Is Christian violence and terrorism justified by the Bible?

[bribri16]

How do we justify what we do in the world?

[Mountainman]

1. First you have to be a self centered individual.

By that I mean that you feel your well being is more important than someone else's. Then you have to dehumanize the other person. It is a pattern as old as man.

[brentspeak]

2. Explain to us what you mean by "Christian violence & terrorism" n/t

[usregimechange]

3. I don't know but this is R rated.

Hosea 13:16
Samaria will bear her guilt
because she has rebelled against her God.
They will fall by the sword;
their little ones will be dashed to pieces,
and their pregnant women ripped open.

[jobycom]

4. The Bible can be used to justify either side. Thus it is flawed.

Stories like Jericho and the exploits of Kings David and Saul can easily be used to justify violence. The Beatitudes and the parables and commandments of Jesus clearly are against war. Take your pick. Whichever you want to do, God is on your side.

[blonndee]

5. I have got some seriously fundie extended family, and here's how it

breaks down for them.

They take these verses:

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high .

And they are taught by their "pastors" and the crazyass Left Behind-type people that the wars going on are actually spiritual wars against the devil. That is, god is "working through" America and its allies in order to defeat "satan" (who is working through Iraqis or whoever we're attacking at the given time).

I'm not kidding about this. Here's an email exchange between one of said fundies and myself. In January 2004, I forwarded a link to several people, including this relative, that had that video of pilots shooting down farmers.

Here's the brief text of my email:

"Are we going to stay quiet about this? Remember, staying silent about something is giving your implied consent. Please view this video and begin to think about what your government is doing in Iraq and elsewhere."

And here's what he wrote back:

XXXX (my name),
I love you but have to tell you that what is happening in Iraq is God vs Satan.
IT is simply a spiritual war manefested in the physical. It's not about Bush or Republican its is
situation that has nothing to do with politics. Whether we have a Dem or Rep. there is alot more going on than what meets the physical eye. Look at the History of the Bible and you will see a repeat of God vs Babylon. Remember Ephesians......we do not war vs flesh and blood, but against
darkness,principalities, etc.
Hope you had a great Christmas break
As always I love you even if we disagree
YYYYY (his name)"

So I really think no matter what happens, even if the latest torture stuff comes out, most of these people will NEVER change their minds.

[Extend a Hand]

6. it seems to me like

the passages most often cited in support of war and violence are old testatment passages. The old testament is the history of the Jewish people-- wars and all.

I do not believe that the teachings of Jesus Christ ever justify war, violence, or terrorism.

[AlienGirl]

7. Locking

This is inflammatory and a broad-brush attack on Christians, many of whom follow the liberal, peaceful teachings of Jesus.