Violence

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"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's foes will be members of one's own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it."




Call me a hippie, but I've been thinking a lot lately about war and peace. I think it has a lot to do with the current political climate in this country, particularly in the Deep South. Each morning I wake up with a cup of coffee and the news of another homicide, violent protest, or casualty of war. Why are we so obsessed with violence?


I decided to lead this post with words from Jesus that are sometimes used to support "war-like" actions. But I have to say, I don't think Jesus is a big fan of violence. Yes, he said he came to bring a sword, but not so that we may wield it! The "sword" he carried divided those who seek the kingdom from those who seek their own gain. I could expound on that further, but perhaps there are more appropriate places (i.e. the pulpit).


But I can't help but be enraged (ironic?) when I see the violence that is supported and instigated by members of the Church. Aren't we called to be peacemakers? Yet it has been the Church that has jumped at the opportunities to support war, violence, anger-driven political campaigns, fear-mongering, and all manner of things that promote violence. Why?


I have never heard more words of violence than I do within circles of "believers:" violence towards homosexuals, violence towards Muslims, violence towards women, even violence towards their own children! And worst of all, they claim this violence in the name of the Prince of Peace!


Have we not learned our lessons from the Crusades? Why does the Church rally to the call to arms? Why are we so willing to create violence in order to "spread the gospel?" Why do we still fall for the same misunderstanding of the disciples....


"Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword." -Matthew 26:51-52
CPT

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