So forgiveness pre-requires understanding the mistakes of the past? here hear re this opposing this me-first, America-first, white-first, male-first approach>…
Weekly lessons in theology and public life • Since 2011
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Lesson 1: The Nonviolent Kingdom of God
Read MORE: Lesson 1: The Nonviolent Kingdom of GodAfter looking at the Christian Nationalists, I thought a short series on violence might be in order. It’s bad enough that our society has little idea of how to handle the problem. Now we have many in the Church advocating…
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Lesson 2: Violence in the Old Testament
Read MORE: Lesson 2: Violence in the Old TestamentWhenever the modern prophets look for scripture to support their calls to violence, they turn to the Old Testament. Many take that for granted, believing that part of the Bible presents a violent God who commands his people to viciously…
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Lesson 3: Nonviolence in Jesus’ Gospel
Read MORE: Lesson 3: Nonviolence in Jesus’ GospelMany of us are offended when modern-day apostles picture Jesus holding a gun or wearing a military uniform. Admittedly, Jesus comes across as extremely forceful when he cleanses the temple and speaks harshly defending himself or warning about an impending…
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Lesson 4: Violence in Christian History
Read MORE: Lesson 4: Violence in Christian HistoryIf you believe, as I do, that Jesus defined the Christian lifestyle as nonviolent love, you have to contend with all the times his followers acted violently in the name of love. That involves asking when, if ever, a historical…
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Lesson 5: Just War Theory (Part 1)
Read MORE: Lesson 5: Just War Theory (Part 1)Christians have two options when it comes to war. They can either be strict pacifists, or they can espouse a just war theory. The latter is not that easy. Certainly, one of the most difficult ethical issues is drawing up…
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Lesson 6: Just War Theory (Part 2)
Read MORE: Lesson 6: Just War Theory (Part 2)Let me ask some questions that I think demonstrate the limitations of any just war theory in our time. 1) Many of the those who read last week’s lesson reported they did not believe there was anything like a just…
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Lesson 7: Fatalism and Technology
Read MORE: Lesson 7: Fatalism and TechnologyI sensed a fatalism in response to the lessons on just war theory. There was a lot of “yes, but…” reactions, comments such as “I don’t think there is anything like a just war, but I am in no way…
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Lesson 8: Violent Language
Read MORE: Lesson 8: Violent LanguageIf faith assumes the transforming power of love, then the question becomes, “Where do we begin to overcome violence?” It’s not hard to know how Jesus answers. He always advises beginning with yourself. It’s also probably safe to think he…
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Lesson 9: Guns
Read MORE: Lesson 9: GunsLet me report my personal experience with guns. I grew up in northern Pennsylvania, where there was a lot of hunting. I never heard anyone speak of a gun as a defense weapon until I went to divinity school. When…
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Lesson 10: Nonviolent Revolution
Read MORE: Lesson 10: Nonviolent RevolutionA lot of us were hoping human civilization was finally getting violence under control. The civil rights movement staged a largely non-violent revolution under Martin Luther King in the US. Decolonization was achieved under Gandhi with little bloodshed in India.…
Recent Comments
An extremely timely topic. Thanks, Fritz!
yes we need to forgive our leaders yet make sure they do the right thing – which they aren’t.