I am continuing to question the common sense of the Just War Theory. After exploring the overt teachings of the New Testament regarding non-violence, allow me to now follow up the previous post with some further considerations regarding the explicit nature of this biblical teaching.
It is essential to remember that the Gospel literally means "Good News." This Good News is inclusive in its broad scope, being for all people (Luke 2:10) and is characterized by peace (Luke 2:14, cf. Acts 10:36; Ephesians 2:17, 6:15). Indeed, Jesus is proclaimed as the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). As He wept over Jerusalem, the anguish in the Lord's tone is evident as He cries out: “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes." (Luke 19:42 ESV). Jesus' ministry is summarized by Paul as aiming "to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross" (Colossians 1:20 ESV). Peace is an absolutely essential component in the Gospel.
In defense of the Just War Theory, Augustine suggested that when slaying someone, you ought to not hold any bitterness, resentment, vengance or rage in your heart. Does that even make any logical sense?! Jesus tells us that simply refraining from murder is not enough, but even hating someone qualifies as manslaughter (Matthew 5:21-23). Murder is what simply follows from harboring hatred. How can one commit the consequential action apart from the prerequired attitude? How does Augustine's junction square up with what Jesus says in any sense whatsoever? Imagine counseling an angry husband to not retain any resentment towards his wife as he furiously beats her! This ludicrious example is simple an assuaged version of Augustine's teaching! I mean, think about it! Paul tells Timothy that murderers are diametrically opposed to the Gospel, (1 Timothy 1:9-11) but I guess it is okay as long as you are praying for that person during their dehumanization. Really?!
It is telling that Jesus distinguishes His kingdom from the kingdoms of the world by the fact that His followers do not engage in violence (John 18:36). This is the fundamental reason why He excoriates His disciples when they attempted to preserve Jesus' life by fighting with the sword (Luke 22:49-51). Just after Jesus predicts His execution, He tells His disciples that anyone who attempts to preserve their life will lose it and those who are willing to give it away will find life (Luke 9:21-24). These two teachings paired in the same section reveal the obvious intent of Christ. When Jesus tells us to deny ourselves and pick up our crosses, He means what He is saying - we are to being willing to die rather than defend ourselves!
If we are honest, we have severely assuaged the strong and offensive teachings of Jesus. "Deny yourself" simply means endure some discomfort and muster up the ability to do the right thing even when you don't feel like it. "Love your enemies" simply means slap a fake smile on your face and say something nice to your grouchy neighbor when her dog deficates on your lawn. Jesus uttered these words to Jews oppressed by power-weilding Romans who were more than eager to make an example out of them by subjecting them to a torturous, horrific and humiliating execution of hanging by spikes on a cross. We need to honestly reconsider the enormous body of teaching regarding suffering in the New Testament according to its context. These men and women are not talking about getting laughed at for wearing a Christians t-shirt (you probably should be mocked for that!) or enduring some occassional discomfort. Suffering in their minds had strong correlations to martyrdom, even during the periods when persecution was not as acute. If their Leader was crucified, they sure were expecting it, especially when we remember that Jesus had directly told them they would be martyred. Persecution and martyrdom is therefore held up as a glorious ideal by Jesus (Matthew 5:10-12), because it is true evidence that one has literally picked up the cross. Without the willingness to lay our lives down, we are simply not following Jesus (Luke 14:27).
If the primary characteristic of following Jesus means the willingness to die the most hellish death imaginable, then the antithesis of this call - namely, murder - is diametrically opposed to Jesus. From Jesus' perspective, is there then any hint of a prospect for the Just War Theory?
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