Jesus’ clear teachings on non-violence

Dear Editor, When I read the page 1 banner of last week’s The Irish Catholic (05/05/2016) ‘Just War Theory – Pacifism only works when everyone adopts it’, I said to myself “Here we go again!” That has the same faith logic as “Thou shall not steal/commit adultery” only works when everyone adopts the same standard!

In the early Church Jesus’ teachings on non-violence were not contested: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Heaven… If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” (Matt 5:43-46) This acceptance of the Gospel was well expressed by the leading Christian writer Tertullian (+220AD): “When Christ disarmed Peter in the garden [of Gethsemanae], he disarmed all Christians.”

It was only when Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire in the fourth century that Jesus’ divine teachings were modified for such a role.

It was ironic that the accompanying image for the article on page 11 featured a Crusader wielding a sword while carrying a shield with a cross on it. As somebody said once about such a contradiction: “The sword is the Cross turned upside down.” Let’s keep Jesus’ teachings upright and unmodified! 

Yours etc.,

Fr Morty O’Shea,

Kenmare,

Co. Kerry.