What the bible says about war?

What the Bible Says About War

The Bible is a complex and multifaceted book that contains a wide range of teachings and perspectives on the topic of war. From the earliest accounts of the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Bible presents a nuanced and sometimes contradictory view of war. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about war, examining both the Old and New Testaments, and highlighting key passages and teachings.

The Old Testament

The Old Testament is replete with accounts of war and violence, particularly in the books of Exodus, Joshua, and Judges. These accounts often describe the Israelites’ conflicts with neighboring nations, such as the Egyptians, Philistines, and Amalekites. While these accounts may seem violent and bloodthirsty to modern readers, they are often presented as justified and even commanded by God.

Just War Theory

One of the most significant Old Testament teachings on war is the concept of just war theory. This concept is found in Deuteronomy 20:10-20, where God commands the Israelites to offer a choice to their enemies: surrender or face destruction. This passage is often cited as a biblical basis for the concept of just war, which holds that war is justified only when:

• There is a legitimate authority to declare war (e.g., a sovereign government)
• The cause of war is just (e.g., self-defense or defense of the innocent)
• All other options have been exhausted (e.g., diplomacy, mediation)
• The war is fought with the intention of achieving a specific, limited goal (e.g., defending a nation or territory)

Conquest and Expansion

The Old Testament also contains accounts of the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan, which is often seen as a military campaign authorized by God. In Deuteronomy 7:1-2, God commands the Israelites to destroy the nations that inhabit the land, including the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites. This passage is often interpreted as a call to genocide, although some scholars argue that it is more accurately understood as a call to judgment against the wicked nations.

The Role of the King

The Old Testament also presents a significant role for the king in times of war. In 1 Samuel 8:20-22, the Israelites request a king to lead them into battle, and God grants their request. The king is seen as a divine appointee, responsible for leading the people in war and maintaining peace and justice.

The New Testament

The New Testament presents a more pacifist view of war, emphasizing the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. While the New Testament contains accounts of violence and conflict, such as the crucifixion of Jesus and the persecution of early Christians, these accounts are often presented as exceptions rather than the rule.

The Teachings of Jesus

Jesus Christ is often seen as a pacifist, who taught his followers to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42) and to love their enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). In Matthew 26:52, Jesus tells his disciples to put away the sword, rejecting the idea of violence as a means of resolving conflicts.

The Teachings of Paul

The apostle Paul also presents a pacifist view of war, emphasizing the importance of non-violence and love. In Romans 12:19-21, Paul writes that vengeance belongs to God, and that Christians should overcome evil with good. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Paul argues that spiritual warfare is more important than physical warfare, and that Christians should use the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) to resist the devil rather than engaging in physical conflict.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible presents a complex and multifaceted view of war, with both Old and New Testament passages presenting different perspectives and teachings. While the Old Testament often presents a more militaristic view of war, the New Testament emphasizes the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, which emphasize non-violence, love, and peace. Ultimately, the Bible challenges Christians to think critically about war and violence, and to seek alternative means of resolving conflicts and promoting justice.

Table: Summary of Biblical Teachings on War

Bibliography

• The Holy Bible (King James Version)
• The Holy Bible (New International Version)
• R. Scott Clark, The Just War Theory (Wipf and Stock, 2010)
• Richard A. Horsley, Jesus and the Politics of Roman Palestine (Herald Press, 2003)
• N.T. Wright, The New Testament and the People of God (Fortress Press, 1992)