The concept of “holy war” is controversial and complex. At a basic level, holy war refers to war that is justified or given sacred meaning by religious doctrine or authority. The Bible contains mentions of war and violence, which have been interpreted and applied in different ways throughout history. This article will provide an overview of relevant biblical passages, themes, and interpretations related to the notion of holy war.
Old Testament Passages on War and Violence
The Old Testament contains many stories of war and violence sanctioned or commanded by God. Major examples include:
- The conquest of Canaan – God commands the Israelites to completely destroy and drive out the inhabitants of Canaan and take possession of the land (Deuteronomy 7:1-6). This is presented as a holy war of judgment on the Canaanites for their idolatry and sin.
- Battles against the Amalekites – God commands King Saul to attack and utterly destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3). This is presented as divine judgment.
- Wars against nations threatening Israel – God assists kings like David in battles against the Philistines and other enemies of Israel (2 Samuel 5:17-25). These wars defended and established Israel’s sovereignty.
These and other passages present God sanctioning warfare to punish evildoers, accomplish divine purposes, and establish Israel’s nationhood. God fights on behalf of his people and commands them to participate in carrying out his judgment. However, guidelines and limits were placed on warfare in the Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 20).
New Testament Perspectives on Violence and Enemies
The New Testament contains fewer specific examples of warfare, but does address how Christ’s followers should treat enemies and respond to wrongdoing. Major principles include:
- Love for enemies – Jesus commanded his followers to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This principle stands in tension with violent retaliation.
- Non-retaliation – Jesus told his followers not to violently resist evildoers or retaliate against violence, but rather turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42). He rebuked his disciples for wanting to call down judgment on those who rejected him (Luke 9:54-55).
- Government and justice – Paul taught that governing authorities have the responsibility to execute God’s wrath on wrongdoers (Romans 13:3-4). This implies a place for force and punishment.
- Spiritual warfare – Ephesians 6:10-18 presents the Christian life as spiritual warfare against demonic powers, with prayer and righteousness as the weapons.
These principles place more emphasis on living at peace, even with foes, and fighting spiritual battles rather than physical ones. Yet allowance is made for governing powers to punish evil.
Approaches to Reconciling the Testaments on War and Violence
Throughout history, theologians and ethicists have sought to reconcile the Old Testament holy war passages with the New Testament’s high standard of love, offering several explanations:
- Only for Israel – God specifically set apart Israel as his chosen nation and commanded holy war only for them. It does not apply today.
- Typology – The conquest of Canaan symbolically represents spiritual warfare against evil, sin, and the demonic.
- Progressive revelation – God only slowly revealed his ideals. As revelation progressed, violence was finally ruled out in the New Testament.
- Just war theory – While personal non-retaliation is commanded, governing authorities have biblical warrant for fighting limited wars with just causes.
- Apocalyptic eschatology – God will one day pour out judgment and violently punish evildoers at Christ’s return. But until then, Christians should be peaceful.
Each of these approaches has strengths and weaknesses in faithfully interpreting Scripture and applying it to questions of war and violence today. Christians differ on which approach best resonates with biblical themes of justice, love, and judgment.
Key Themes and Principles
A few key biblical themes and principles can be highlighted:
- God is a warrior who fights on behalf of his people and judges evil. Yet he also shows mercy.
- Israel engaged in holy war at God’s command under the old covenant. But this command was specific to them.
- Jesus ushered in a new covenant and commanded enemy-love, non-retaliation, and sacrificial service.
- Christians battle against spiritual evil, not flesh and blood enemies.
- Governing authorities have a role in punishing wrongdoing.
- God’s future judgment and wrath show evil will one day be destroyed.
- Principles like justice, righteousness, mercy, sacrifice, and love should guide use of force.
In summary, the Bible wrestles with complex issues of war, justice, judgment, love, and peace. There is no clear mandate for Christians engaging in “holy war.” Spiritual warfare using God’s weapons – faith, truth, righteousness, and prayer – is emphasized instead. Most Christians argue biblical principles lead to limiting violence, not fueling “holy wars.” But debate continues on how biblical themes apply to questions of just war, pacifism, and Christian involvement in conflicts today.
Common Questions
Didn’t God command the Crusades?
No. The Crusades were military campaigns organized by European Catholic political and religious leaders from the 11th to 15th centuries to retake control of the Holy Land from Muslim rulers. While undertaken in the name of Christianity, the Crusades were not actually commanded by God or directly justified using Scripture. They represent the efforts of human leaders to marshal military force for religious ends, not the enactment of biblical holy war.
Doesn’t Jesus’ cleansing of the temple justify using force for godly purposes?
Jesus forcefully drove out money-changers from the temple, overturning tables (Matthew 21:12-17). While showing Jesus’ passion for holiness, this was a specific situation focused on preserving worship. It does not contradict Jesus’ other teachings to avoid violence, love enemies, and trust in God’s future judgment.
What does “an eye for an eye” mean regarding war and violence?
“Eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:22-25) regulated proportional punishment for crimes in Israel, preventing excessive vengeance. Jesus challenged even this limited retaliation in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38-42). While calling for proportional justice, “eye for an eye” does not mandate violence or warfare against enemies.
Does God’s command to wipe out the Canaanites justify genocide today?
No. The Canaanite conquest was a specific divine judgment at a particular time in Israel’s history. It does not justify harming cultures today. The Bible shows God’s care for all nations, and Jesus’ salvation is offered to all peoples. Christians are called to love and serve all people groups, not exterminate them.
Can Christians fight in self-defense or to defend others?
The Bible allows protecting lives against violence. Jesus told his disciples to acquire swords, even in self-defense (Luke 22:36-38). But no biblical text grants Christians authority to wage offensive wars. Self-defense is permitted, but within limits of necessity and proportionality.
Conclusion
The Bible recognizes war’s tragic reality and the existence of evil. God judges wickedness, fights on behalf of his people, and will ultimately destroy all evil. But for Christians living between Christ’s first and second comings, following Jesus’ example of sacrificial service, overcoming evil with good, and spreading the Gospel message of peace are the primary callings. Holy war language is rare in Scripture and runs counter to Christ’s vision of his kingdom. Through the lens of Jesus, the Bible does not seem to condone Christians undertaking crusades or violence in the name of God today. The divine warrior will fight and judge at the appointed time.