Christian Tradition And Its Effect On Violence Essay

In the Christian Tradition, there are instances in which the use of violence is justifiable. Before 313 A.D, Christians have followed the traditional pacifist view to not support the use of violence and the state’s use of war, even if the use of war is to reject tyranny, solve conflict, and advance peace. However, Christian’s attitudes toward violence and war began to change when Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313 A.D. With this change in attitude, the Christian just war theory developed after Rome was invaded by the Visigoths in 410 A.D. The first instance when the use of violence was justifiable was examined in the New Testament. The New Testament contradicted the chapter of Luke about the Sermon on the plain and beatitudes, which argued that Christians are not justified in using the tool of war to promote peace. If you are hated your response should be to love and embrace the violent-doer and allow the enemy to impose violence onto you. In contrast, the New Testament embraced the use of the sword, as Jesus did when he commanded the disciples to buy swords and drive the money-changers out of the temple with a sword. These Medieval Christians were imitating Christ role’s and argues for the use of violence. This led to the just war theory, which is another instance when the use of violence is justifiable. The just war theory argues that in some instances the use of violence is justifiable. Love may be primarily of morality but force, such as war which is stateShow MoreRelatedThe Just War Theory Essay1299 Words   |  6 PagesAccording to Augustine there is no private right to kill. According to Paul Ramsey opposes in The Just War, Christian participation in warfare â€Å"was not actually an exception to the commandment, â€Å"you shall not murder† but instead an expression of the Christian understanding of moral and political responsibility. One can kill only under the authority of God. St. Augustine argued that Christian rulers had such an obligation to make peace for the protection of his subjects even if the only way to eliminateRead MoreAnalysis Of `` No One `` By Zora Neale Hurston And Toni Morrison881 Words   |  4 Pagescoming back and forth, continually—along w ith strong commentary on violence presented as hereditary, passed on from generation to generation, also seem to invoke a cyclical nature. As these examples of the circular narrative of these novels are laid out, it is imperative to understand the motive behind it. Why do black female writers use this specific narrative structure? Its use seems widespread; it can be argued as a literary tradition for black feminist literature. By their very nature, circular narrativesRead MorePeace Is Complex And Multi Faceted. Peace1402 Words   |  6 PagesThe notion of peace is complex and multi-faceted. Peace is not merely the absence of hostility, violence or war, but encompasses a larger concept wherein there are various contributing factors such as healthy international relationships, security in matters of global or economic welfare and equality and fairness in political relationships. The nature of peace is also tied to concerns of the causes for it’s loss – be them social justice, economic inequality or political and religious radicalism. ByRead MoreAnalysis Of Shirley Jacksons The Lottery1303 Words   |  6 P agessaid by Professor John P. Kotter, tradition is a very powerful force (qtd. in AZQuotes). In Shirley Jacksons chilling story The Lottery, a town celebrates a special custom of stoning people to death every year. Jackson perfectly depicts a possible event that may occur from blindly following tradition without evaluating the purpose or usefulness of it in the first place. Jackson’s use of plot, theme, and symbolism reveal the evil reality of blind faith, tradition, and their consequences. InitiallyRead MoreTheological Justifications Of Violence In Relation To Jesus.1400 Words   |  6 PagesJustifications of Violence in relation to Jesus Introduction The history of religion has been pervaded by offensive and aggressive wars even before the birth of Jesus Christ as the messiah of Christian eschatology. Yet, Jesus brought another dimension to the faith that was more pacifist as evident in his preaching and examples. Looking at the Gospels and the interpretation of Jesus’ teachings in the letters of Saint Paul to the different churches, there exist numerous references of justified violence in relationRead MoreThe Commercialization Of Christmas And Easter1609 Words   |  7 Pagestechnology have made consumerism more readily available to people world-wide, the root of secularization of the church can be traced back hundreds of years. Of course the commercialization of Christmas and Easter stands out amongst holidays celebrated by Christians; other religions also include elaborate festivities and gift giving during their religious celebrations. In addition to the merchandising during the holidays, there are countless stores an d websites that offer religious items, movies and TV showsRead MoreJanice Cornwell. Pyyc-400 Adult Relationship. Instructor:Dr.1197 Words   |  5 PagesJanice Cornwell PYYC-400 Adult Relationship Instructor: Dr. Debra Yoder April 4, 2017 Intervention by Faith Communities Violence against Women The total number of the different religious communities in the United States may never be complete. A large number of us live within some type of religious belief system. The First Amendment of the Constitution makes clear what Congress cannot do related to religious organizations. It allows us a freedom of exercise that some countries are stillRead MoreConstantine and His Effect on Christianity1518 Words   |  7 PagesConstantine and his effect on Christianity When we look back at Christianity over the years, there are several people who are remembered for their impact on the religion. The first most important figure was Jesus Christ. However, if we travel forward a bit, into the 4th Century we come across Constantine. Historians agree that Constantine served as an important component in the spread of Christianity. Although he spread the religion in a massive way, others wonder if his methods were more harmfulRead MoreThe Rise Of Islam By Matthew Gordon954 Words   |  4 Pagesexcerpt from Matthew Gordon’s book, â€Å"The Rise of Islam†. Throughout the course of history, many religions have had a profound effect on western civilization. During the early 5th century a religion arose that had an extremely important impact on western civilization. The Arabic prophet Muhammad founded the religion known today as Islam. Violence, diplomacy, Arabic tradition, and public law played a vital role in the rise and conquest of Islam. Th ese four key elements that fostered the rise of IslamRead MoreBlack World Studies 156 : Introduction1639 Words   |  7 Pagesfamily, they all go to church and receive Holy Communion. This has always been the family tradition, but this particular day was different. Jaja, the oldest child in the Achike Family, commits in what his father Eugene, also known as Papa, would describe as a defiant act against God. Papa, enraged by this defiance, throws his missal at his son but misses and hits a shelf instead. This initial type of violence towards his family is first introduced to the reader at an early stage and gives the reader