Christian pacifism
Non-violence as scriptural and rational Christian position.
Christian pacifism is the theological and ethical position that pacifism and non-violence have both a scriptural and rational basis for Christians, affirming that any form of violence is incompatible with the Christian faith. Christian pacifists state that Jesus himself was a pacifist who taught and practiced pacifism and that his followers must do likewise. Notable Christian pacifists include Martin Luther King Jr., Leo Tolstoy, Adin Ballou, Dorothy Day, Ammon Hennacy, and brothers Daniel and Philip Berrigan.
- field
- Theology, Ethics
- known_for
- Affirming non-violence as central to Christian faith
- notable_adherents
- Martin Luther King Jr., Leo Tolstoy, Adin Ballou, Dorothy Day, Ammon Hennacy, Daniel and Philip Berrigan
Lore & Background
Roots of Christian pacifism can be found in the scriptures of the Old Testament according to Baylor University professor of religion, John A. Wood. Millard C. Lind explains the theology of warfare in ancient Israel as God directing the people of Israel to trust in him, not in the warring way of the nations, and to seek peace, not coercive power. Stephen B. Chapman expresses the Old Testament describes God's divine intervention, not human power politics, or the warring king, as key to the preservation of Israel. Lind asserts the Old Testament reflects that God occasionally sanctions, even commands wars to the point of God actually fighting utilizing the forces of nature, miraculous acts or other nations. Lind further argues God fights so that Israel does not have to fight wars like other nations because God delivers them.
Reader's Guide
Christian pacifism draws on both Old and New Testament scriptures. The Old Testament provides background of God's great victory over evil, sin and death, and points to a time when weapons of war shall be transformed into the instruments of peace. Jesus appeared to teach pacifism during his ministry, telling his disciples to turn the other cheek, love enemies, and put away the sword. Several Church Fathers, including Justin Martyr, Tatian, Aristides, Hippolytus of Rome, and Tertullian, interpreted Jesus' teachings as advocating nonviolence. Hippolytus went so far as to deny soldiers baptism. Christian anarchists, such as Ballou and Hennacy, believe that adherence to Christianity requires not just pacifism but, because governments inevitably threatened or used force to resolve conflicts, anarchism. Most Christian pacifists, including the peace churches, Christian Peacemaker Teams, and individuals like John Howard Yoder, make no claim to be anarchists.
Did You Know?
- Christian pacifists state that Jesus himself was a pacifist who taught and practiced pacifism.
- Hippolytus of Rome denied soldiers baptism, teaching that a soldier must be taught not to kill men.
- Tertullian argued there is no agreement between the standard of Christ and the standard of the devil.
- The Old Testament points to a time when weapons of war shall be transformed into instruments of peace.
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