Crosses & Cannons: Christianity and War in American History
Theological and moral arguments for peace within Christianity are extensive and rooted in the faith’s sacred texts, traditions, and teachings. These arguments are often centered around the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, Christian ethics, and interpretations of the Bible, drawing from themes of love, justice, reconciliation, and non-violence.
1. Teachings of Jesus Christ:
Sermon on the Mount:
- Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is foundational, emphasizing love for enemies, non-retaliation (“turn the other cheek”), and peacemaking (“Blessed are the peacemakers…”).
Love Your Enemies:
- Jesus’ command to love one’s enemies and pray for those who persecute (Matthew 5:44) is a radical call to non-violence, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
2. New Testament Texts:
Pauline Epistles:
- Paul’s letters often speak to peace, reconciliation, and unity within the body of Christ, emphasizing love as the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10).
Fruits of the Spirit:
- Peace is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, aligning Christian character with harmonious and reconciling behavior.
3. Christian Ethics:
Just War Tradition:
- The Just War tradition, developed by early Christian thinkers like Augustine, stipulates stringent criteria for determining the justice of wars, implicitly advocating for peace by emphasizing war as a last resort.
Ethic of Love:
- The Christian ethic of love, drawing from Jesus’ teachings and agape love, underscores selfless, unconditional love, promoting peace, goodwill, and benevolence toward all people.
4. Early Christian Writings and Practices:
Pacifism:
- Early Christian texts and communities often embraced pacifism, renouncing violence, and military service, reflecting a commitment to Jesus’ teachings and example of non-violence.
Witnessing Peace:
- Early Christians viewed peacemaking and non-violence as witnessing to the peace of Christ, forming communities of mutual care, reconciliation, and resistance to imperial violence and coercion.
5. Ecumenical and Denominational Statements:
Social Teachings:
- Various Christian denominations and ecumenical bodies have issued statements and teachings emphasizing peace, justice, human dignity, and the preferential option for the poor.
Denominational Peace Stances:
- Some denominations, like Quakers and Mennonites, have historical peace stances and actively promote non-violence, conscientious objection, and conflict transformation.
6. Contemporary Theological Reflections:
Liberation Theology:
- Liberation theology emphasizes the preferential option for the poor and marginalized, advocating for social justice, structural transformation, and non-violent resistance as integral to Christian discipleship.
Reconciliation Theology:
- Reconciliation theology focuses on repairing broken relationships, fostering forgiveness, healing, and restoration between individuals, communities, and God.
7. Social Justice and Human Rights:
Christian Social Activism:
- Christian social activism often aligns with peace movements, emphasizing the interconnectedness of peace with justice, equality, and human rights.
Advocacy for Human Dignity:
- Theological and moral arguments for peace also emphasize the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, advocating for the protection and fulfillment of every person’s rights and wellbeing.
Conclusion:
Theological and moral arguments for peace within Christianity draw from a rich tapestry of scriptures, teachings, traditions, and experiences, articulating visions, values, and practices of peace, justice, love, and reconciliation. The Christian pursuit of peace is deeply intertwined with commitments to human dignity, social justice, ethical integrity, and spiritual transformation, reflecting the multifaceted and dynamic nature of Christian understandings and enactments of peace in a complex and conflicted world.