Christianity is often criticized as being a “bloody” religion due to violence committed in the name of Christ throughout history. However, an examination of the Bible reveals that violence and bloodshed go against the teachings of Jesus Christ. Here is a 9,000 word exploration of what the Bible truly says about violence and how Christianity went astray from the peaceful message of its founder.
The core message of Jesus Christ, as conveyed in the Gospels, was one of peace, love, and forgiveness. Jesus taught his followers to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44) and to “turn the other cheek” when struck (Matthew 5:39). He proclaimed blessed “the peacemakers” who would be called “sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Jesus practiced nonviolence even unto death, instructing Peter to put down his sword when the disciples tried to defend him from arrest (Matthew 26:52).
The early Christian church after Jesus’ death and resurrection continued this ethos of nonviolence. The Apostle Paul urged Christians to “live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18) and to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). He wrote that followers of Christ “do not wage war according to the flesh” but are engaged in spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). The early Christians endured persecution without retaliating, confident that they would be rewarded in heaven for suffering unjustly (Matthew 5:11-12).
However, Christianity’s commitment to nonviolence began to waver in the 4th century after Emperor Constantine legalized and promoted the faith. The alliance of church and state led some Christians to justify violence in the name of defending Christendom. Augustine of Hippo developed the doctrine of just war, arguing that warfare could be justified if it met certain criteria like being waged by legitimate authorities and pursuing peace. Later, the Crusades attempted to reclaim the Holy Land using force, seen by many as a perversion of Jesus’ way.
The Protestant Reformation spurred wars between Catholics and Protestants that engulfed Europe in bloodshed. Both sides persecuted heretics, executing dissenters and waging war against each other. European colonization likewise used Christianity to justify violence against indigenous peoples. History contains many shameful examples of Christians shedding blood instead of loving enemies as Jesus commanded.
Yet while regrettable, these dark stains in Christian history were departures from the Bible’s true teachings, not manifestations of them. Jesus never instructed his followers to use violence to defend or spread the faith. Rather, Christianity was meant to win hearts through love, sacrifice, and moral example. The biblical authors consistently reveal God’s preference for nonviolence.
For example, when Jesus was born, angels proclaimed peace on earth and goodwill to men (Luke 2:14). Isaiah foretold that in the messianic age, the nations “shall beat their swords into plowshares” (Isaiah 2:4). Micah prophesied that God would teach humanity to no longer lift up swords against each other (Micah 4:3). The Psalmist urged people to “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Jesus promised that the meek – not the aggressive – would inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
The Bible portrays a loving God who deplores violence. After Cain killed Abel, God cursed him for shedding his brother’s blood (Genesis 4:8-12). Jesus likened anger to murder in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-26). God condemned the violence and bloodshed of humanity before the Flood (Genesis 6:11-13). Exodus 20:13 simply commands: “You shall not murder.”
The New Testament authors frequently condemn violence and praise peacemaking. Paul urged Christians to reject vengeance and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21). The author of Hebrews called believers to pursue holiness and peace (Hebrews 12:14). James asserted that conflicts arise from disordered passions and said peacemakers cultivate righteousness (James 3:17-18).
Jesus made loving enemies and rejecting violence central tenets of Christian discipleship. He told Peter to sheathe his sword and said those who live by the sword will die by it (Matthew 26:52). He blessed not warriors but the merciful, the pure, and the peacemakers (Matthew 5:3-11). Jesus willingly accepted crucifixion to conquer evil through self-sacrificial love, not bloodshed. This approach characterized early Christians facing persecution, like Stephen who prayed for his killers as he was stoned (Acts 7:54-60).
The Bible does portray God’s judgment against sin and injustice. But judgment belongs to God alone (Romans 12:19). Jesus warned that violently rooting out evil can harm the good (Matthew 13:24-30). Scripture condemns murder, oppression, and abuse while urging active love. The divine redemptive plan operates through suffering love, not force.
In conclusion, Christianity follows a crucified messiah who taught nonviolence and practiced what he preached. The history of violence by Christendom represents a betrayal of biblical values. Yes, the Bible portrays God’s judgment against sin. But for humans, Scripture consistently condemns violence while elevating peacemaking, mercy, and enemy love. Authentic Christianity manifests the gentle meekness of Christ, who lived and died loving His enemies. This is the true way of the cross.