By T.G. Blankenship at The Gethsemane Blog
I recently had a discussion with a friend in which he said he felt nonviolence was merely a "classroom discussion" in the United States because there is a lack of extreme and violent persecution against Christians here. I responded by telling him why I disagreed, arguing around the nature of what threatens our convictions and what gives value to our commitments. But then I got to thinking more about the issue and wrote this:
Nonviolence is more than a classroom discussion in the U.S. It’s a very needed and very real revolt against the violent culture in which it dwells and seeks to see transformed. Of course, such nonviolence must be a result of the Gospel and not a stand-alone hope or strategy for it is God alone who changes hearts. Man can not do what God can and must do (though God uses man). Nonviolence is merely a small part of the upside down kingdom of Christ which is meant to permeate our world like a mustard seed or yeast in the flour.
If nonviolence were not a part of Christ’s kingdom to be lived out then there’d be no prophecies of swords being turned into plowshares in connection with his reign. As it is, Christ has disarmed us all when he disarmed Peter, bringing to life an ethic which follows the prophecies connected to his Messiah nature through the work of the Church which is his very body on earth, and showed victory through death on a cross. Our hope is not here in ourselves or own strength, it is above in heaven. At the same time, our hope is still with us (in Christ) and still to come (in Christ), but always giving us strength moment by moment so that we may live in faith.
True
Comments (12)
It really needs to be more than a discussion, and I think we need an even broader perspective than the violence/non-violence dichotomy can provide. I prefer to think of it in terms of constructive and destructive approaches to problem-solving. Folks who solve problems in a destructive manner will do physical harm to persons, destroy relationships, and ruin resources, which harms our entire social ecosystem. We need to focus on solving problems in a constructive manner where at all possible. Spend our time helping people grow, building relationships, and tending to sustainable resources. Suffering and violence will still occur, of course. I just think we could feasibly have a lot less of them if we decided to make it a priority.
So let's have a discussion. Let's start with revelife posting 10 posts that take the view that Christians are allowed to defend themselves with force if needed. After all of the non violence ones they have posted, surely 10 from the other side would help towards a discussion. Right now, we are just being preached to.
@ProudToBeAChristianFruitcake@xanga - I imagine they would if people wrote and submitted them. I don't check the voting page often anymore (let alone xanga) so I don't know if people are sending those in but I don't remember many ever being submitted when I used to check in more. I'd love to see people submitting articles about why Christians should feel secure and good in violent self defense, war, etc. I'm with you. It's a great idea. Maybe you could send one in?
@Nous_Apeiron@xanga - I agree. I would also add that scripture and the witness of Christ and his followers must play a crucial role in the discussion. Who God shows himself to be and what he desires for his people is woven together with what you're saying. Thanks for the input!
@TheGreatBout@xanga - I agree that the witness of Christ should play a crucial role in the discussion. Some humanists think that rationality will help us arrive at justice. But rationality won't motivate us to make the end of suffering a priority because rationality does not provide values that motivate justice, only a methodology which we use to arrive at conclusions. To have and keep values that will motivate us, we need a foundation for those values, which Christianity does provide.
@ProudToBeAChristianFruitcake@xanga - Maybe I'll play devil's advocate sometime and put together the best case I can for the responsible use of force by Christians.
@TheGreatBout@xanga - I'd love to see people submitting articles about why Christians should feel secure and good in violent self defense, war, etc.
Christians don't feel good or secure in violent self defense or war.That's just another example of you defining your opposition so you don't have to learn what they actually believe.
Christian society works toward peace with peaceful means. The problem comes from homicidal maniacs who threaten life and limb.
Peaceful means do not work on them.
@SirNickDon@xanga - Labeling advocacy of common sense and wisdom as "devil's advocate" illustrates an intractable, ingrained bias against the very subject you wish to advocate for.
Consequently, you'll do what @TheGreatBout@xanga does:Redefine the subject to suit your ideology instead of accepting the subject as it really is and dealing with it in a respectful manner.
@PrisonerxOfxLove@xanga - Oh, "Devil's advocate" is a pretty common phrase for arguing against a position you hold, I think. But you're probably right. Both Xanga and myself would probably be better off if I just don't say anything.
@SirNickDon@xanga - The idea of devil's advocate is a good one. It gives a person who holds a certain position intimate knowledge of an alternative view.
But I think you and Travis are too biased to be able to do it honestly.Leftists bend and shape reality to conform to their ideology.
The ancient way of acquiring insight, knowledge and wisdom is to be mindful of reality in order to discern its true nature.
Consequently, what you and Travis are engaged in is sophistry, not effective argumentation.
@Nous_Apeiron@xanga - Bingo.
@SirNickDon@xanga - You've been saying this for a while. I'd like to see you do it but... you won't. ;)
I've intentionally been checking back lately and, since this discussion, nobody has submitted posts arguing for self-defense or the use of violence by Christians. I'll keep waiting.