Lets Be Christian Peacemakers, Not Warmongers

evangelicalsforsocialaction.org /nonviolence-and-peacemaking/lets-be-christian-peacemakers-not-
warmongers/

25.04.2017

Photo by Skitterphoto / pixabay.com

By Stephen Mattson

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
(Matthew 5:9)

In a world of violence, followers of Christ should strive to be peacemakers. This is hard in a society like the
United States that romanticizes militaristic strength and esteems violence, but we should strive to follow Christs
example nonetheless.

Despite often failing to do so in their actions, Christians at least give lip service to Jesus example of giving to the
poor, being humble, and forgiving others, but nonviolenceand truly loving our enemies, not just tolerating
those we dislikeis rarely acknowledged. In fact, in recent decades the vast majority of American Christians
have notably supported various wars, armed interventions, and combative foreign policies.

The history of the world has shown us that this is pretty normal behavior for humanity, and that survival, power,
and conquest requires violence. But Christians are called to follow a higher King, and help implement a counter-
cultural kingdom.

Before engaging or endorsing any violent action we should ask ourselves a few important questions:

Is God calling me to do this?

As you may have noticed, the question isnt Will God allow me to do this ? This distinction is important because

1/3
while many Christians will spend days debating, praying, and seeking guidance about such things as career
changes, pursuing relationships, and whether or not they should buy or sell a house, its shocking how few
Christians give the same amount of thought and reflection towards condoning violence, or even murder. Think
about it: before our nation drops another bomb or sends more people off to war, have we really, seriously,
aggressively sought the will of God?

Think about it: before our nation drops another bomb or sends more people
off to war, have we really, seriously, aggressively sought the will of God?

Is this person (are these people) made in the image of God?

Before we act violently toward someone, we must seriously ask ourselves whether or not theyre loved by God
and made in Gods image. Having a paradigm shift that sees everyone in this light changes everything.

Using international conflict again as an example, are we seeing people as God views them? Beyond the fact that
were probably hurting our brothers and sisters in Christ, are we also robbing people of their worth? A news
headline might read, Bombing Kills 20 Syrians but how would you feel if it read Bombing Kills 20 Individuals
Deeply Loved by God and Created In Gods Own Image?

What Would Jesus Do?

Ask yourself, honestly: is thisany form of violencewhat you think Jesus would do? This question should be
asked about nearly everything in life, but how much more important is it in relationship to violenceespecially
when the loss of life is at stake?

Despite Jesus nonviolent response to his enemies at nearly every turn, critics of pacifism point out the irrational
and illogical nature of upholding such a doctrinewhile simultaneously having no qualms about Jonah being
swallowed by a whale, the sea being parted, water being turned into wine, and worshiping a man who died and
rose from the dead in three days. Do Christians only believe in supernatural miracles and divine power as long
as it doesnt involve nonviolently loving our enemies?

Pursuing peace is often absurd. Theres little reward in terms of financial gain or fame, and theres much to lose
including your life. Its not the Christian pacifists who go down in history as being famous, or receive medals of
valor, or have parades thrown in their honor. No, loving your enemy and turning the other cheek is usually a
relatively thankless endeavor.

Its especially hard to be a nonviolent peacemaker when youre threatened, brutally victimized by a ruthless
oppressor, or facing death. Who can blame anyone for acting in self-defense, or protecting their friends and
family, or wanting to seek revenge for the unjust loss of a loved one?

Within these circumstances the armchair theology of Christian pacifism seems unattainably foolish. This is when
we realize that only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we achieve such strength and lovethat following
Jesus requires divine power, not the power of the world, divine power which God has bestowed upon us.

Because although we know that Jesus chose the nonviolent path even when he had superior strength (Matthew
26:53) or was afraid (Luke 22:42), Christ obeyed the will of his Father despite logic, reason, and rationaleand
so should we.

Whether or not you believe Christians are called to be nonviolent peacemakers, one thing is certainly clear: the
early church certainly seemed to believe it. Most of the disciples were eventually martyred, and Scripture seems
to notably detail Stephens stoning (Acts 7) as being similar to the death of Jesus. Members of the early church
were persecuted and put to death in the most horrific ways imaginable. Despite all of this, a violent narrative
originating from the very earliest Christ-followers is surprisingly absent. Instead of violence, their resistance was
fueled by love, both a love for God and a love for othersand Christianity flourished throughout the globe.

2/3
 Instead of violence, their resistance was fueled by love, both a love for God
and a love for othersand Christianity flourished throughout the globe.

The point of peacemaking isnt just to avoid violence, but rather to radically bring about peace. This is what
Christ does: he brings peace. May God give us the supernatural strength and courage to be peacemakers, to
love God and love our neighborseven our enemiesas we would ourselves. May we be brave enough to
follow Jesusthe Prince of Peace.

Stephen Mattson graduated from the Moody Bible Institute and is currently on staff at the University of
NorthwesternSt. Paul. You can follow him on Twitter @mikta.

Copyright Evangelicals for Social Action at the Sider Center of Eastern University

3/3