The word “infidel” comes from the Latin word “infidelis” which means “unfaithful.” In a religious context, an infidel is someone who does not believe in a particular religion or who has rejected the tenets of that religion. The term has often been used pejoratively to refer to people whose beliefs differ from the dominant religion.
In Christianity, the word “infidel” has been used to refer to non-Christians, particularly Muslims. Some key points regarding infidels and Christianity:
- The Bible does not use the term “infidel” directly. However, there are verses that refer to non-believers or people who reject God.
- Jesus commanded his followers to spread the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This suggests that non-believers need to hear the Good News.
- Christians are called to love their enemies and bless those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-28). This includes showing love to infidels.
- The Bible teaches that faith comes through hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Christians are to preach the Gospel even to those who may reject it initially.
- Jesus taught that unbelievers are condemned already because they do not believe in Him (John 3:18). Their infidelity separates them from God.
- Some Bible verses warn against being corrupted by the company of infidels (2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 1 Corinthians 15:33). Christians are to avoid adopting false beliefs.
- While Christians may use the term “infidel” for non-believers, the Bible commends treating them with love and sharing the Gospel with them.
Throughout history, Christians have interacted with infidels in various ways. Here is a brief overview:
- In the Roman Empire, Christians were persecuted as infidels because they refused to worship the Roman gods.
- During the Crusades, Christians fought against Muslim infidels to reclaim the Holy Land. There were atrocities committed by both sides.
- The Spanish Inquisition was established by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to maintain Catholic orthodoxy and target heresy, often against Jewish and Muslim infidels.
- Some Protestant reformers like John Calvin treated Catholic Christians as infidels during the Reformation.
- Puritans who settled in America sought religious freedom but did not tolerate non-Puritan infidels in their colonies.
- Modern Christian missions aim to convert infidels peacefully through preaching, social work, education etc.
While the term “infidel” has sometimes been used to promote conflict and violence, Christians should remember what the Bible teaches:
- Jesus commanded his followers to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44).
- The Gospel should be shared with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
- No one should be coerced into converting against their will.
- Judging others is condemned in Scripture (Matthew 7:1-5).
- True faith involves personal conviction, not compulsion (Romans 14:5).
In summary, an infidel is someone who rejects a particular religion, often Christianity. The Bible does not directly use the term but refers to unbelievers. Christians are called to share the Gospel with infidels, not persecute them. While church history contains ugly episodes of oppressing infidels, Christ-like love provides a better example for interacting with those who do not share our faith.
Here are some key Bible passages about infidels and faith:
Old Testament Verses
Exodus 20:3-6
The first commandment given to Moses prohibits worshiping other gods or idols. This sets up the covenant people of Israel as worshiping the true God, while neighboring nations who worship idols would be considered as infidels.
Deuteronomy 13:6-11
This passage warns against following someone who entices you to worship other gods. Even a close family member was to be stoned as punishment for promoting infidelity to God.
Psalm 14:1
The psalmist declares that a fool says in his heart there is no God. Biblically speaking, the path of wisdom is to fear God.
Isaiah 42:17
Those who trust in idols and false gods will be turned back in utter shame for worshiping things that cannot help them. This mocks the useless infidelity of idol worship.
New Testament Verses
John 3:36
This verse says that God’s wrath remains on those who do not obey the Son. Rejecting Christ is linked directly to divine judgment.
Acts 13:46
Paul and Barnabas boldly declare they had to speak the word of God to the Jews first, but since they rejected it, they now turn to preach to the Gentiles.
1 Corinthians 16:22
Paul invokes an Aramaic curse against anyone who does not love the Lord. This signals severe consequences for such infidelity toward Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:8
Jesus is revealed from heaven with flaming fire to inflict vengeance on those who do not know God or obey the Gospel. A sobering warning about infidelity.
While the Bible does not always use the term “infidel” directly, it includes many verses about remaining faithful to the true God and rejecting false religions. Several passages warn of serious consequences for those who do not believe. Christians are to lovingly share the Good News with unbelievers, hoping to see them convert and receive eternal life instead of judgment.
Historical Christian Figures on Infidels
In addition to Bible verses, various Christian thinkers throughout history have written about how to regard infidels. Here are a few examples:
Augustine of Hippo
Augustine lived 354-430 AD. In his book City of God he wrote that the City of Man and City of God are mixed in the world. Christians live as pilgrims among infidels in secular societies but look forward to God’s final judgment and redemption.
Thomas Aquinas
The influential medieval scholar Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) argued that infidel Jews and Muslims should be allowed to live peacefully among Christians and not be compelled to convert by force. He rejected violence against infidels.
John Wycliffe
John Wycliffe (1328-1384) was a forerunner of the Protestant Reformation. He opposed crusades against infidels like Muslims. He taught that fighting them was contrary to Christ’s pacific teachings in the Sermon on the Mount.
John Calvin
John Calvin (1509-1564) was one of the most prominent Reformers. In his theology, he emphasized God’s sovereignty and saw the Catholic church as infidels who opposed true faith. He argued that the church should not wield the power of the sword against infidels.
William Carey
William Carey (1761-1834) was a British Baptist missionary to India. He reprinted and studied religious texts of Hindus to reach them with the Gospel by understanding their infidel beliefs, rather than attacking them directly as Satanic.
This small sampling shows some diversity in how prominent Christians have regarded infidels over the centuries. Some advocated tolerance, others saw them as threats to true faith. But overall there was a shared concern for seeing infidels convert through missions rather than militaristic means.
Questions and Answers
Let’s explore some common questions about infidels:
Should Christians associate with infidels?
The Bible does warn believers against being led astray by unbelievers (1 Corinthians 15:33). However, it does not prohibit associations completely. Jesus set an example by engaging with sinful people to call them to repentance and faith (Luke 5:30-32). Christians can be a witness to infidels when they interact respectfully.
Are infidels condemned by God automatically?
The Bible teaches that all people are under sin (Romans 3:9) and face judgment without Christ (Hebrews 9:27). However, God does not delight in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11). He is patient, waiting for more to repent (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, Christians should not view infidels as already condemned, but as recipients of God’s grace and offer of salvation.
How can Christians evangelize effectively to infidels?
The keys are to: 1) Understand infidel beliefs without compromising your own faith; 2) Find common ground to have friendly discussions; 3) Share the Gospel simply and your personal experiences with Christ; 4) Recognize only the Holy Spirit can change hearts and wait patiently; 5) Show genuine love and reflect the light of Christ in your dealings.
Should Christian societies allow the open practice of other religions?
Historically, some Christian societies banned public infidel worship. However, a strong case can be made for religious freedom based on key biblical principles. Faith that is coerced is insincere (2 Corinthians 9:7). The Bible recognizes that government power is limited (John 18:36). And love requires room for disagreement (Romans 14:1-12). Christians should promote religious liberty while also sharing their convictions.
Careful study of the Bible does not support the use of force or compulsion in matters of faith. Nor does Scripture command complete separation from unbelievers. Christians walk a balanced line – adhering to sound doctrine, yet loving infidels and hoping they come to repentance.
Conclusion
In summary, an “infidel” refers to someone who rejects a particular religion or does not believe in the dominant faith of a culture. The term has often been used negatively against non-Christians. While the Bible warns against following other gods or being misled by unbelievers, it emphasizes reaching out to them respectfully through evangelism. Prominent Christians through history have dealt with infidels in different ways. Some advocated tolerance while others saw them as dangerous heretics. But overall, Scripture does not support coercion or violence against infidels. It teaches that only sincere, voluntary faith has value. Christians today should heed this biblical model – boldly sharing the Gospel with unbelievers while also defending religious freedom for all.