I am asking Christians who support the Iraq war to help me understand their position. The Bible, and Jesus were clear on the subject of how to treat our enemies:

Luke 6:29
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

This pretty much sums it up for me, as well as provides a theme for Christianity. It is very much in line with the Golden Rule. Of course it makes us choose between the fear of death and the love of God. But what is more important?

Life is not a longevity contest. It's about quality, not quantity.

Thanks all,

Teft

Well, I'm a Christian who opposes the war in Iraq. I try very hard to love my enemies. That doesn't mean that I like them, but it means I care about them in an ultimate sense- or at least I try. I realize that it works both ways, moreover. I feel enraged at George W. Bush about this torture bill he just signed, but I prayed for God to do His will in Bush's life. Revenge has no place in Christianity, and I have to remind myself that I may not be merciless even to the merciless. It is, perhaps, the hardest Christian rule to follow, but it is also one of the most important. Now prepare to see this thread bombarded by trolls (we've had a lot of them lately).

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"Some people complain about the system. The system is not good, so they can't do anything. It's an excuse. Freedom is in your heart." (Jin Xing)

The most difficult thing is to forgive those who harm you, or to "turn your cheek". But it is the essence of Christianity. War has no place in Christianity whatsoever. The acceptance of pacifism and forgiveness are the basic tenets of faith.
Of course I am not perfect and don't always follow them. I jut pray that I never get in a situation that would force me to hurt someone.

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"In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule." - Nietzsche

Wow look, an atheist Democrat is quoting scripture.

Wow look, Satan quotes scripture too.

I'm not sure if you mean little ol Teft. I belevive in God and happen to be an Independant.

By the way Righty person, do you have any thoughts on what I posted?

Thanks,

Teft

Very well spoken! Thanks for your insights. It is not easy to be a Christian, nor is it supposed to be I think. Jesus gave us the way to Heaven. It's not the easy things that make us grow, learn and change.

Thanks,
Teft

Thanks for your wisdom and inspriation. I'm glad there are people like you out there.

Teft

To be a Christian and in support of war is a contradiction. Christians are called to do good to all people, even to there enemy.

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My Church's site www.wcg.org some good stuff on it to read, for FREE.



http://www.bfsmith15.mywayout.net/

Augustine was the first important Christian theologian to justify war. His writings are wise and they were flatly violated by Bush the Lame. The Christian saint found himself living in a time that appeared to be the fulfilling of their scriptures. The known world was virtually all Christianized or rapidly becoming that way and so the end times were assumed by most thinkers to be at hand. It was necessary to stabilize their god's kingdom on earth to make straight the way for the return of their king.
Silly hobbits!

If is far easier to claim to be a Christian than to be one.

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 24:11
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

__________________
My Church's site www.wcg.org some good stuff on it to read, for FREE.



http://www.bfsmith15.mywayout.net/