theology
Doctrinal studies addressing key themes in Christian belief through Scripture and sound exegesis.
Pacifism and the Sword in the New Testament: Summary Paid Members Public
Summary James M. Arlandson This article is the conclusion of the seven-part series on pacifism and the sword in the New Testament. The purpose of the series has been to bring clarity to many contradictory and confusing opinions circulating around the web and in the print media. Part One is
Questions and answers on pacifism and the sword Paid Members Public
James M. Arlandson Christians are commanded to love their enemies, so are Christian soldiers and police officers permitted to kill them? How can they maintain their witness about God when they may have to pull the trigger? Wasnt Jesus a pacifist? Wouldnt revelations guide the State better than reason? This
Should the State turn the other cheek? Paid Members Public
James M. Arlandson I have often heard confusing and confused uses of "turn the other cheek." The saying seems so imbalanced and out of touch with reality, as it circulates around the world, out of context and isolated. Someone gets punched, and he is told to turn the
Church and Stateand the Sword Paid Members Public
James M. Arlandson Confusion too often prevails over discussions on the relation between the Church and the State. Things get even more complicated when the swordmilitary and law enforcementis brought into the debate. Should the Church be a State of sorts, as it has in some parts of its history?
Officers, soldiers, and God Paid Members Public
James M. Arlandson According to the New Testament, is it possible to be honored by God and be a weapon-carrying soldier or law enforcement officer, at the same time? Does God approve of soldiers and officers of the State? Does he condemn the military? If not, may individual Christians serve,
Pacifism and the Sword in the Gospels Paid Members Public
James M. Arlandson Did Jesus endorse and encourage violence in the four Gospels, presumably a righteous kind of violence? Did he call his original disciples to this? Did he order all of his disciples to buy swords, really? Two verses may indicate that he did these things. Matt. 10:34
Jesus, Pacifism, and the Sword Paid Members Public
James M. Arlandson Are Christians permitted to carry the sword (or modern weapons)? What should the Churchs policy be on war and peace? Should it counsel the State to turn the other cheek? Are Christians permitted to join the police force and the military? How can they "love their
Facts vs. revelations in the Quran -- Irrational belief must yield to facts Paid Members Public
Facts vs. revelations in the Quran Irrational belief must yield to facts James M. Arlandson If anyone studies the Quran objectively, he or she will be struck by the verses that differ widely from cherished Biblical passages and one historical fact. Normally, these differences should not pose any material or