The Command to Love
The Biblical Foundation of Christian Pacifism
We continue our investigation of the scriptural support for pacifism that we began two weeks ago. I will continue to lean heavily on War and the Gospel by Jean Lasserre. This week I will look at the biblical foundation for Christian pacifism. It is the key to understanding why we are called to absolute peace.
In a stunningly elegant view Lasserre establishes the biblical foundation for Christian pacifism. Having set the stage previously by arguing that theology must begin with Scripture rather than political necessity, he turns here to the specific commands of the New Testament.
This section focuses on the “Commandment of Love” as the supreme law that governs all Christian conduct, including an individual’s participation in war. I would push back a bit on the use of the term “law”, as it has such a malign history of leading the faithful to a position of “works righteousness”, the hoary idea that we can somehow earn our way into Heaven. I would prefer to simply say that Jesus’s commandment to love is the foundation of His earthly ministry and the basis upon which the normative Jesus instructs His followers. All of this is, of course, in response to the Grace upon Grace that God gives all of us through His Son Jesus.
The Primacy of Love
Lasserre argues, and I agree, that the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” is not a vague sentiment but a concrete ethical requirement. He emphasizes that Jesus expanded the definition of “neighbor” to include everyone, specifically including enemies. Love cannot be restricted by national borders or military status. Lasserre asserts that it is logically and spiritually impossible to “love” an enemy while simultaneously attempting to kill them. He rejects the idea that a soldier can kill out of “duty” while maintaining a heart of love. As I said, simple elegance.
Lasserre critiques the common theological tendency to view the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) as a mere “ideal” or a tool to show us our sinfulness. He argues that Jesus intended these teachings (turning the other cheek, loving enemies) to be practical instructions for His followers. Lasserre focuses on the command to “resist not evil” (Matthew 5:39), arguing that this specifically prohibits the use of physical violence and lethal force as a means of seeking justice or defense. To do this is what it means to obey based upon your belief. It is faith in action.
Even the Duh-Ciples Got It
Lasserre demonstrates that the teachings of the Apostles (Paul, Peter, and John) are in perfect harmony with Jesus. He highlights Romans 12 (“Overcome evil with good”) as the apostolic application of Jesus’ teaching. He argues there is no “dualism” where Jesus teaches peace, but the Apostles allow for state-sanctioned violence. Instead, the entire New Testament presents a unified front against the use of the “sword” by believers. In a later post I will review Lasserre’s take on sword imagery as a justification of violence.
Forget The Two Kingdoms Nonsense
A major target is the traditional Protestant “Two Kingdoms” doctrine, which suggests that a Christian can act differently in their private life (as a Christian) than they do in their public office (as a soldier or magistrate). Lasserre insists on the indivisibility of the Christian conscience. A person cannot “divide” themselves; if Christ commands love, that command applies whether one is wearing a civilian coat or a military uniform.
I mentioned this point in the first in this series, and I will mention it again. I will mention it until I am blue I the face. It may be my final words on earth. Jesus clearly instructs us to work for God’s will to be done on “earth as it is in heaven”. He never admits that there is anything but God’s kingdom. He fully intends for that kingdom to break in upon this world, and all its corrupt values.
The normative ethic that Jesus gives us is not for the heavenly places, nor is it for when He returns. It is for us right here and right now.
Conclusion
Lasserre concludes that the teaching of the New Testament is radically and consistently non-violent. By placing the commandment of love at the center of the Christian life, he removes the scriptural “loopholes” often used to justify Christian participation in warfare. For Lasserre, the Gospel does not just recommend peace; it forbids the violence required by war.
Praise Be to God
