Category Archives: peace

Nonviolent Resurrected Jesus

Posted on May 3, 2012 by

From Will Willimon: This consistent, right to-the-end, to-the-point of-death nonviolence of Jesus has been that which Jesus’ followers have most attempted to modify. When it comes to violence in service of a good cause, we deeply wish Jesus had said … Continue reading →

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Christians and War: an alternative view

Posted on November 14, 2011 by

My friend Matthew has offered (in the comments) the following passages as contradicting my interpretation of the position of the early Church Fathers on war. Note: my only change to Matthew’s text has been to italicise his editorial comments. From … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethical Issues, Following Jesus, peace | 3 Comments

Christians and War: the Early Church Speaks #5

Posted on November 14, 2011 by

Origen (185/5 – 253/4 AD): ‘In like manner, as the statement is false “that the Hebrews, being (originally) Egyptians, dated the commencement (of their political existence) from the time of their rebellion,” so also is this, “that in the days … Continue reading →

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Christians and War: the Early Church Speaks #4

Posted on November 13, 2011 by

Irenaus (approx. 120-202 AD): ‘From the Lord’s advent, the new covenant which brings back peace, and the law which gives life, has gone forth over the whole earth, as the prophets said: “For out of Zion shall go forth the … Continue reading →

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Christians and War: the Early Church Speaks #3

Posted on November 12, 2011 by

Tertullian (c. 160-220 A.D.) again ‘In that last section, decision may seem to have been given likewise concerning military service, which is between dignity and power. But now inquiry is made about this point, whether a believer may turn himself … Continue reading →

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3rd Annual Prayer Walk for Peace, Edmonton

Posted on November 11, 2011 by

This afternoon I led a workshop at All Saints’ Cathedral entitled ‘War and Peace: What’s a Christian To Do?’ Twenty-two of us, from several different denominational backgrounds,  gathered for a few hours to look at the biblical texts regarding war … Continue reading →

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Dulce et decorum est, pro patria mori

Posted on November 11, 2011 by

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs And towards our distant rest began to trudge. Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots … Continue reading →

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Christians and War: the Early Church Speaks #2

Posted on November 9, 2011 by

Tertullian (circa 160 – 220 A.D.) ‘To begin with the real ground of the military crown, I think we must first inquire whether warfare is proper at all for Christians. What sense is there in discussing the merely accidental, when … Continue reading →

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Christians and War: the Early Church Speaks #1

Posted on November 8, 2011 by

Justin Martyr, circa 160 A.D.: ‘We ourselves were well conversant with war, murder, and everything evil, but all of us throughout the whole wide earth have traded in our weapons of war. We have exchanged our swords for ploughshares, our … Continue reading →

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What Would You Do?

Posted on November 5, 2011 by

Christian Pacifists like myself are often confronted with some variant on the ‘What would you do?’ question (I do wish that people who ask me this question wouldn’t look at me triumphantly as if they think I’m hearing it for … Continue reading →

Posted in Following Jesus, peace | 2 Comments