Archive for the ‘non-violence’ Category

Thoughts on Non-Violence, Part 7: Anger

Monday, October 23rd, 2006

The non-violence life is what we see modeled in the person of Jesus. It is consistent in His teachings, life and example. We have seen the way of Christ exemplified in His denial of self and humility. By way of self-abnegation we are able to make broad steps into ...

Thoughts on Non-Violence, Part 6: Self-Esteem

Wednesday, October 18th, 2006

One of the problems that arises in the debate about the biblical foundation for non-violence is a result of flawed theology. --If you believe that there is going to be a literal, physical war when Jesus returns at the end of some seven year rapture, then you are less likely to ...

Thoughts on Non-Violence, Part V: Cheeks and Miles

Monday, October 16th, 2006

It seems that there are many misconceptions about non-violence. Opponents and those who dismiss it outright tend to gravitate toward scenarios where it would seem to be impossible to not retaliate in a physical manner. Often the questions focus on how it can't be done rather than on how to ...

Thoughts on Non-Violence, Part IV: The Old Testament

Thursday, October 12th, 2006

Part One Part Two Part Three There is nothing in the life of Christ that support or proclaims violence as a legitimate end. His life, teaching and example was about another way. A way that rejects violence and passivity. A way that embraces effecting positive change through the turned cheek, the second ...

Thoughts on Non-Violence, Part Three: The Temple

Monday, October 9th, 2006

Jesus lived a consistent life. His actions and His words match up all the way down the line. And that's a good thing. If His actions deviated at any point from His words, then He would relinquish His diety. And He would be a hypocrite. That's why there are ...

Thoughts on Non-Violence, Part Two: Jesus as Starting Place

Thursday, October 5th, 2006

Part of the problem with this discussion is due to our proclivity to jump ahead in the story. To proceed in a systematic order we have to determine the best place to start. With the guidelines firmly in place (and I am thankful for the civil discourse thus far) it ...

Thoughts on Non-Violence: Part One

Monday, October 2nd, 2006

I'm not a pacifist. At least in the sense that it is a definable position for me. I do, however, subscribe to what I believe is the very Christian idea of non-violence. What I mean by that is that I do not believe that my commitment ...