Key Takeaways
1. The Bible advocates nonviolence for Christians
"Nowhere in Scripture, Old or New Testament, is Joshua's conquest prescribed for future generations."
Old Testament context. While the Old Testament contains accounts of divinely sanctioned violence, these were specific to Israel's unique historical context. God was establishing Israel as a nation and judging wicked peoples. The law of Moses made incremental moral improvements on surrounding cultures, moving toward an ideal of peace. The prophets envisioned a coming era of peace where swords would be beaten into plowshares.
New Testament ethic. Jesus and the apostles taught a radically different ethic of nonviolence and enemy love for the church. Christians are called to overcome evil with good, not resort to violence. The New Testament provides no justification for Christians to use violence, even in self-defense or protection of others. While civil authorities may use force (Romans 13), the church is called to a higher standard of peacemaking.
2. Jesus taught and modeled radical nonviolence and enemy love
"When we are cursed, we bless. When we are hated, we love. When we are robbed, we give. And when we are struck, we don't strike back with violence."
Sermon on the Mount. Jesus taught his followers to turn the other cheek, love their enemies, and do good to those who hate them. He rejected the "eye for an eye" mentality and called his disciples to a higher way of nonviolence. This was not mere passivity, but active love toward aggressors.
Example of Christ. Jesus embodied this ethic throughout his life and especially in his death. When attacked, he did not retaliate. He rebuked his disciples for using violence in his defense. On the cross, he forgave his killers. The New Testament repeatedly points to Christ's nonviolent example as the pattern for Christians to follow.
- Turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39)
- Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44)
- Do not resist an evil person (Matthew 5:39)
- Forgive those who persecute you (Luke 23:34)
3. The early church unanimously rejected violence and military service
"Whenever the issue of violence, killing, warfare, or joining the military was discussed, the voices of all extant early Christian writings were in agreement: Christians are never to kill."
Consistent teaching. For the first three centuries, Christian writers unanimously taught that believers should not kill or serve in the military. This view was held across diverse regions of the Roman Empire. Key figures like Tertullian, Origen, and Lactantius explicitly condemned Christian participation in violence and military service.
Reasons for rejection. Early Christians rejected military service for two main reasons:
- Idolatry - Roman military service required participation in pagan rituals
- Killing - Christians believed it was wrong to kill, even in warfare
Post-Constantine shift. After Christianity became the official Roman religion in the 4th century, many church leaders began to justify Christian participation in warfare. However, some continued to advocate nonviolence.
4. Nonviolence is not passive but actively confronts evil with good
"Nonviolence isn't as crazy as it's sometimes made out to be."
Active peacemaking. Christian nonviolence does not mean doing nothing in the face of evil. It calls for actively confronting injustice and oppression through nonviolent means. This can include verbal resistance, spiritual resistance through prayer, sacrificial resistance by absorbing violence, and physical resistance that restrains without killing.
Historical examples. Nonviolent movements have successfully confronted evil and brought social change:
- Indian independence movement led by Gandhi
- US civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr.
- Fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe
- Anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa
Power of love. Responding to aggression with unexpected love can be transformative. There are many accounts of would-be attackers being disarmed by their victims' refusal to retaliate and show of kindness instead.
5. The kingdom of God advances through suffering, not violence
"The cross and resurrection are what constitute the power of the kingdom."
Upside-down kingdom. Jesus established his kingdom not through military might, but through suffering love on the cross. He calls his followers to take up their crosses and follow his example. The early church grew rapidly despite (and often because of) persecution, not by taking up arms.
Revelation's vision. The book of Revelation, often misunderstood as promoting violence, actually portrays believers conquering through martyrdom. The Lamb who was slain is victorious. His followers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, not by violence.
Meaning in suffering. For Christians, suffering for Christ is not meaningless defeat but participation in his victory over evil. It may lead to the salvation of persecutors or become part of God's judgment on unrepentant evildoers.
6. Christians should prioritize faithfulness to Jesus over effectiveness
"Faithfulness rather than effectiveness is our motivation."
Not results-oriented. The call to nonviolence is not based on its effectiveness, but on obedience to Christ. Sometimes nonviolence "works" to change situations, but other times Christians may face continued persecution or death. The goal is to be faithful witnesses to Christ's way of peace.
God's responsibility. Christians are called to love enemies and do good, trusting God to bring justice in his time. It is not the church's role to execute vengeance or judgment. God can use civil authorities as agents of wrath, but the church has a different calling.
Eternal perspective. From a worldly perspective, nonviolence may seem foolish or ineffective. But Christians are called to view things from an eternal perspective, recognizing that apparent defeat may be spiritual victory.
7. Nonviolence can be a powerful witness and tool for social change
"A person who chooses to love his or her enemies can have no enemies. That person is left only with neighbors."
Transformative power. Responding to hate with love and to violence with nonviolence can be a powerful testimony. It breaks cycles of retaliation and can open doors for reconciliation. Many aggressors have been converted by their victims' unexpected forgiveness and kindness.
Social movements. Nonviolent resistance has proven effective in bringing social and political change:
- Indian independence from British rule
- US civil rights movement
- Fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe
- Anti-apartheid movement in South Africa
Christian witness. When Christians refuse to retaliate and instead show love to enemies, it provides a stark contrast to worldly ways. This can draw attention to Christ and his kingdom.
8. Christians can serve in non-combat roles to be agents of peace
"I believe the kingdom of God should unleash its citizens into all areas of life to be agents of peace, healing, reconciliation, and forgiveness."
Military service. While Christians should not serve in combat roles that require killing, they can serve in non-combat positions like medical care, chaplaincy, and other support roles. This allows them to be a positive influence and witness within military structures.
Law enforcement. Christians may serve as police officers, but should refrain from using lethal force. They can model de-escalation, community engagement, and pursuit of justice without violence. Some police forces around the world operate without carrying firearms.
Conflict zones. Christians can serve in war-torn areas through humanitarian aid, peacebuilding initiatives, and ministries of reconciliation. This allows them to be present in places of conflict as agents of Christ's peace.
9. Self-defense and protection of others creates ethical dilemmas
"I cannot find any biblical passage that sanctions a Christian serving as a combatant for a nation's military in a situation where he or she may take another person's life in the event of war."
No clear exceptions. The New Testament does not provide exceptions to nonviolence for self-defense or protection of loved ones. Jesus and the apostles emphasize nonretaliation and enemy love without caveats.
Ethical tension. This creates difficult ethical dilemmas, especially in "intruder scenarios." Some argue for a "lesser evil" approach that would allow defensive violence as a last resort. Others maintain that Christians should never use lethal force.
Alternative responses. Christians facing threats can:
- Use non-lethal force to restrain attackers
- Verbally de-escalate situations
- Protect others by shielding them with their own bodies
- Trust in God's protection through prayer
- Accept potential martyrdom as faithful witness
10. Christians should view all ethical issues through the lens of the cross
"Consider the cross in all its shame, foolishness, and power. Consider the call, the mandate, to take up our crosses and follow Him down the bloody road to victory, the suffering life that leads to resurrection."
Cruciform ethic. All Christian ethics must be shaped by Christ's example on the cross. He confronted the ultimate evil not through violence, but through self-giving love. He calls his followers to take up their crosses and follow him.
Countercultural stance. This ethic often goes against cultural values and human instincts. It requires faith that God's way of peace is ultimately victorious, even when it appears weak or foolish to the world.
Practical application. Christians should filter all ethical decisions through the question: "How can I best embody Christ's self-giving love in this situation?" This applies not just to issues of violence, but all areas of life.
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FAQ
What's Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence about?
- Exploration of Non-Violence: The book presents a Christian perspective on non-violence, challenging traditional views that justify violence in God's name.
- Biblical Analysis: It examines both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting how scripture advocates for a peace-centered approach to conflict.
- Cultural Context: The book critiques how militarism has infiltrated modern Christianity, using historical contexts like Israel's conquests and the early church's response to violence.
Why should I read Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence?
- Timely Discussion: In a world filled with violence, the book offers a fresh perspective on how Christians can respond differently.
- Biblical Foundation: It provides a thorough examination of scripture, encouraging readers to rethink their views on violence and warfare.
- Practical Application: The book challenges readers to embody Jesus's teachings in their daily lives, promoting peace and reconciliation.
What are the key takeaways of Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence?
- Nonviolence as a Christian Ethic: Nonviolence is presented as a calling for Christians, emphasizing love and forgiveness even towards enemies.
- Historical Context Matters: Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical texts is crucial for interpreting their meaning.
- God's Kingdom is Nonviolent: The vision of God's kingdom is one of peace and reconciliation, and Christians are called to reflect this in their actions.
What are the best quotes from Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence and what do they mean?
- "The cure to bad theology is not 'no theology'—but good theology.": This emphasizes the importance of correct scriptural interpretation to avoid justifying violence.
- "It is possible to combat violence without mirroring it.": This encapsulates the book's core argument for standing against evil without resorting to violence.
- "We can fight evil without being evil.": It challenges the notion that violence is necessary to achieve justice, advocating for nonviolent opposition to wrongdoing.
How does Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence address the Old Testament's violent passages?
- Contextual Understanding: Violent passages are examined within their historical and cultural context, showing a progression toward God's ideal of peace.
- God's Judgment vs. Human Violence: The book differentiates between divine judgment and human violence, emphasizing God's ultimate desire for peace.
- Incremental Steps Toward Peace: Old Testament laws and narratives are seen as steps toward a nonviolent ideal, culminating in Jesus's teachings.
What is the significance of the title Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence?
- Contradictory Nature: The title suggests a paradox, advocating for nonviolence while using the term "fight," challenging readers to reconsider conflict.
- Call to Action: It serves as a call for Christians to engage in the fight against evil through nonviolent means.
- Reframing Conflict: The book reframes conflict, suggesting true fighting involves standing up for justice and peace without violence.
How does Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence relate to Just War Theory?
- Appendix Discussion: The book includes an appendix explaining Just War Theory, contrasting it with the author's advocacy for nonviolence.
- Critique of Militarism: It critiques the application of Just War Theory within American militarism, arguing it contradicts Jesus's teachings.
- Nonviolence as the Ideal: While Just War Theory offers a perspective on warfare, the book suggests nonviolence should be the guiding principle for Christians.
What are the objections to nonviolence that Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence addresses?
- Historical Examples: The book examines scenarios like Hitler's regime, arguing they don't justify a blanket endorsement of violence.
- Self-Defense and Protection: It addresses questions about self-defense, suggesting nonviolence doesn't equate to passivity.
- Complexity of Evil: The book acknowledges the complexity of evil but maintains that Christians should trust in God's justice over violence.
How does Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence propose Christians should respond to violence?
- Active Nonviolence: Christians are encouraged to engage in loving their enemies and seeking peace through practical actions.
- Community Engagement: The importance of community in fostering a nonviolent ethos is emphasized, supporting each other in living out these principles.
- Prayer and Forgiveness: Prayer and forgiveness are highlighted as essential tools for counteracting the cycle of violence.
What is the role of the church in promoting nonviolence according to Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence?
- Witness to the World: The church is called to embody nonviolence and love, promoting peace and reconciliation in society.
- Teaching and Discipleship: Nonviolence should be a core aspect of discipleship, equipping members to practice it in daily life.
- Advocacy for Justice: The church should advocate for justice and stand against systemic evils without resorting to violence.
How does Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence address the concept of just war?
- Critique of Just War Theory: The book argues that just war theory doesn't align with Jesus's teachings of non-violence and love for enemies.
- Historical Context: It discusses how early church leaders developed just war theory, diverging from Jesus's non-violent ethos.
- Moral Implications: Even just wars often lead to more violence and suffering, contradicting the gospel's message.
How does Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence handle the question of self-defense?
- Non-Violent Resistance: Christians are encouraged not to resort to lethal force, even in self-defense, as it contradicts Jesus's teachings.
- Real-World Considerations: The book acknowledges real-life complexities but emphasizes faithfulness to Christ in responses to threats.
- Alternative Responses: Non-lethal means of resistance, like negotiation or physical restraint, are suggested as more aligned with Christian values.
Review Summary
Fight presents a compelling case for Christian nonviolence, drawing from both Old and New Testaments. Sprinkle challenges readers to reconsider their views on violence, war, and self-defense through a biblical lens. While some reviewers found his arguments persuasive and thought-provoking, others felt he underplayed Old Testament violence. The book tackles difficult questions and scenarios, offering a nuanced perspective on nonviolence. Many readers appreciated Sprinkle's humble approach and thorough research, even if they didn't fully agree with his conclusions.
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