If Jesus Is Lord: Loving Our Enemies in an Age of Violence

Jesus calls his disciples to love, and never kill, their enemies, and offers a third possibility of vigorous, nonviolent resistance. This book challenges Christians to engage in biblical peacemaking and engages with the just war tradition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 16 July 2019
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

The topic of violence, just war, and killing is one that has been the subject of much debate and discussion throughout history, and it is one that Jesus himself addressed in his teachings. In this essay, we will explore what Jesus has to say about these topics and whether or not he ever encourages his disciples to kill in order to resist evil and promote peace and justice.

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus taught that "all who take up the sword will die by the sword." This passage is often interpreted as a warning against violence and a call for nonviolence. However, it is important to note that this passage is not a blanket statement against all violence, but rather a warning against the use of violence as a means of achieving political or social goals.

In other passages, Jesus appears to advocate for the use of force in certain situations. For example, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his disciples to "sell your possessions and give to the poor," and he also tells them to "turn the other cheek" when they are struck on the cheek. However, these passages are also interpreted in different ways, and some scholars argue that Jesus was not advocating for violence but rather for nonviolence and compassion.

One of the most controversial passages in the Bible regarding violence is the Book of Revelation, which contains visions of war and destruction. Some scholars argue that these visions are symbolic and do not represent actual events that will occur in the future, while others argue that they are a warning of the consequences of sin and disobedience.

In conclusion, the topic of violence, just war, and killing is complex and multifaceted, and it is important to approach it with a critical and open mind. While Jesus himself taught that "all who take up the sword will die by the sword," he also appeared to advocate for the use of force in certain situations. It is important to carefully consider the context and meaning of these passages and to seek guidance from other religious and ethical sources.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780801036286