This is a long post which shows what I have been led to believe regarding violence and politics in the life of a Christian.
To fight or not to fight? That is the question. Today (10/6/2010) this question was bothering me as I had recently read two conflicting views on the subject. I have always leaned toward nonviolence, but the question is most difficult when it comes to self-defense and especially defending my family. And the answer would have been much more clear if not for the confusing verse of Luke 22:36.
So I got on my knees and earnestly prayed for God to help me understand this. To let me understand how a Christian should believe and act regarding violence and the bearing of arms, of the use of guns and swords. I confessed that I did not know, and that I was foolish (for I am) and could not know unless He led me to understand. I needed to know so I could take action, one way or another. After a short time a number of things occurred to me. Now as I write this I try to recollect what they were. First, Jesus said that he had all power on heaven and on the earth (Matthew 28:18). In John 14:12 (and the following verses which help put things in perspective) we read that if we believe on Jesus Christ we shall do even greater things than he. We are able do these great things because Jesus returned to the Father and sent the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, the Comforter (John 14:17, 26). But the world cannot receive the Spirit of Truth because it neither seeth nor knoweth him. But Christ did not leave us…HE sent the HOLY GHOST to dwell in us and to be in us. And so we, if we have Christ in us, are led by the spirit and are the sons of God. If God is our Father who have we to fear? (Romans 8:9-16) I am persuaded that if it is the will of God he could easily protect us through miracles of all sorts, with his angels or if he so chooses he will let us suffer the death of a martyr. As long as we are led by the spirit yielding to God we need not fear guns or any threat to our flesh. So the extent to which we need carnal weapons to defend ourselves is the same extent to which we are living a carnal life which cannot please God. Further, if we bear in mind that everything we do should be done for God and his Glory, then we will have reason to feel that God is always with us if we do indeed do everything for his glory. (Colossians 3:17, I Corinthians 10:31).
It is also worth noting that no where in scripture do we read of followers of Christ attempting to fight their attackers, nor do we read verses that command us to defend ourselves physically (we read just the opposite (Matthew 10:16)). The only exception is Peter when we cuts off the high priests ear, But remember how Jesus rebuked Peter, so this is a lesson to us “Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”- John 18:11
In Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4:3, and Joel 3:10 we read “they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.” This is exactly what early Christians did, according to many (An account of one of the many can be read of in Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History, Book 7 chapter 15). See the links at the end of this post. I could get into a lot of history at this point but I will not because the Word of God is more than sufficient to clearly understand this subject.
In Matthew 4:8-9 (along with 2 Corinthians 4:4, John 12:31, 14:30, and 16:11, and 1John 5:19) We see that the kingdoms of the world are Satan’s; that he is the prince of the world and the god of this world. For the whole world is in wickedness; the systems of the world are wicked and Satan is the god of these systems. For the Christian, Christ is the King why have we therefore any thing to do with this world and the prince of its kingdoms?
With all this in mind it appears contrary to the teachings of Christ and the apostles to be involved in any war, violence or even in any politics. One may first have to come to the point to understand a few things before believing the above statement. Rather than pray for a certain leader to be elected, for a certain bill to be passed, or for a certain leader to take and support a certain position, we should pray for the heart of the matter. Consider how the turning away from God and essentially the making and worshipping of idols is evil and leads to yet more evil. Remember the greatest commandment and the second, and pray that others may also (Matthew 22:36-40). What I mean is that we do not often know the consequences of laws and how God works to turn that which is intended for evil to good and vice versa. Politics is beside the point; it is a mere distraction to what really needs to be done, not to mention an unnecessary cause of contention. For a specific example I believe that rather than pray for abortions to be outlawed, or for certain drugs to continue to be illegal we should pray that pregnant women would realize the precious life within them and that drug users would find the highest high (the joy in the Lord) that both may make Christ their Lord and be guided to believing his Word, the Holy Bible. Salvation will not and cannot come through the kingdoms of this world and trying to make kingdoms of Satan better is at least somewhat like trying to save ourselves by our works (at these things we can only have futile attempts). Politics is trivial when the soon coming judgment is considered. Rather than give money to a Political action committee, would it not be better to give money to the furtherance of the preaching of the Gospel? I now see giving to both of these as trying to serve two masters (Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13). But if you are not fully committed to Christ, and have no intention of ever being so, then what will become of you? Remember that; “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.”
I believe that rather than being involved in politics (through war, holding office and even voting) it is a Christians duty to spend time in prayer for the leaders, our countrymen and others who live on this earth, that God‘s will may be done. This idea was hard for me to come to as I am very opinionated even about politics, but I’ve let that go. If this appears to you (the reader) as mere laziness on my part I must point out that it is not, but is rather a redirecting of energies away from politics and toward Christ and his Kingdom only. And I ask; Can we be a politician or in any way involve ourselves in politics without being a friend of the world? “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” - James 4:4. I know for myself that I need to constantly examine my own life since the world and the love of it can easily creep in. (also see 1 Corinthians 3:18-19, 2:12, John 15:19 James 1:27, Titus 2:12)
Lastly, there are the numerous times in which shame is brought to the name of Christianity when “Christians” involve themselves in politics and war. There were the Crusades which were bad enough, but also there was Hitler and his “Christian” army. And of course the Catholic Church, that Romish Church, whose atrocities we will not begin to mention. There is the foolish squabbling of Democrat verses Republican, that bashing of others by those filled with self-righteousness calling themselves Christians.
I have really returned to my original belief on this matter. Before voting age I somewhat criticized my parents for voting and maintaining the belief of opposition toward war. When I was old enough to vote I did not have enough reason not to so I felt like I should and then I also took the view that some fighting Christians are called to. After reading the book Should Christians Fight by I. C. Wellcome I was presented with new information which challenged me and led to my return to my original belief - only this time I knew why I believed as I did. Another thing that further convinced me was Wayne Grudem’s poorly written argument against Greg Boyd’s view that the kingdoms of this world are evil (In Dr. Grudem’s new book Politics according to the Bible)(On many things I agree with Dr. Grudem, but not in this case). It is very interesting that the finalization of my view on this whole matter is what came together based on my time in prayer when I sought the Lord to reveal his will to me. It was only later that I read Boyd’s opinion on the matter and discovered that we seemed to agree a lot on this subject. I have read and realize the many objections to this belief (of non-violence) I’ve read the arguments for “just wars”and can only conclude that followers of Christ are called to be separate. The earthly kingdoms are right to use the power of the sword to rule and maintain a semblance of order, but for the Christian Christ is their king and they are not of the kingdom of the world. The two sides of the argument are non-violence and non-political involvement verses the view that we should influence the world politically, through a directly political means and that there are certain times when Christians should use carnal weapons. The reason I have reached the conclusion that the former view is Biblical is really (it seems) based on the understanding that the kingdoms of this world are not of God (spiritually, though God has allowed and even ordained them) and the extreme to which we are called (as Bible believing Christians) that our whole life and everything we do we should do for Christ and by his influence. Some argue that if all Christians were uninvolved in Politics than there would be no “good” people in Politics and that the world would become much more evil. This argument is weak because many “good” people are not “Christians” and many “Christians” are not “good” people. Also, in the Bible an image is portrayed that there are only a relatively small percentage of true Christians, so as far a being directly involved in politics they could only have a small effect (directly from voting). (Luke 13:23-24, Matthew 7:14, Mark 10:25, 2 Thessalonians 2:10, 1 John 2:4 and much of 1 John)) But I do not believe (for reasons stated earlier) that Christians are called to have an effect through the involvement of worldly politics. The effect Christians have on the world through prayer and their witness and sharing of faith should be much greater than any effect possible through politics, because of the great power of God, and his Holy Spirit working in his people. If we believe that God is ultimately in control of all then we will not feel as if we need to control the world in which we live. I say this because in not voting or involving themselves in political campaigns some “Christians” feel that they are not “fighting the Christian fight.” But the kingdoms of this world are not Christ’s Kingdom (see John 18:36-37).
As regarding Luke 22:36 I must conclude along with Matthew Henry’s commentary that when Christ referred to swords that he was only referring to weapons of spiritual warfare. Even better is the explanation in Matthew Poole’s commentary which, paraphrased in my own words is that; those who interpret Christ’s statement to mean that they should use physical force will find it difficult to explain the rest of the scriptures, and that clearly that is not what Christ meant. For if that was what he meant he would not have said “it is enough” because clearly two swords would not have been enough if that was what he meant (considering all the adversaries). Also Whedon’s Commentary interprets this verse as basically meaning that we should sacrifice as necessary so that we may be prepared to be a victor in the coming spiritual battles (sell our cloak to get a sword, make sacrifices in order to be spiritually prepared).
Finally, since I have decided this I have not been involved in politics as before and I find that my thoughts and actions are more directed to the Lord. Politics is such a waste of time. As regarding non-violence, the issue of making sure our children (siblings or younger brother’s and sister’s in Christ) develop a strong faith early is highly prioritized. This is the case because we never know when they (or us) will be physically attacked or even killed and since we plan to do nothing fleshly to defend them we must do all things spiritually possible. I am persuaded that if we take wise precautions and are faithful that we can rely on our Holy Father to protect us as he sees fit, realizing that our will may not be his, but nevertheless we as Christ (Matthew 26:39) should pray that the Father’s will be done, knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
This is a subject on which the view above will be despised by many "Christians." Just today on the radio while listening to a "Christian" radio station I heard the statement made that "It is a sin not to vote" The folly of such a statement should be obvious considering that many "Christians" vote contrary to each other. But also we must look at Jesus; Did he encourage political involvement? NO. He did just the opposite. The Holy Book, the Word of God, must be that which we look to for the answers to everything which which we have to do.
What about history of Christians from past times who supported this belief? What I wrote above is very similar to that written circa 1575 by Hans Schnell in his treatise titled "The Two Kingdoms."He also has a section which I hinted at but wanted to research before I actually said it.
It appears that fighting and political involvement are two more aspects of Babylonian corruption which entered the "Christian church" through Rome, beginning with Constantine. At least it is a change in the common "Christian" belief, that happened to begin at the same time as the Babylonian religion began to be mixed with Christianity. Since prior to that time (the time Constantine became emperor)"Christians" rightly believed that they were not citizens of this earth (that their kingdom was not of this earth) and therefore did not participate in war or the holding of public office, but after Constantine they did these things more commonly. As we see in Hebrews 11:13-16, and 1 Peter 2:9-11 we who have faith are indeed strangers and pilgrims on this earth.
It should also be said that regardless of how the governments of this earth rule it is a fact that they are appointed by God (Romans 13:1-8, Acts 4:18-20, 5:27-29, 1 Peter 2:13). This being the case they deserve our respect, because of the office they hold (Acts 23:5, Ecclesiastes 10:20). They also deserve our obedience, we must submit to them, unless they tell us to do something against the teachings of the Bible. In that case we must be like the Apostles who found it better to obey God rather than man. So if we cannot obey what the government wants us to do we must submit peacefully to the punishment they give us or flee to another place. These are the only two options the Holy Bible gives us.