Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies ...... Matthew 5:43
Both of these verses are very often quoted individually. I'd like to suggest that a deeper meaning could possibly be found by merging them together. Jesus said in the first verse that the greatest possible way to show love would be by laying down your life, dying for a friend. In the second verse Jesus says that we must not only love our neighbor/friend, but our enemy as well. So, if we are to love our enemy, what does that look like? What is the best possible way to love our enemies ? I think it is pretty clear. If Jesus says that our love is shown by dying for our friends/neighbors, and we are also required to love our enemies, would it not follow that the best way to love our enemy would also be by dying for him ? When we follow this line of thought, how then could it be logical to kill our enemy ? If we are called to love our enemy to the point of dying for him, what rationale could there EVER be to kill him. Jesus was willing to die on the cross not only for you and me, but for the very people who murdered him, His enemies. Later in the new testament, Paul tells us to be "imitators of Christ". As Christ layed his life down for His enemies, so should we. Again, if we are called to love our enemies to the point of death, how then could we ever justify killing them ?
Just some food for thought, would love to hear your thoughts.
Peace,
Matt
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Sunday, September 23, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Just War Theory: Biblical or Man-made?
Just war theory (or Bellum iustum) has been defined as a doctrine of military ethics of Roman philosophical and Catholic origin. It has been studied for centuries by theologians and politicians alike. It has specifically been the dominant theory or justification for Christians throughout history to support, initiate, and participate in war.
Before Emperor Constantine instituted Christianity as the "national religion" of the Roman Empire in roughly 313 A.D., the majority of Christians' held a nonviolent stance. Many early church fathers interpreted the teachings of Jesus as advocating nonviolence. Several church fathers may be cited such as: Saint Maximilian, St. Martin of Tours, Athanasius, Cyprian, Clement of Alexandria, and another with the famous quote " Christ, in disarming Peter, disarmed every soldier."--Tertullian. After Constantine made Christianity the religion of the Empire, virtually requiring citizens to become a Christian or face execution, war and violence become much more accepted as a practice by Christians. How was this justified and how do Christians justify war today? Predominately the Just War Theory. This theory was supported by church fathers such as, Saints Augustine and Aquinas. The theory normally lists 7 principles or criteria for determining whether or not a war is just or not. If the war meets these criteria, it is pronounced "just" and permissible to initiate or be participated in by Christians.
The seven criteria generally go as follows:
Just cause
The reason for going to war needs to be just and cannot therefore be solely for recapturing things taken or punishing people who have done wrong; innocent life must be in imminent danger and intervention must be to protect life. A contemporary view of just cause was expressed in 1993 when the US Catholic Conference said: "Force may be used only to correct a grave, public evil, i.e., aggression or massive violation of the basic human rights of whole populations." Comparative justice While there may be rights and wrongs on all sides of a conflict, to overcome the presumption against the use of force, the injustice suffered by one party must significantly outweigh that suffered by the other. Some theorists such as Brian Orend omit this term, seeing it as fertile ground for exploitation by bellicose regimes. Competent authority Only duly constituted public authorities may wage war. "A just war must be initiated by a political authority within a political system that allows distinctions of justice. Dictatorships (e.g. Hitler's Regime) or deceptive military actions (e.g. the 1968 US bombing of Cambodia) are typically considered as violations of this criterion. The importance of this condition is key. Plainly, we cannot have a genuine process of judging a just war within a system that represses the process of genuine justice. A just war must be initiated by a political authority within a political system that allows distinctions of justice". Right intention Force may be used only in a truly just cause and solely for that purpose—correcting a suffered wrong is considered a right intention, while material gain or maintaining economies is not. Probability of success Arms may not be used in a futile cause or in a case where disproportionate measures are required to achieve success; Last resort Force may be used only after all peaceful and viable alternatives have been seriously tried and exhausted or are clearly not practical. It may be clear that the other side is using negotiations as a delaying tactic and will not make meaningful concessions. Proportionality The anticipated benefits of waging a war must be proportionate to its expected evils or harms. This principle is also known as the principle of macro-proportionality, so as to distinguish it from the jus in bello principle of proportionality. There are several variations in the definitions or criteria but this is generally accepted as the 7 criteria. I'm not going to insert my opinion on this matter in this post. Rather I want to throw this out there and see what opinions I get. My challenge is this: If this is the generally accepted justification for Christians to participate in war, should we not be able to find Biblical validation for it? Should we not be able to find verses in the Bible supporting these 7 criteria? If so, then we may pronounce such a theory as biblical. If not, should we base our life, spiritual beliefs, and actions off of a man-made theory? If all this rambling has done is get your wheels turning, start a conversation, help you to question or strengthen your beliefs and values than I have done what I set out to do. I look forward to hearing what you all have to say. Peace, m@tt
Before Emperor Constantine instituted Christianity as the "national religion" of the Roman Empire in roughly 313 A.D., the majority of Christians' held a nonviolent stance. Many early church fathers interpreted the teachings of Jesus as advocating nonviolence. Several church fathers may be cited such as: Saint Maximilian, St. Martin of Tours, Athanasius, Cyprian, Clement of Alexandria, and another with the famous quote " Christ, in disarming Peter, disarmed every soldier."--Tertullian. After Constantine made Christianity the religion of the Empire, virtually requiring citizens to become a Christian or face execution, war and violence become much more accepted as a practice by Christians. How was this justified and how do Christians justify war today? Predominately the Just War Theory. This theory was supported by church fathers such as, Saints Augustine and Aquinas. The theory normally lists 7 principles or criteria for determining whether or not a war is just or not. If the war meets these criteria, it is pronounced "just" and permissible to initiate or be participated in by Christians.
The seven criteria generally go as follows:
Just cause
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Not of This World, Republican or Democrat, It Doesn't Matter
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."
In the wake of this election season political issues and topics ring in our ears from every source. Whether TV, radio, internet, magazines you are going to hear it. You are going to hear the constant battle between at least 2 political parties, each representing their views on the world and the best way to fix things. They will talk about war, the economy, creating new energy sources, health care, etc...the list goes on and on and on. You may ask what the point of all this is ? Why the constant fighting, arguing and debating? It's simple, this is how our democratic system works. This is how we "better" our nation, our earthly kingdom called America.
The purpose of this post is to examine the importance and reliance as Christians that we place on this earthly kingdom called America. I'll be honest, I love America. It may not be the best nation in the world at all points in time, but if I could pick anywhere to live America would for sure be the first on my list. I'm very thankful that we have been blessed with the religious and political freedoms that we currently have, thank God ! What I do want to talk about is how as Christians I feel we need to be careful that we don't put to much trust in this earthly kingdom, but that we make the Kingdom of God our #1 priority.
Jesus said, " My kingdom is not of this world." Pretty straight forward I think. What does it mean ? Exactly what he said, His kingdom is not an earthly one. It was not the Roman Empire, Great Britain or America, it is the Kingdom of God. Jesus preached about His kingdom more often than any other subject. This was the reason He came, to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. How is God's kingdom any different than another kingdom you may ask? Jesus tells us how in the verse above. After stating that His kingdom is "not of this world", Jesus continues by saying " if it were my servants would fight...". This to me is the fundamental difference between how the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms/nations of this world operate. This is one way (the only way Jesus felt was worth mentioning to Pilate) that sets them both apart.
As Christians our priority should be advancing God's kingdom, his way of life, message of salvation, discipling believers, caring for the poor, hungry and imprisoned. I believe as Christians we lose sight of this purpose, our purpose in life, when we begin to "fight" for and about the things of worldly nations. Now I'm not saying it's wrong to vote or wrong to let our biblical values influence our political opinions. What I am saying is that we need to be careful that we don't place our trust in the political system. When we fight for and put priority in worldly things, worldly politics, nations and agenda's we lose sight of where our priority should be, God's kingdom. The United States of America is not the savior of the world. It certainly does not have all the answers. But God does. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ not only has the answer but showed us what it looks like. It looks like a cross. When those who are evil and hate us or even just those whom we have differing opinions with want to subject us to their view or even to kill us, we are to love them as Jesus did on the cross. Not that we are wrong in voting a certain way or speaking out against evil or what we feel is wrong, but in doing so we must make sure that our ultimate goal is love. We must accept that even if and when our views are not the majority, when our beliefs are not the law of the land that it's ok. God is still in control of even the most evil governments, He is the answer, the fix to our world. If we as citizens of His kingdom will purpose above anything else to spread His kingdom by loving others as Christ did, that would be more powerful and beneficial than any workings of political parties or nations.
Food for thought, hope you all got something out of the ramblings of this Christ follower.
Peace
In the wake of this election season political issues and topics ring in our ears from every source. Whether TV, radio, internet, magazines you are going to hear it. You are going to hear the constant battle between at least 2 political parties, each representing their views on the world and the best way to fix things. They will talk about war, the economy, creating new energy sources, health care, etc...the list goes on and on and on. You may ask what the point of all this is ? Why the constant fighting, arguing and debating? It's simple, this is how our democratic system works. This is how we "better" our nation, our earthly kingdom called America.
The purpose of this post is to examine the importance and reliance as Christians that we place on this earthly kingdom called America. I'll be honest, I love America. It may not be the best nation in the world at all points in time, but if I could pick anywhere to live America would for sure be the first on my list. I'm very thankful that we have been blessed with the religious and political freedoms that we currently have, thank God ! What I do want to talk about is how as Christians I feel we need to be careful that we don't put to much trust in this earthly kingdom, but that we make the Kingdom of God our #1 priority.
Jesus said, " My kingdom is not of this world." Pretty straight forward I think. What does it mean ? Exactly what he said, His kingdom is not an earthly one. It was not the Roman Empire, Great Britain or America, it is the Kingdom of God. Jesus preached about His kingdom more often than any other subject. This was the reason He came, to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. How is God's kingdom any different than another kingdom you may ask? Jesus tells us how in the verse above. After stating that His kingdom is "not of this world", Jesus continues by saying " if it were my servants would fight...". This to me is the fundamental difference between how the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms/nations of this world operate. This is one way (the only way Jesus felt was worth mentioning to Pilate) that sets them both apart.
As Christians our priority should be advancing God's kingdom, his way of life, message of salvation, discipling believers, caring for the poor, hungry and imprisoned. I believe as Christians we lose sight of this purpose, our purpose in life, when we begin to "fight" for and about the things of worldly nations. Now I'm not saying it's wrong to vote or wrong to let our biblical values influence our political opinions. What I am saying is that we need to be careful that we don't place our trust in the political system. When we fight for and put priority in worldly things, worldly politics, nations and agenda's we lose sight of where our priority should be, God's kingdom. The United States of America is not the savior of the world. It certainly does not have all the answers. But God does. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ not only has the answer but showed us what it looks like. It looks like a cross. When those who are evil and hate us or even just those whom we have differing opinions with want to subject us to their view or even to kill us, we are to love them as Jesus did on the cross. Not that we are wrong in voting a certain way or speaking out against evil or what we feel is wrong, but in doing so we must make sure that our ultimate goal is love. We must accept that even if and when our views are not the majority, when our beliefs are not the law of the land that it's ok. God is still in control of even the most evil governments, He is the answer, the fix to our world. If we as citizens of His kingdom will purpose above anything else to spread His kingdom by loving others as Christ did, that would be more powerful and beneficial than any workings of political parties or nations.
Food for thought, hope you all got something out of the ramblings of this Christ follower.
Peace
Not of This World, Republican or Democrat , It Doesn't Matter
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."
Thursday, August 23, 2012
America, Independence and Just War
Hello all ! I know it's been a little while since my last post but I've been in FT Irwin, CA for the last month doing some training. Glad to be back "home" in El Paso/Ft Bliss .
Since I've been back I've been doing alot of catching up reading various blogs and books and checking the news etc... I ran across a blog post I thought was pretty interesting and provocative to say the least. It's from an Anabaptist blogger and pastor named Kurt Willems and he presents his veiws on our revolutionary war and the "justness" of it. These are not exactly my views and I'm not going to give any more commentary on it. Just gunna throw this one out there and see what we get. I'm interested to hear opinions on it.
Here it is: Just War Post
Hope to talk to you all soon. Happy reading.
Peace
Since I've been back I've been doing alot of catching up reading various blogs and books and checking the news etc... I ran across a blog post I thought was pretty interesting and provocative to say the least. It's from an Anabaptist blogger and pastor named Kurt Willems and he presents his veiws on our revolutionary war and the "justness" of it. These are not exactly my views and I'm not going to give any more commentary on it. Just gunna throw this one out there and see what we get. I'm interested to hear opinions on it.
Here it is: Just War Post
Hope to talk to you all soon. Happy reading.
Peace
Sunday, July 15, 2012
All To The Glory Of God
31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Cor 10:31
The things you are doing or not doing: are they "for the glory of God"? In the previous verses ( 1Cor 10) Paul has just finished explaining that whether you eat certain meats or don't is a matter of personal conscience. He did not say, " eating meat is always wrong" or " eating meat is the right thing to do for everyone". No, he leaves it between the individual person and God. Why? Can not all actions be considered either good or bad? Is not every right and wrong a universal code for all believers and humanity to follow? I believe Paul clearly answers these questions, and this answer not only changed his own actions, but the way he viewed other peoples actions.
In the above verse Paul clearly leaves the choice of whether to do something or not up to the individual, but under one very important condition. Whatever you do, it must be glorifying to God. When an observer witnesses you doing something do they think to themselves " wow, what that person is doing or not doing makes me want to know his God"? Or do they say " that person has so many CONVICTIONS, to know their God I would have to do that ? ".
I believe that sometimes what we do can push us away from those we should be trying to reach. When we look or act in such a very different way than those around us, the first thing they are thinking is "weirdo", "crazy", "Jesus freak". This can't be right. Now, I'm not saying we should do or not do something based on what others may think of us. Again, we are talking about "the grey things" (TGT). These issues are not black and white in scripture. They are the eating or drinking. To often I believe we ruin our witness for Christ by being too different than those around us.
Jesus message and that of his disciples (of who we are) was one of hope. Constantly throughout the scriptures Jesus said " The Kingdom of heaven is at hand". That was HIS mission, to bring everyone into the simple relationship with God. In everything he did and said he glorified God. Does it bring glory to God when we make others feel that if they are not doing EXACTLY what we do they are sinning? I don't think so. I think that today, to many Christians are stuck fighting about TGT instead of spreading the good news about the kingdom of God. As a final note consider this, when others look at us, do they see a citizen of heaven or do they see a wall of grey things standing between them and you. Between them and God ?
Feel free to comment, as in all things I want to challenge myself in my beliefs. If you feel contrary please help me to see the error in my ways.
God Bless
1 Cor 10:31
The things you are doing or not doing: are they "for the glory of God"? In the previous verses ( 1Cor 10) Paul has just finished explaining that whether you eat certain meats or don't is a matter of personal conscience. He did not say, " eating meat is always wrong" or " eating meat is the right thing to do for everyone". No, he leaves it between the individual person and God. Why? Can not all actions be considered either good or bad? Is not every right and wrong a universal code for all believers and humanity to follow? I believe Paul clearly answers these questions, and this answer not only changed his own actions, but the way he viewed other peoples actions.
In the above verse Paul clearly leaves the choice of whether to do something or not up to the individual, but under one very important condition. Whatever you do, it must be glorifying to God. When an observer witnesses you doing something do they think to themselves " wow, what that person is doing or not doing makes me want to know his God"? Or do they say " that person has so many CONVICTIONS, to know their God I would have to do that ? ".
I believe that sometimes what we do can push us away from those we should be trying to reach. When we look or act in such a very different way than those around us, the first thing they are thinking is "weirdo", "crazy", "Jesus freak". This can't be right. Now, I'm not saying we should do or not do something based on what others may think of us. Again, we are talking about "the grey things" (TGT). These issues are not black and white in scripture. They are the eating or drinking. To often I believe we ruin our witness for Christ by being too different than those around us.
Jesus message and that of his disciples (of who we are) was one of hope. Constantly throughout the scriptures Jesus said " The Kingdom of heaven is at hand". That was HIS mission, to bring everyone into the simple relationship with God. In everything he did and said he glorified God. Does it bring glory to God when we make others feel that if they are not doing EXACTLY what we do they are sinning? I don't think so. I think that today, to many Christians are stuck fighting about TGT instead of spreading the good news about the kingdom of God. As a final note consider this, when others look at us, do they see a citizen of heaven or do they see a wall of grey things standing between them and you. Between them and God ?
Feel free to comment, as in all things I want to challenge myself in my beliefs. If you feel contrary please help me to see the error in my ways.
God Bless
The Grey Things
31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10: 31-33
You may be wondering: "What do, The Grey Things mean? " I'll get to that. I have often considered starting a blog. A blogger should have a reason though. If you just ramble on and on what is the point? I wanted to blog about something that would be close to my heart. I also wanted to blog about something that I feel is of great importance to everyone. The Grey Things (TGT), are those theological or moral topics that seem to dominate a great majority of modern Christian's discussions, time, arguments etc... They very often divide friends, family, and even churches. We all know what they are. Issues such as: Drinking alcohol, dating/courtship rules, what movies to watch , how to raise/discipline your children, how to dress, scripture interpretation...the list goes on and on and on and on and on and on !
Why? Why do we let these issues become so large, so dividing? Should we, is it worth it? Maybe , maybe not. Whatever the answer may be, that is the point of this blog. I will post about specific topics, sometimes with my own commentary and sometimes with just a few words or scripture to start the discussion. I in no way mean to insult, disrespect, or hurt any ones feelings. I do, however, believe that healthy discussion is helpful in our spiritual walk and growth. I chose the verse above because it is one of the key verses in the Bible dealing with this subject. What to do, what not to do? To me the most important words are "not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many". Let us do that in our conversation, let us reason, pray and talk together for the profit of many.
God Bless
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