I would think, seeing as how Christ promoted peace and let himself be killed rather than fight back, that Christians would not support the Iraq war. However, it is apparent that some Christians do support the Iraq war. So what can we conclude? A. Those "Christians" are not true Christians. B. There exists a loophole in the Bible. C. Christians don't have a good grasp of Christianity and its teachings though they claim to be Christian.
So Christ advocated violence? No? So what's your point? Blah blah, Christ died for your sin...I'm sorry...OUR sins. Anyways, are you going to add anything to this thread or just one-liners?
A relevant question is "can you be a Christian and adamantly opposed to those who support the Iraq War, with the same (or more) vigor and passion as you would oppose abortion and other immoral deeds?" Terry Schiavo anyone? Jesus Christ is a role model all Christians are supposed to look upon. Did Christians ask themselves what would Jesus do?
As a non-Christian I'm not qualified to answer that question but since its the D & D and I have a big mouth here's my opinion. Why at its heart Christianity's message is peace and forgiveness in general there does seem to be concept of a "Just War" (not saying this one is but only that war isn't totally ruled out). Christianity is also a large and diverse religion with several denominations and several interpretations of the Bible. So while some denominations like Quakers absolutely rule out war of any kind some like Catholicism have actively advocated war. So from my standpoint I don't see why someone can't still be considered Christian and also support the war in Iraq.
Christians supposedly follow Christ and, more specifically, the New Testament. Though there are many, many wars and deaths in the Old Testament, that should be nearly irrelevant here. One thing my ex-pastor always told me was to be a good Christian you should emulate Jesus Christ. That was it. The end all of all questions that begin with "Should I...". Not lying doesn't make you a good Christian. Doing charity work doesn't make you a good Christian. The only thing that makes you a good Christian is emulating Christ. Am I wrong here? Should Christians NOT emulate Jesus Christ?
It is probably a good idea not to stop reading your bible partway through Exodus. Since Jesus never dealt with many situations, there are times when that is simply not enough of a guide. Your formula is basically, "What did Jesus do?" while a more expansive version is "What would Jesus do?" In dealing with situations that Jesus never encountered, one is required to interpret the Gospel to try to decide how Jesus would act in the same situation. That is a little more difficult and the answer is going to vary more amoung those asking themselves the question
I'm glad I'm getting some good and reasonable response as opposed to one-liners. I'm still waiting for rhester though, esp. cuz he's a pastor. But anyways, though your response is reasonable, is it reasonable to assume Jesus would advocate war with the terrorists? One parable that I recall, was when you get slapped on one cheek, just turn the other cheek. I have never read anywhere that Jesus said it was okay to fight someone else. It's been a while since I read the Bible, but does anyone have the verses that suggests violence is okay in some situations?
That's where I'm at. Most confusing thread ever. There's violence in every religion...just about. Hell, we are fighting Muslims (if we can even call them that anymore after what you're saying), who are blowing up fellow Muslims. and yet....they are still followers of Islam.
My point was that your flippant remark and entire basis for arguing that Jesus wouldn't condone war is completely offbase. Advocating violence and accepting war as an occasional necessity are different things. Your whole premise is wrong - why bother? You didn't come into this thread with an open mind or asking a reasonable question. You phrased it the way you wanted - and based on your response to me, knowingly misrepresented Jesus' reasons to die - to create an incorrect impression and to try to make Christians look bad. People who want serious discussions don't do that.
I was pointing to a similar 'internal conflict' among pro-war and anti-war Christians -- specifically Catholics. It was in the thread discussing how many Catholics are trapped between supporting the Pope's anti-war stance and/or supporting the current administrations' foreign policy. I guess I could just point to it here if people want to comment on this 'dilemma' (if that's the correct word to use): http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=100990
MartianMan, For someone who has "been here" since May 2005, you sure act like a veteran. You aren't really PinetreeFM60 (or whatever that guy's name is) aka Friendly Fan or Bob Rainey, are you? It is like you are the anti-KateBeckinsale7 (if anyone remembers that poster) here. That is great that you aren't into Christianity, but it is like Major said - you don't even go into these discussions with an open mind. I don't think Major is a Christian (correct me if I am wrong here, Major) but I guarantee you he will have an open mind in a discussion about Christianity. Mr. MEOWGI is another outstanding example of a poster here who is not a Christian but has had very good discussions with posters who are Christian on this topic. Your behavior and tendencies on this topic make you look like a troll which I imagine is not what you would want IF you want people to take you seriously around here.
