What the Bible REALLY Says About WAR // Pacifism vs Selectivism Explained

Is it morally okay for Christians to fight in wars? That is a question that is undoubtedly on people's minds at the minute, and I think this video will be helpful in explaining the two main Christian positions on war. I've tried to do this with balance and present each side fairly, along with the strengths and flaws in each argument - but ultimately it's up to you to decide which side you think is stronger.
With that being said, we as Christians should be people who love, pray for and act for peace. And whichever side of this debate we fall on, we are to pursue peace in a way that we believe to be consistent with Scripture.
Instagram: @allthingstheology
TikTok: @all_things_theology
0:00 - What is Activism?
0:24 - Pacifism & Selectivism Defined
1:04 - Pacifism Argument 1
2:20 - Pacifism Argument 2
3:34 - Pacifism Argument 3
4:26 - Counter-Arguments to Pacifism
7:03 - Selectivism Argument 1
8:03 - Selectivism Argument 2
8:33 - Selectivism Argument 3
9:15 - Counter-Arguments to Selectivism
11:12 - The Christian Attitude to War
Camera: Canon M50
Lens: 50mm 1:8
Mic: Shure SM7B
Music: Epidemic Sound
#pacifism #war

[@AllThingsTheology]

Video coming next week about the JUST WAR THEORY - make sure to subscribe with notifications on so you don’t miss that! And while you’re here, which side of the pacifism debate do you agree with?

[@WhimsicalEloquence]

You should refer to the Articles of Religion, Art 37: “It is lawful for Christian men, at the commandment of the Magistrate, to wear weapons, and serve in the wars.” The defense of the polity and its allies requires arms. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to command Christians to arms to repel aggressors against the polity entrusted to their care, and, more generally, in pursuit of just causes. As St Augustine says, “We do not seek peace in order to be at war, but we go to war that we may have peace. Be peaceful, therefore, in warring, so that you may vanquish those whom you war against, and bring them to the prosperity of peace." Those who wage war justly aim at peace, and so they are not opposed to peace, except to the evil peace, which Our Lord "came not to send upon earth" (St Matthew 10:34) Likewise the solider in fighting the just war not only must behave honourably but as St Augustine says, “The passion for inflicting harm, the cruel thirst for vengeance, an unpacific and relentless spirit, the fever of revolt, the lust of power, and such like things, all these are rightly condemned in war."

[@AllThingsTheology]

Come on Anglicans 🙌🏻 I think that’s an important caveat that even if we are to engage in violence, it must be because we’re aiming for peace. And that even when fighting a just cause, we need to guard our hearts against delighting in violence or committing unjust acts.

[@JesusProtects]

Why people always use extra biblical sources to justify their evil desires? In this case the desire of spilling blood. Please, STOP.

[@exalted_kitharode]

Great presentation

[@AllThingsTheology]

Thank you!

[@somethinsomethin7243]

Psalms 144: David praises the Lord for making his hands ready for war and his fingers ready for battle.

[@AllThingsTheology]

Aye that’s true, not sure what pacifists would make of that actually

[@JesusProtects]

Jesus changed everything. Stop making excuses to not follow Jesus.

[@JesusProtects]

​@@AllThingsTheology there you have my response.

[@bornagainluis]

We are in New testament new covenant. Gow allowed it then not now. Obey what Jesus says. Trust In God for all defense deny yourself for your defense

[@nrgremy6769]

​@@JesusProtectsGod doesn't change

[@barmalini]

Wrong question. You should ask yourself whether Christians can get killed. If no, if you think you're immortal then you don't need to fight. Just be happy and content in Jesus. But if there's any chance somebody could take your freedom, your happiness or your life by force, then you should learn to protect yourself and actually have the guts to do it when the moment comes.

[@AllThingsTheology]

Well the Christian hope is that we will overcome death, but we’re also called to pursue justice and mercy (Micah 6:8), and sometimes that might require fighting for it. So I don’t think those two things are mutually exclusive

[@akimoetam1282]

I think you mentioned you are a part of the Church of England? What’s it like to be an evangelical in the CoE?

[@AllThingsTheology]

Oof, great question. I’m actually in the Church of Ireland, so still Anglican, but the culture in the denomination is a little different here to what I understand it to be in England. My diocese in particular would be quite strongly evangelical, even by Church of Ireland standards, so I don’t really experience the dissonance that other evangelical anglicans do when they’re part of a wider church body that’s quite liberal.

[@akimoetam1282]

@@AllThingsTheology that’s really interesting, it seems that evangelical Anglicans in the west are having a hard time since the Episcopal Church, ACC, others have gone in a more liberal direction. Glad to see your in a good context tho!

[@AllThingsTheology]

@@akimoetam1282 yeah it certainly seems to be a sad trend, but I'm super thankful for my Church context.

[@helwrecht1637]

What would you say to the idea that Jesus doesn’t tell the centurion in Luke to quit his job and instead tells him he’s one of great faith?

[@AllThingsTheology]

Great question. I decided that it was similar enough to the Luke 3 account of John to not include it; but it is also slightly different. With John, the soldiers were asking “how can we be more godly?”, whereas with this centurion he was asking Jesus for a miracle and showing great faith. I would have less expectation of Jesus rebuking soldiery here than I have of John doing so in Luke 3, simply because of the nature and purpose of the encounter. Does that make sense?

[@helwrecht1637]

@@AllThingsTheology yes it does thanks

[@AllThingsTheology]

@@helwrecht1637 no worries!

[@Theohopracy]

Ayeeee, good to see my man's @Helwrecht in another comments section 👏🎉😂

[@JesusProtects]

It's inherently understood that the centurion should live a life of peace. It should not be necessary to directly tell them to seek for a more peaceful way of life.

[@samthelima]

When Jesus tells his disciples to buy swords, he also gives a reason. That reason is that he wanted to fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 53 by being "numbered with the transgressors". The purpose of the swords was not in any way to be used for violence,, and when violence was attempted it was directly condemned by Jesus.

[@AllThingsTheology]

I don't know if Jesus is necessarily quoting Isaiah 53 as a direct link to the command to buy swords, though I haven't studied it in super-depth to be able to say decisively. I also don't see mention of swords in Isaiah 53 so it seems like a random link

[@samthelima]

@@AllThingsTheology I think the direction connection between verses 36 and verse 37 is pretty clear, and most translations highlight this with the word "For". The way that I understand it, Jesus is basically saying that his disciples should get some swords (verse 36) *because* he needs to be surrounded by "transgressors" (directly quoting Isaiah). Though Isaiah doesn't mention swords, I think that Jesus considers sword-bearers to be synonymous with transgressors, in that context.

[@samthelima]

For the record, I am a Christian pacifist, and base that conviction on the example and words of Jesus, which I think are reinforced by the practices of the early church. Thanks for the excellent video!

[@AllThingsTheology]

@@samthelima interesting, I did look at NIV and ESV to see if there was a "for" in there but they didn't seem to have it. I do know, though, that other translations render Jesus' statement of "enough" to be "enough of that!" So perhaps the translations that render it "enough of that!" also have the "for", and the ones that render it differently don't have the "for". I don't know much about Greek but I know it can be a little slippery at times.

[@AllThingsTheology]

@@samthelima glad you liked the video, and I hope I did justice to Christian pacifism! I respect the pacifist's convictions a lot, though I probably lean more towards selectivism myself

[@777Tralfaz777]

7:59 When Jesus was tempted by Satan, notice what Satan said: Luke 4:5 So he brought him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth in an instant of time. 6 Then the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority and their glory, because it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 If you, therefore, do an act of worship before me, it will all be yours.” 8 In reply Jesus said to him: “It is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’” Jesus did not deny that Satan had this authority. In fact Jesus confirmed this point when he said this: John 14:30 I will not speak with you much more, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has no hold on me. Jesus also said his disciples would be no part of the world. So the question becomes, is serving in the military being part of this world? Will you kill others, because someone else, perhaps under Satan's influence, told you to? While God allows human governments for a time, we are to be no part of the world.

[@connorohare229]

Serious and real question then Did Tim Ballard sin when he killed a child trafficker while rescuing children? Are you even aware that child trafficking is a serious and horrifying reality?

[@777Tralfaz777]

@@connorohare229 I wouldn't think Tim Ballard sinned by the causalities for that manner of operation. Ironically, didn't he have to go outside official governmental channels? And I am aware there are many "serious and horrifying" things happening today. Man can scoop a bucket out of that ocean, but God will empty that ocean. It is beyond man's capabilities to solve our problems.

[@Syed_12]

( Do Christians And Jews and "OTHER" non-Muslims go to Heaven? ) Quran 2:62 '' Those who believe (in the Quran) and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures) and the Christians and the Sabians->ANYAllah< Is The Protector Of Monasteries, Churches, Synagogues And The Mosques ) Quran 22:40 [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, " Our Lord is God " And were it not that God checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of God is much mentioned. And God will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, God is Powerful and Exalted in Might. Note: Why did Allah protected Churches and Synagogues if they worship false Allah ? ( Why Are There So Many Different Religions In The World ? ) Quran 5 48 ''...... If God wanted He could have made all of you a single nation.( ie single religion ) But He willed otherwise in order to test you in what He has given you (ie Scriptures) therefore try to excel one another in good deeds. Ultimately you all shall return to God then He will show you the truth of those matters in which you '' >DISPUTE verb < not noun like other religions Islam mean "submission" to God ( The above verse saying is that God will not accept a religion from the >MUSLIM< and the Non-Muslims but total "submission" to God ) Question: How Can Muslim And the Non-Muslim "submit" to the God? Answer: Be kind to other human beings and Do not lie, Do not steal, Do not cheat, Do not hurt others, Do not be prideful and Do the charity work. Note: If you obeyed all the ABOVE Allah-God's moral laws "YOU" submitted to God.( ie Islam mean "submission" to God ) The only people who will enter Paradise those who '' Submitted to God '' ( ie by good deeds ) God does NOT accept your religion of birth but only ''Your Total'' Submission to Him. ( God Allows Interfaith Marriages And Eat Food From the Christian And Jew And Vice Versa ) Quran 5:5 ''This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture (ie Christian and Jew) is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. And [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers (ie Muslim ) and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture (ie Christian and Jew) before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers. And whoever denies the faith - his work has become worthless and he in the Hereafter will be among the losers.'' Note: > Only < Islam allows interfaith marriages (>14 hundredsSame God< but They are >ALL Corrupt< more or less, some more than others from their original foundational teaching. The older religion are MORE corrupted than newer religion. Question to Muslim and Christian: Does God / Allah only answer your pray ? And God / Allah does not answer non Muslim / non Christian pray? Did Allah '' Canceled '' all other religions Judaism and Christianity? Quran 5:48 '' And We have revealed to you [O Muhammad] the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture ( ie New and old Testament ) and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. >>>TO EACH OF YOU WE PRESCRIBED A LAW AND A METHODone nation>differ qualified < for to enter Paradise ) On the day of judgement God will ''NOT'' judge humanity bases on Sunni Muslim sect VS Shia Muslim sect ''NOR'' by Muslim VS non-Muslim >but< Doer of Goods VS Doer of Evils. '' YOUR " birth in the Muslim's family is NOT a > qualification < for to enter the Paradise. '' YOUR " religion / sect / foot long beard is NOT a > qualification < for to enter the Paradise. The > qualification < to enter Paradise is > Faith in God and Good Work

[@AllThingsTheology]

Well Christians believe that salvation is only through faith in Jesus Christ as he is presented in the Bible. So the Quran might say one thing about salvation, but the Bible says something different and they can’t really be reconciled.

[@Syed_12]

@@AllThingsTheology Thanks bro, Christianity is only 2000 years old but salvation of human started with Adam and Eve

[@AllThingsTheology]

@@Syed_12 I agree, and I think God promises of a coming Saviour in Genesis 3:15, but that it’s very much Jesus. As far as I know, Muslims have a slightly different view of Adam and Eve and the Eden story

[@Syed_12]

@@AllThingsTheology So all those Hindu and Buddhist who died before coming of Jesus will go to heaven?

[@AllThingsTheology]

@@Syed_12 no, so people have always been saved by having faith in God and in what he’s revealed. Before Jesus, God had revealed himself to people in a more limited way than what he has now; but in both cases, faith in what God has revealed is the basis of salvation

[@samcalvinist4986]

1: Lord Jesus Whipped the Moneychangers out of the Temple, Lord Jesus DID NOT TURN HIS OTHER CHEEK to the Moneychangers. 2: Lord Jesus INSULTED the Pharisees many times, Jesus called them SNAKES, Brood of Vipers, Children of Satan etc... Jesus DID NOT TURN HIS OTHER CHEEK to the Pharisees. 3: Lord Jesus CURSED 3 CITIES which DID NOT BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE MESSIAH, despite these cities witnessing many miracles of Lord Jesus. Note Jesus DID NOT FORGIVE THESE CITIES and also Jesus DID NOT PRAY for These Cities instead Jesus cursed them, that led to these cities getting RUINED. these ACTIONS of Lord Jesus prove that Jesus was OK with violence against WICKED EVIL PEOPLE. and ACTION speaks louder than words. But What about loving your enemies and turning the other Cheek???? ANSWER: Loving your enemies and Turning the other Cheek Were TEMPORARY COMMANDMENTS given by Lord Jesus in order to PREVENT Rebellion of his Followers against the Pharisees and their THEN allies Mighty Roman Empire. NOW Jesus knew his followers will all GET KILLED, if they Rebelled Against the Pharisees and their THEN ROMAN allies, because Follower of Jesus were all POOR AND DOWNTRODDEN PEOPLE who HAD NO MILITARY Training or Military Experience. And Jesus did not wanted ALL HIS FOLLOWERS to Die at that time instead Lord Jesus had a much Grander PLAN, Lord Jesus wanted his followers to Spread HIS Gospel All Over the World after His Death and Resurrection. And that is what Happened, The Gospel was spread all over the World, And Billions of People got saved when they put their Faith In Lord Jesus after Listening to his Gospel.

[@connorohare229]

It's still good though in practical terms to turn the other cheek(not escalate a petty insult into a bloodied hand to hand situation)

[@samcalvinist4986]

@@connorohare229 If some creep tries to molest your daughter or sister, are you going to turn the other cheek???

[@connorohare229]

@samcalvinist4986 That's an obvious no Which is why I believe Tim Ballard was doing the Lord's will rescuing those kids from sex trafficking But what I'm saying is that not every petty argument has to escalate into unnecessary violence. Do you understand the nuance I'm trying to communicate? I don't agree with the pacifists and think they're coming from a shallow interpretation of scripture personally. But I'm not going to curse them or hope something bad happens to them to 'prove them wrong', that I know wouldn't be out of love(agape) for the Lord, but my own petty sense of pride.

[@daniellim8964]

There can be a NON KILLING armed robbery operation, on violent enemies to bring them to justice, and avoid killing them.

[@samcalvinist4986]

@@daniellim8964 Under certain circumstances Killing is totally justifiable. For Example: if someone comes into your home with dangerous weapons and try to molest your wife and daughter then in such situation its totally justifiable to eliminate the Invader who Invades your home

[@777Tralfaz777]

4:35 There is a reason Christians are not to judge others. God and His Son will judge who is worthy of death. Not us. Also, if you go against Jesus' command to love your neighbor, why would you think you would not be judged for that action? In the Bible, hell is mankind's common grave. During the resurrection, hell is emptied, then hell is thrown into the lake of fire, meaning gone forever. (Revelation 20:13, 14)