Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Starting Point
Theology must be practical, if theology cannot be practiced it is meaningless. As to the issue at hand, our determination of whether or not Christians are permitted to take part in war and the killing of others includes the problem of "is it okay for me to do/be such-and-such." In this case the such-and-such is a practical application of the greater question. If I were to agree that in no instance are Christians permitted to take part in war and the killing of others, I would then have to ask this question. It is my opinion that these questions must be answered as the "larger question" is being answered.
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2 comments:
"If I were to agree that in no instance are Christians permitted to take part in war and the killing of others, I would then have to ask this question." (your words)
So let's start with the "if" of your statement, and then let's look at the "then".
Does the Bible envision violent Christians? Does Christ give any indication that He supports war and killing, and that He envisions that some of His followers will take part in killing others?
We cannot have a meaningful discussion of the implications (or application) of pacifism if we do not first agree that pacifism is something that Jesus and the apostles commend to Christians as a response to the evil around them.
Until you and I discuss what the Bible says about Christians and killing, it is pointless to argue about what it means practically. Unless it is good theology, it doesn't deserve to be applied.
If we decide that Christians should not kill others, then we need to look at all the implications, including those like, "Can a Christian be a police officer?"
So, does the Bible support Christians killing other people, or does it paint another picture of who Christians should be in their responses to human enemies?
I will humbly hold my practical questions until we further discuss what you believe to be the greater question.
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