It is undeniable that many Christians are passionate people and uncompromising, incapable of any moderation, even toward gross violence. Confessing to follow the peaceful Lamb, they resist not the need to return harm for harm or soothe their patriotic fever to win some treasured position. For these people love is only theoretical, which they refuse to acknowledge in any practical way. These Christians easily accept the suffering that is inflicted on other human beings leaning on their own ideas of what constitutes justice; “these ‘bad people’ deserve what they get.” Christian love, for these, is selective. I consider this view particularly foul among those who are ordinarily peace-loving people, but otherwise, dyed-in-the-wool Protestants and Catholics who define peace and safety in caliber and gauge.
It is disheartening for me to acknowledge the deafening silence of Christians in general and Anabaptists in particular regarding the Gospel and the present violence in the Middle East today. Has God withdrawn forgiveness from Christian preaching? Did Jesus privately applaud Peter for the use of his sword? Are Christians now authorized and approved to endorse the mass slaughter of human souls because the nation of Israel is doing the dirty work? Where are the Voices of reason and charity?
The truth is apparent that most professing Christians are no different than others. Can it be that this lack of Christian profession are only the tares amongst the wheat? It is apparent in our day that the “Church” has become only another arm of politics in the crusade to crush its enemy rather than loving them. Jesus tells us to recognize them by their fruits and that they should be left to grow together until the end of time. At that time, the Spirit will separate the wheat from the tares and cast the tares into the fire.
Following the crowd is not a Christian virtue!
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
“Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? I tell you; He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”
Even though I do not expect any momentous results from my writing, I must continue. Those who accept violence are little inclined toward good reason or biblical examples, but still. . ..