Warlike Christians in an Age of Violence

Warlike Christians in an Age of Violence

Author: Nick Megoran

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2017-10-03

Total Pages: 330

ISBN-13: 1498219594

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How should Christians respond to war? This age-old question has become more pressing given Western governments’ recent overseas military interventions and the rise of extremist Islamist jihadism. Grounded in conservative evangelical theology, this book argues the historic church position that it is inadmissible for Christians to use violence or take part in war. It shows how the church’s propensity to support the “just wars,” crusades, rebellions, or “humanitarian interventions” of its host nations over time has been disastrous for the reputation of the gospel. Instead, the church’s response to war is simply to be the church, by preaching the gospel and making peace in the love and power of God. The book considers challenges to this argument for “gospel peace.” What about warfare in the Old Testament and military metaphors in the New? What of church history? And how do we deal with tyrants like Hitler and terrorists like Islamic State? Charting a path between just war theory and liberal pacifism, numerous inspiring examples from the worldwide church are used to demonstrate effective and authentically Christian responses to violence. The author argues that as Christians increasingly drop their unbiblical addiction to war, we may be entering one of the most exciting periods of church history.


Book Synopsis Warlike Christians in an Age of Violence by : Nick Megoran

Download or read book Warlike Christians in an Age of Violence written by Nick Megoran and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2017-10-03 with total page 330 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How should Christians respond to war? This age-old question has become more pressing given Western governments’ recent overseas military interventions and the rise of extremist Islamist jihadism. Grounded in conservative evangelical theology, this book argues the historic church position that it is inadmissible for Christians to use violence or take part in war. It shows how the church’s propensity to support the “just wars,” crusades, rebellions, or “humanitarian interventions” of its host nations over time has been disastrous for the reputation of the gospel. Instead, the church’s response to war is simply to be the church, by preaching the gospel and making peace in the love and power of God. The book considers challenges to this argument for “gospel peace.” What about warfare in the Old Testament and military metaphors in the New? What of church history? And how do we deal with tyrants like Hitler and terrorists like Islamic State? Charting a path between just war theory and liberal pacifism, numerous inspiring examples from the worldwide church are used to demonstrate effective and authentically Christian responses to violence. The author argues that as Christians increasingly drop their unbiblical addiction to war, we may be entering one of the most exciting periods of church history.

Big Questions in an Age of Global Crises

Big Questions in an Age of Global Crises

Author: Nick Megoran

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2022-06-21

Total Pages: 83

ISBN-13: 1666791857

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Does life have meaning, purpose and value? Can we know whether God exists? If he does, why does he allow bad things to happen? How can we make sense of death, and what lies beyond it? And how can we live life well during a personal, national, or global crisis? Human beings have always asked these big questions. However, crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2007-2008 financial collapse, or the War on Terror following the 9/11 attacks, make them seem more urgent and harder to avoid. This short book is an accessible introduction to these questions. It makes no assumptions about the reader's beliefs but is written for anyone who wants to understand how Christian ideas can help make sense of life and live it well during difficult times. Each chapter is illustrated with examples from the lives of a wide range of people over time, as well as stories from films, novels, and music, to help the reader think through these weighty issues in an engaging way.


Book Synopsis Big Questions in an Age of Global Crises by : Nick Megoran

Download or read book Big Questions in an Age of Global Crises written by Nick Megoran and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2022-06-21 with total page 83 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Does life have meaning, purpose and value? Can we know whether God exists? If he does, why does he allow bad things to happen? How can we make sense of death, and what lies beyond it? And how can we live life well during a personal, national, or global crisis? Human beings have always asked these big questions. However, crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2007-2008 financial collapse, or the War on Terror following the 9/11 attacks, make them seem more urgent and harder to avoid. This short book is an accessible introduction to these questions. It makes no assumptions about the reader's beliefs but is written for anyone who wants to understand how Christian ideas can help make sense of life and live it well during difficult times. Each chapter is illustrated with examples from the lives of a wide range of people over time, as well as stories from films, novels, and music, to help the reader think through these weighty issues in an engaging way.

Security after Christendom

Security after Christendom

Author: John Heathershaw

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2024-02-13

Total Pages: 318

ISBN-13: 1532615345

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We live in the wealthiest and most heavily defended world in history, so why do we feel so insecure? In a secular world, what does Christian theology have to say about this problem? Security after Christendom combines practical examples, social scientific research, and an ecumenical approach to political theology to answer these questions. It argues that Christendom was a plural phenomenon of imagined security communities of East and West whose unravelling continues to have implications for global politics today, as dramatically illustrated by Russia's war in Ukraine. While notions of a new Christendom are idolatrous and delusional, secular imaginaries of national security or the liberal international order are both destructive and unstable. True security--radical inclusion, nonviolent protection, and abundant provision--is an eschatological phenomenon, inaugurated by Christ. Security after Christendom is neither found in faithful government nor an exclusive church-as-polis approach but in relations of tension where the fallen powers are continuously confronted by prophetic practices. A post-Christendom community expresses its love for the world by seeking its security, providentially limiting the disorders of the secular age, and offering glimmers of a new earth.


Book Synopsis Security after Christendom by : John Heathershaw

Download or read book Security after Christendom written by John Heathershaw and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2024-02-13 with total page 318 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We live in the wealthiest and most heavily defended world in history, so why do we feel so insecure? In a secular world, what does Christian theology have to say about this problem? Security after Christendom combines practical examples, social scientific research, and an ecumenical approach to political theology to answer these questions. It argues that Christendom was a plural phenomenon of imagined security communities of East and West whose unravelling continues to have implications for global politics today, as dramatically illustrated by Russia's war in Ukraine. While notions of a new Christendom are idolatrous and delusional, secular imaginaries of national security or the liberal international order are both destructive and unstable. True security--radical inclusion, nonviolent protection, and abundant provision--is an eschatological phenomenon, inaugurated by Christ. Security after Christendom is neither found in faithful government nor an exclusive church-as-polis approach but in relations of tension where the fallen powers are continuously confronted by prophetic practices. A post-Christendom community expresses its love for the world by seeking its security, providentially limiting the disorders of the secular age, and offering glimmers of a new earth.

If Jesus Is Lord

If Jesus Is Lord

Author: Ronald J. Sider

Publisher: Baker Academic

Published: 2019-07-16

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 1493418262

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What does Jesus have to say about violence, just war, and killing? Does Jesus ever want his disciples to kill in order to resist evil and promote peace and justice? This book by noted theologian and bestselling author Ronald J. Sider provides a career capstone statement on biblical peacemaking. Sider makes a strong case for the view that Jesus calls his disciples to love, and never kill, their enemies. He explains that there are never only two options: to kill or to do nothing in the face of tyranny and brutality. There is always a third possibility: vigorous, nonviolent resistance. If we believe that Jesus is Lord, then we disobey him when we set aside what he taught about killing and ignore his command to love our enemies. This thorough, comprehensive treatment of a topic of perennial concern vigorously engages with the just war tradition and issues a challenge to all Christians, especially evangelicals, to engage in biblical peacemaking. The book includes a foreword by Stanley Hauerwas.


Book Synopsis If Jesus Is Lord by : Ronald J. Sider

Download or read book If Jesus Is Lord written by Ronald J. Sider and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2019-07-16 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What does Jesus have to say about violence, just war, and killing? Does Jesus ever want his disciples to kill in order to resist evil and promote peace and justice? This book by noted theologian and bestselling author Ronald J. Sider provides a career capstone statement on biblical peacemaking. Sider makes a strong case for the view that Jesus calls his disciples to love, and never kill, their enemies. He explains that there are never only two options: to kill or to do nothing in the face of tyranny and brutality. There is always a third possibility: vigorous, nonviolent resistance. If we believe that Jesus is Lord, then we disobey him when we set aside what he taught about killing and ignore his command to love our enemies. This thorough, comprehensive treatment of a topic of perennial concern vigorously engages with the just war tradition and issues a challenge to all Christians, especially evangelicals, to engage in biblical peacemaking. The book includes a foreword by Stanley Hauerwas.

Christ and Violence

Christ and Violence

Author: Ronald J. Sider

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2001-05-29

Total Pages: 111

ISBN-13: 1579106560

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This book offers a challenge to conservative, liberal, and in-between Christians, as well as persons who do not call themselves Christians but have some interest in what the Christian movement is about. To state the extremes, both those persons who think they can have Christ without pacifism and those who think they can have pacifism without Christ will have to think again after reading Christ and Violence.... The time is right for a sweeping reappraisal of the church's teaching on violence. A mountain of nuclear stockpiles on the one hand and an ocean of revolutionary violence on the other converge in our time to make the question of violence the most urgent Christian issue facing this generation.... What about violence? Certain political/economic philosophies, including communism and capitalism, have made clear their answer to that question in the arms race which now engulfs the world. Will Christians have anything different to say or anything better to offer? Ron Sider says they can and they should. John K. Stoner in the Introduction


Book Synopsis Christ and Violence by : Ronald J. Sider

Download or read book Christ and Violence written by Ronald J. Sider and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2001-05-29 with total page 111 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book offers a challenge to conservative, liberal, and in-between Christians, as well as persons who do not call themselves Christians but have some interest in what the Christian movement is about. To state the extremes, both those persons who think they can have Christ without pacifism and those who think they can have pacifism without Christ will have to think again after reading Christ and Violence.... The time is right for a sweeping reappraisal of the church's teaching on violence. A mountain of nuclear stockpiles on the one hand and an ocean of revolutionary violence on the other converge in our time to make the question of violence the most urgent Christian issue facing this generation.... What about violence? Certain political/economic philosophies, including communism and capitalism, have made clear their answer to that question in the arms race which now engulfs the world. Will Christians have anything different to say or anything better to offer? Ron Sider says they can and they should. John K. Stoner in the Introduction

What Belongs to Caesar?

What Belongs to Caesar?

Author: Cody Cook

Publisher: Independently Published

Published: 2022-03-05

Total Pages: 134

ISBN-13:

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Jesus an anarchist? That doesn't sound like the Jesus preached by the political establishment, mega church pastors, or even most small town ministers. Nevertheless, Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God that makes all other political loyalties inconsequential. In this collection of essays, theologian Cody Cook gives the biblical answer to the question of how Christians are supposed to relate to the state. Endorsements: "We learn most by engaging thought in community, and Cody Cook's essays are a solid contribution to the discussion over Christian politics, pacifism, and the legitimacy of the state. Readers are challenged with profound arguments for better readings of important biblical texts and reconsideration of traditionally accepted formulations of theology. All will come away with a deeper understanding of how imperative it is for Christians to think in a Christlike manner." - Doug Stuart, CEO, Libertarian Christian Institute "What is God's alternative to the violent, unjust, and oppressive human systems of government that deform the lives of so many human beings? The answer: the church, a new community of people saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus and living out his kingdom values. So often, however, the church goes badly wrong and ends up mimicking the evil of the world. This book gives glimpses into where we go wrong and how we can do things better." - Nick Megoran, Professor of Political Geography at Newcastle University and Minister of Wallsend Baptist Church, and author of 2017 Wipf & Stock book Warlike Christians in an Age of Violence "For any politically-minded follower of Jesus the question of one's posture toward power is a fundamental one. To resolve the tension between temporal kingdoms and the King of Kings, Cody offers a thorough yet concise view of the arguments and scripture at hand. In typical fashion Cody has given Christians another even handed treatment of a controversial topic with prayerful consideration, grace, and precision. What Belongs to Caesar? is a perfect entry into a lifetime of the liberty only Christ provides." - J. A. Dangelo, AntiWarWarVet.com "Christian voters often claim biblical support for their conviction that this or that candidate, or even this or that political party, is to be preferred over the other. Rarely, however, are they as genuinely thoughtful, comprehensive, and rigorous in their application of Scripture to government, politics, and voting, as Cody Cook is in What Belongs to Caesar? Readers may find legitimate fault in and disagree with some of Cook's arguments, but it will not be easy, and it will force them to take a much closer and more careful look at the Bible than they're probably accustomed to doing." - Christopher M. Date, Adjunct Professor of Bible and Theology, Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary


Book Synopsis What Belongs to Caesar? by : Cody Cook

Download or read book What Belongs to Caesar? written by Cody Cook and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2022-03-05 with total page 134 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jesus an anarchist? That doesn't sound like the Jesus preached by the political establishment, mega church pastors, or even most small town ministers. Nevertheless, Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God that makes all other political loyalties inconsequential. In this collection of essays, theologian Cody Cook gives the biblical answer to the question of how Christians are supposed to relate to the state. Endorsements: "We learn most by engaging thought in community, and Cody Cook's essays are a solid contribution to the discussion over Christian politics, pacifism, and the legitimacy of the state. Readers are challenged with profound arguments for better readings of important biblical texts and reconsideration of traditionally accepted formulations of theology. All will come away with a deeper understanding of how imperative it is for Christians to think in a Christlike manner." - Doug Stuart, CEO, Libertarian Christian Institute "What is God's alternative to the violent, unjust, and oppressive human systems of government that deform the lives of so many human beings? The answer: the church, a new community of people saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus and living out his kingdom values. So often, however, the church goes badly wrong and ends up mimicking the evil of the world. This book gives glimpses into where we go wrong and how we can do things better." - Nick Megoran, Professor of Political Geography at Newcastle University and Minister of Wallsend Baptist Church, and author of 2017 Wipf & Stock book Warlike Christians in an Age of Violence "For any politically-minded follower of Jesus the question of one's posture toward power is a fundamental one. To resolve the tension between temporal kingdoms and the King of Kings, Cody offers a thorough yet concise view of the arguments and scripture at hand. In typical fashion Cody has given Christians another even handed treatment of a controversial topic with prayerful consideration, grace, and precision. What Belongs to Caesar? is a perfect entry into a lifetime of the liberty only Christ provides." - J. A. Dangelo, AntiWarWarVet.com "Christian voters often claim biblical support for their conviction that this or that candidate, or even this or that political party, is to be preferred over the other. Rarely, however, are they as genuinely thoughtful, comprehensive, and rigorous in their application of Scripture to government, politics, and voting, as Cody Cook is in What Belongs to Caesar? Readers may find legitimate fault in and disagree with some of Cook's arguments, but it will not be easy, and it will force them to take a much closer and more careful look at the Bible than they're probably accustomed to doing." - Christopher M. Date, Adjunct Professor of Bible and Theology, Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary

War

War

Author: Robert G. Clouse

Publisher:

Published: 1991

Total Pages: 220

ISBN-13:

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Robert G. Clouse presents four different viewpoints on the Christian's involvement in war: Herman A. Hoyt on biblical nonresistance, Myron S. Augsburger on Christian pacifism, Arthur F. Holmes on just war and Harold O. J. Brown on preventive war.


Book Synopsis War by : Robert G. Clouse

Download or read book War written by Robert G. Clouse and published by . This book was released on 1991 with total page 220 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Robert G. Clouse presents four different viewpoints on the Christian's involvement in war: Herman A. Hoyt on biblical nonresistance, Myron S. Augsburger on Christian pacifism, Arthur F. Holmes on just war and Harold O. J. Brown on preventive war.

Warfare in the Age of Crusades

Warfare in the Age of Crusades

Author: Brian Todd Carey

Publisher: Pen and Sword Military

Published: 2023-01-31

Total Pages: 362

ISBN-13: 1526730243

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Warfare in the Age of Crusades: The Latin East explores in fascinating detail the key campaigns, battles and sieges that shaped the crusading period of the Middle Ages, giving special attention to military technologies, tactics and strategies. Key personalities and political factors are addressed, including the role of papal monarchy in initiating the crusading expeditions, the relationship between Catholic Europe and the Byzantine empire, the role of the religious military orders, and Islamic and Mongol military capabilities. Chapters are devoted to each of the major crusades to the Levant – First, Second, Third and Fourth crusades – and an analysis of the Islamic response. The rise of the Mamluks in Egypt, with their innovative military organization, is covered, as are the failed Egyptian and Tunisian campaigns. The concluding chapters describe the Mongol campaigns in the Levant, the Mamluk response, and the final siege of Acre in 1291. This original and perceptive study of a key stage in medieval military history features regional, strategic and multi-phase tactical maps that illuminate the narrative and provide a valuable resource for students, historians and wargamers alike.


Book Synopsis Warfare in the Age of Crusades by : Brian Todd Carey

Download or read book Warfare in the Age of Crusades written by Brian Todd Carey and published by Pen and Sword Military. This book was released on 2023-01-31 with total page 362 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Warfare in the Age of Crusades: The Latin East explores in fascinating detail the key campaigns, battles and sieges that shaped the crusading period of the Middle Ages, giving special attention to military technologies, tactics and strategies. Key personalities and political factors are addressed, including the role of papal monarchy in initiating the crusading expeditions, the relationship between Catholic Europe and the Byzantine empire, the role of the religious military orders, and Islamic and Mongol military capabilities. Chapters are devoted to each of the major crusades to the Levant – First, Second, Third and Fourth crusades – and an analysis of the Islamic response. The rise of the Mamluks in Egypt, with their innovative military organization, is covered, as are the failed Egyptian and Tunisian campaigns. The concluding chapters describe the Mongol campaigns in the Levant, the Mamluk response, and the final siege of Acre in 1291. This original and perceptive study of a key stage in medieval military history features regional, strategic and multi-phase tactical maps that illuminate the narrative and provide a valuable resource for students, historians and wargamers alike.

Must Christianity Be Violent?

Must Christianity Be Violent?

Author: Kenneth R. Chase

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2007-07-09

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 1725219794

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The Crusades. The Conquest of the Americas. U.S. Slavery. The Jewish Holocaust. Mention of these events evokes a variety of responses from Christians, including guilt, defensiveness, and bewilderment. Given such a tangled historical relationship to aggression and injustice, how can Christians answer those who argue that our faith is inherently violent, or that Christian doctrines inevitably lead to sacrifice, conquest, and war? In Must Christianity Be Violent? editors Kenneth R. Chase and Alan Jacobs have gathered pointed essays that provide specific responses to these arguments. Divided into "histories," "practices," and "theologies," the essays explore the historical causation of Christian violence and discuss practices that promote what one contributor calls "just peacemaking." The contributors explore the history of Christian violence and advocate the need for an uncompromised biblical theology in our search for peace. This timely collection will appeal to readers of Christian history, ethics, and theology, and those who want to better understand the specifically Christian response to violence and cultivation of peace.


Book Synopsis Must Christianity Be Violent? by : Kenneth R. Chase

Download or read book Must Christianity Be Violent? written by Kenneth R. Chase and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2007-07-09 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Crusades. The Conquest of the Americas. U.S. Slavery. The Jewish Holocaust. Mention of these events evokes a variety of responses from Christians, including guilt, defensiveness, and bewilderment. Given such a tangled historical relationship to aggression and injustice, how can Christians answer those who argue that our faith is inherently violent, or that Christian doctrines inevitably lead to sacrifice, conquest, and war? In Must Christianity Be Violent? editors Kenneth R. Chase and Alan Jacobs have gathered pointed essays that provide specific responses to these arguments. Divided into "histories," "practices," and "theologies," the essays explore the historical causation of Christian violence and discuss practices that promote what one contributor calls "just peacemaking." The contributors explore the history of Christian violence and advocate the need for an uncompromised biblical theology in our search for peace. This timely collection will appeal to readers of Christian history, ethics, and theology, and those who want to better understand the specifically Christian response to violence and cultivation of peace.

Sanctified Violence

Sanctified Violence

Author: Alfred J. Andrea

Publisher: Hackett Publishing

Published: 2021-03-24

Total Pages: 203

ISBN-13: 162466962X

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"This rich and engaging book looks at instances of sanctified violence, the holy wars related to religion. It covers it all, from ancient to present day, including examples of warfare among Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists, as well as Christians, Jews and Muslims. It is a comprehensive and readable overview that provides a lively introduction to the subject of holy war in its broadest sense—as ‘sanctified violence’ in the service of a god or ideology. It is certain to be a useful companion in the classroom, and a boon to anyone fascinated by the dark attraction of religion and violence." —Mark Juergensmeyer, University of California, Santa Barbara Contents: Introduction: What Is Holy War? Chapter 1: Holy Wars in Mythic Time, Holy Wars as Metaphor, Holy Wars as RitualChapter 2: Holy Wars of Conquest in the Name of a DeityChapter 3: Holy Wars in Defense of the SacredChapter 4: Holy Wars in Anticipation of the Millennium Epilogue: Holy Wars Today and Tomorrow Also included are a description of the Critical Themes in World History series, Preface, index, and suggestions for further reading.


Book Synopsis Sanctified Violence by : Alfred J. Andrea

Download or read book Sanctified Violence written by Alfred J. Andrea and published by Hackett Publishing. This book was released on 2021-03-24 with total page 203 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This rich and engaging book looks at instances of sanctified violence, the holy wars related to religion. It covers it all, from ancient to present day, including examples of warfare among Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists, as well as Christians, Jews and Muslims. It is a comprehensive and readable overview that provides a lively introduction to the subject of holy war in its broadest sense—as ‘sanctified violence’ in the service of a god or ideology. It is certain to be a useful companion in the classroom, and a boon to anyone fascinated by the dark attraction of religion and violence." —Mark Juergensmeyer, University of California, Santa Barbara Contents: Introduction: What Is Holy War? Chapter 1: Holy Wars in Mythic Time, Holy Wars as Metaphor, Holy Wars as RitualChapter 2: Holy Wars of Conquest in the Name of a DeityChapter 3: Holy Wars in Defense of the SacredChapter 4: Holy Wars in Anticipation of the Millennium Epilogue: Holy Wars Today and Tomorrow Also included are a description of the Critical Themes in World History series, Preface, index, and suggestions for further reading.