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Christianity Today, September, 2007 |

Go Figure

Recent statistics on peacemaking, church abuse, and Christian product sales.

Compiled by Ted Olsen | posted 8/20/2007 08:59AM

49% Americans say that maintaining military strength is the best way to ensure peace.

62% Americans who said this five years ago.

$1.3 million The average payout plaintiffs ...

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A Christian Priest

Posted: August 21, 2007 10:31 AM

I believe that a position of strength is the best way to speak to the enemies of God. The World of Islam (notice I didn't say radical) where World Dominence is the goal and refuses to recognize the rights and liberties of people, including their own people, it is a necessity. However when other countries or religions do not observe or care for other's rights we cannot just lay aside our freedom's and not defend ourselves or the own. Lets not hide our collective heads in the sand or we will be buried in the sand as fools. As politically incorrect that may sound I do believe that God does not want people killed just because they do not look, act, think, talk, or believe as we do. Peace can only be reached when all the people are able to come to living their lives with the love for others as taught by Jesus Christ. Not that there have been no other people who exhibit a form of love, just that Jesus' Love is complete and without malice towards anyone, for all are God's children. Come Lord!

Osahon Alexander Idiaghe

Posted: August 21, 2007 8:09 AM

All the problem of man is as a result of SIN. Sin is a spiritual stuff. You can't achieve peace using the military cos everyday, man is busy building weapon of mass destruction to kill his fellow man and his heart is desperately wicked. All of history has told us the truth. From the days of Abraham through the desolution of Jerusalem to this present day and it's going to increase. Only Jesus Christ WILL bring the peace that man REALY needs.

Amalie

Posted: August 21, 2007 6:57 AM

Edward's first sentence suggests that when Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile, with an enemy, he meant only with *personal* adversaries. I have always been astonished at how few of Jesus's radical teachings, the very HEART of His message, are honored by most Christians. The Beatitudes, for instance (Mt. 5: 1-12), portray a true follower of Jesus as poor in spirit, mourning, meek, merciful, pure in heart, hungering for righteousness, peacemaking, and persecuted. If we were to go back to the roots of our faith in all matters political, rather than looking to worldly standards (prosperity for *us,* preserving our own earthly lives at all costs, our country-- meaning the current incarnation at any given time, led by politicians who are often no more godly than Herod-- before our creed) it would require sacrifices and patience and much study and prayer, because Rome is neither built nor un-built in a day. We are the Roman empire in today's world. Jesus must weep.

Ella	Posted: August 21, 2007 4:37 AM

In the Old Testament, it was NEVER the strength of the army of Israel that won the battle, it was ALWAYS the hand of God. Therefore, it is always and only faith in God that should be our response. Is a military response never the right response, as in defense of a country, or as in rising up against injustice? I don't truly know the answer to that. Our country was created based on a revolutionary war. But it was not fought with a "strong" military presence. It was fought by people defending their beliefs and the land they loved. I look at the teachings of Jesus who tells us to bless our enemies and pray for those who persecute us and I struggle with our military responses. It seems to me that if all of those Americans who profess Christ got down on their knees and followed Jesus' teachings...that maybe we would be seeing a different situation in the world today. Can you imagine the possibilities of the devoted prayer of that many committed Christians at one time???

Anonymous

Posted: August 21, 2007 3:58 AM

This is one of those impossible questions, in which either answer given can not express one's views. Is a strong military important? Yes, for no nation can be safe from agressors, or have peace, without one. Is a strong military the only means of peace? No, for our Christian faith tells us that "while some trust in horses (i.e. F18 fighters, aircraft carriers, and nuclear ballistic submarines), we trust in the Lord our God". Yet, even people of faith (Joshua, David, and other kings), ensured that their nation had a strong military to enable them to resist invasion. Consequently, the correct answer is neither Yes or No, but simply both. Faith in God, and a strong military.

R. M.

Posted: August 20, 2007 9:05 PM


If you watch the news on t.v. you will get the facts in their best form in which the world is the way it is because of the specific elements in it. Just observe the details in tandem and you will learn what the world is like. There are some questions that people ask to gain attention but history is self-explanatory.

Tina	Posted: August 20, 2007 8:48 PM


There will not be peace on earth until Jesus comes again regardless of what we do.

Paulos

Posted: August 20, 2007 8:02 PM

I think that confronting enemies of Christianity like Islam should not be done on (their) terms of power, fear and deceit but on Christ's terms (which we hope are our terms too) of love, peace, truth hope and servanthood. It is when we approach the world on its terms that we loose our Christian identity. I also think that defending ourselves at the expense of others is contrary to the love of Christ. Turning the other cheek, for example (it's a good example) does not mean doing nothing. It actively takes the power away from the aggressor, and puts it in your hands; but it's a different kind of power. It serves, loves and speaks truth. This is kingdom power. Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm."

edward

Posted: August 20, 2007 3:05 PM

I think a position of strength is the best way to speak to enemies or adverseries. In a world of Islam (notice I didn't say radical) where world dominence is the goal and refusing to recognize the rights and liberties of others it is a necessity. Have you noticed that whenever there is supposed to be a truce or peace treaty it seems that is not recognized. I understand there is an argument for peace. However when other countries or religions donot observe or care for one's rights we cannot just laydown and not defend ourselves. I do not believe the Bible teaches that we should not defend ourselves as a country. Thanks Ed.

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