that which they follow, they make up christianity... Would it even exist without christians? Most definitely not.
According to Claire the only true Christians are those who think like her, others are satanists.
LOL They all say that and then in the next breath spout on about how many christians there are, therefore it is true.
Then they disown 99% of the rest of the so called christians.
Anyone that should etify the bible or the insane rantings of the like, are probably completely indoctrinated and there's little one can do... It's a case of accute indoctrinitis...
And she doesn't think her version of Christianity causes harm. Telling everyone that thinks even slightly different that they are satanic is a GREAT way to get alone? Rome will love you when you tell them the pope is in cahoots with satan.
Do you have no shame twisting my words around? Who did I call Satanic just because they don't agree with me?
But it is true that the Pope is Satanic.I don't disagree. It is prophesied. I can't quote it right now (my bad), Its 4:53am here and I don't have all my wits.
However, it may not be this pope. who knows...it may be. Hmmmm...food for thought.
No twisting words....be nice, people. Lets have adult conversations and intellectual dialogue. Disagreements are fine, but plain disrespect is BS.The Vatican itself is Satanic and those who don't go with that will be assassinated like Pope John 1.
I really want to continue friendship with you. We seem to be on the same page, and I think we can share ideas about our beliefs!
Assassination doesn't scare me. I know where I belong. I know where I'm going.
What if your wrong and end up in Hell
While the Jews was the correct answer to GodThen hell would be better than serving a God who tosses people into hell because they were ignorant.
Groups like Jews and atheist have more World religious knowledge than the the Christian groups. Which group should be toss into hell for their ignorance, because ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law and no body dose that better than the Christians
I was meaning ignorance about the truth about Jesus Christ, which no atheist and those of other religion possesses.
You are saying what most Christians believe, which is most people are going to Hell. You may throw in most people of the total world population for their ignorance of JC into HELL also.
How Loving and Kind of Yahweh to throw 10s of Billion of people who ever lived on earth into Hell. Yahweh is really HOTWhy do people insist on lying and saying things I didn't say. I did NOT say most people are going to hell. People do not go to hell out of ignorance.
The Vatican itself is Satanic and those who don't go with that will be assassinated like Pope John 1.
You don't believe Pope John quote -I am the light and the way,
Tell that to a billion people who believe that. Tell them the Pope is a fake Christian and tell them, you are the true light and the way and gain the power over him and continue the fight to the end of time, then into the afterlifeCastlepaloma, I have some personally, with the Catholic church, and am concerned very often that such a mass amount of people follow the Pope and his teachings, most never seeming to even think to question it all. (To those that do, good for them if they do.)
I love many Catholic people, and share a few views with them however, and am not looking to demonize them or anything. Its not where I am coming from when I speak of Christianity, as the core teachings of Jesus. Catholicism has that too, but such a massive amount of added material and beliefs that the more I learn, the more I can't support it.
I believe Christianity is much simpler than all of that.I would be able demonize anyone unless I believe in demons in the first place. The Yahweh or the Hell Highway is not my way to God as I think everyone is God in order to respect the maxim amount of people on earth.
I can only wish Christianity could be as simply as everyone is God, why get lost in space or loose sight of what ever lives naturally underneath our feet.
jomine
Of course, Christianity is entirely different from Christians, just like a mouse is different from a rat!
Well, there is Mickey Mouse and the Holy land rides, there is an underground comic paper called Mickey rat, who is a non Christian
I agree Claire, and to anyone that would disagree, I would be interested to see how they do, on what basis.
It can be forced, some, and it turns out because they just want it to be, so they assert it to be so. People evidently just say all kinds of things, all the time, but not for good reasons. Judging something for what it is is much more fair. We see people balk at others treating them based on something that isn't true about them, no matter how much the person believes it. They request they use fair ways of judging them, not something made up.The Christians are the champion at judging others, you don't think that causes major wars when there is only one way to God by Yahweh Hwy? Building many natural and human history museum, I must be able to deal with real facts all the time.
Out with it Man
Back at the original question...along with what someone else mentioned, sinners, Christian or otherwise, start wars... see the verse in James. The war in N. Ireland was certainly caused by Christians yet the focus was political.
"I don't think Christianity causes wars so much as it justifies them..." hits at the heart of the matter.
George Bush, a Christian, started the Iraq war. It certainly wasn't in the name of Christianity, but explicit motives pushed it in the name of Democracy. But plenty of Christian leaders endorsed his move. Some even talked about a new 'mission field' opening up after we conquered.
WWI [or The Great War, Part I, that laid the groundwork for Part II]was started by Christians, though other Christians [the cousins, the Kaiser and the Tsar] fervently tried to avoid it yet it was their political constituencies who won their ear rather than Christ. For a succinct overview see my Oh Holy Night: The Peace of 1914.
In the fourth century, a monk omitted the book of Kings from his translation of the OT, lest it inspire the Goths to make more wars, referenced in
http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Pacifis … amp;sr=1-4
On this topic as a whole, the classic by C. John Cadoux, The Early Christian Attitude To War, can be found free to read online.In any of your examples there, are you familiar if they used any of Christs teachings as the basis for the wars? Or, did they just happen to be Christians that were part of endorsing or supporting a war, and had other motives as you touched on in some of the cases?
We know many wars have been supported by those that are Christians. I am not anti war. I believe in protecting ourselves for instance. We need to do that in this world, unfortunately.
Mischieviousme says,
'"I don't think Christianity causes wars so much as it justifies them..." hits at the heart of the matter.'
Would any of the teachings of Christ be used to justify any wars? If so, which ones?1 "I come not to bring peace, but to bring a sword" (Gospel of Matthew 10:34)
I never carry a weapon, always aim for peace
2. Love Your Enemies!(Matthew 6:34)
I love them anyways, they need more love than anybody
3. Don't Worry About The Future(Matthew 5:43-47 )
Prefer to live in the moment you're in!
4. The Most Important Commandment(Matthew 22:36-40)
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment t in the law of Moses?”
5. Jesus “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
Love- Yahweh because he is a jealous God, I LOVE the 10.000 others gods as equallySymbolic. Jesus' presence on earth caused division between non believers and believers. Look at these forums today.
I believe this is a translation issue. I believe the context is to not seek revenge on one's enemies. Jesus most certainly doesn't love Satan.
This doesn't mean one does not have the responsibility of planning their future. What Jesus meant was do not worry when you say, "But how am I going to pay the bills?".I though Yahweh loves everybody, Satan needs the most love of all. I wrote a Save Satan hub, so we can love our (so called made up concepts) Enemies to death.
Many people try to drag me into being one-sided into their ego group. I love and respect people from all sides. JC can not love everyone if he wants everyone sided with him and to hell with the rest of us.
Jesus was a great man for his hardship time he live in, No way I'm going back to med evil times to relive and regenerate those horrible life style and sometime the bible seem too x rated for me.
I believe fundamentally, religions do not advocate war. It is the interpretation or rather, misinterpretation of the followers that cause it. More often than not, it is driven by gains and hatred of other groups. All religions preach about respecting lives and others. Certainly not to cause death and harm like wars had done to mankind
Welcome to the hubpages horseriding101
Look at most wars today, are they not predominate very religious countries?
Look at 85% Christian USA with half the offensive war budget of the world, very high murder rate, 26% of the world's prison and most of the nuclear war heads and the only ones to use them.
Is all this, even Christlike?
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What Defines A Christian?
by Melissa Barrett 10 years ago
There's a lot of going back and forth about how Christians are this that or another. Yet no one ever pins down exactly what specific belief it is that makes Christians delusional, or hateful or whatever. The fact is that not all Christians believe the same thing, and not even members of our own...
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Why do christians insist that Hitler was an atheist?
by Antecessor 13 years ago
Although some might counter that Hitler's admission to Christianity, by itself, does not make one a Christian, how else can an individual convey to another his religion except from their own confession? One of the tenants of Christian belief, indeed the definition of a Christian, comes from the...
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Christians - being Christ-like
by Madeline Perry 4 years ago
I wonder if people took the 'religion' out of Christianity and started to live life according to Jesus' teachings, then people's opinions of Christians would change?Many wars have been started over religion, but I want to ask you, did Jesus kill anyone? I don't recall Him doing so. Or did...
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Is Christianity a Good Worldview and Religion?
by Paula 11 years ago
There are many worldviews and religions in the world. Sometimes it seems like it is just a matter of picking one over another. Everyone has a worldview, and a philosophy they agree with most.I think, its a good idea to examine our own worldviews, and see if they stand the most critical...
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I cannot understand how some of us do not believe in God?
by MP50 12 years ago
God is the Begining and the End, creator of all things, meaning everything! No disrespect meant here, how can some of us question this?Why is it so difficult for some people to see this truth? If you are a non believer in God or Jesus, what are your thoughts on His teachings? Surely the teachings...
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Christianity in Uganda
by Dan Harmon 10 years ago
Uganda's president yesterday signed into law a bill with rather harsh penalties for homosexual acts. At least 14 years in prison seems harsh to me.Followed by celebrations from born again Christians celebrating the opportunity to "punish" such evil doing. And who says...