Things Have Changed
I realize we live in a society that does not see anything wrong with Christians taking up weapons to kill other people. However, from the time of Jesus, through the Apostles, and for the first three hundred years of the Church age, and periodically since then, Christians did not take up arms, either for self or for the State. They understood that the State was given the business of peacekeeping and the Church was given the business of peacemaking.
Man Made Changes
The Roman religion changed this view, as it did various other Biblical concepts (both Old and New Testaments), and even the Reformed groups took up arms, against the Roman religion and against other "Christian" groups as well. This is why the churches were involved in the Crusades. This mentality has come down to the present day.
God's Word Changes Not
However, the New Testament has not changed. The business of bearing the sword of steel still belongs to the State, and Christians are still called to peacemaking. In the more primitive Christian groups in the world we find a more "peace" oriented point of view.
Peacemaker, Not Pacifist
Being a Biblical peacemaker is not the same as being a pacifist, necessarily. Many Pacifists renounce the sword of steel completely, in the police and the military. However, God is the One Who appointed the State as the protectors of the righteous and punishers of the wicked, and God has commanded Christians to pay taxes, which are used in this necessary endeavor. But remember, the New Testament standard is for Christians to give their lives rather than take lives.
Non-Violence Is Not Cowardice
Being a peacemaker and facing death without retaliation is not cowardice, it is faith and obedience to Jesus. This is why the State should step in and stop the atrocities. Because that is their job.
Man Made Changes
The Roman religion changed this view, as it did various other Biblical concepts (both Old and New Testaments), and even the Reformed groups took up arms, against the Roman religion and against other "Christian" groups as well. This is why the churches were involved in the Crusades. This mentality has come down to the present day.
God's Word Changes Not
However, the New Testament has not changed. The business of bearing the sword of steel still belongs to the State, and Christians are still called to peacemaking. In the more primitive Christian groups in the world we find a more "peace" oriented point of view.
Peacemaker, Not Pacifist
Being a Biblical peacemaker is not the same as being a pacifist, necessarily. Many Pacifists renounce the sword of steel completely, in the police and the military. However, God is the One Who appointed the State as the protectors of the righteous and punishers of the wicked, and God has commanded Christians to pay taxes, which are used in this necessary endeavor. But remember, the New Testament standard is for Christians to give their lives rather than take lives.
Non-Violence Is Not Cowardice
Being a peacemaker and facing death without retaliation is not cowardice, it is faith and obedience to Jesus. This is why the State should step in and stop the atrocities. Because that is their job.
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