Jesus and Pacifism: An Exegetical and Historical Investigation

Davenant Guides

by Andrew A. Fulford

In recent decades, the ideal of pacifism has gone from the margins to the mainstream, first among liberal Protestantism and more recently among evangelicals as well. Frustrated with the misguided militarism of the Christian Right, many young Christians have turned to the works of Stanley Hauerwas, and John Howard Yoder, seeking a more authentic way to walk in the way of Jesus. In this book, Andrew Fulford shows that these arguments, while well-intentioned, fail to take seriously the whole biblical witness and even the teaching of Jesus, and recommends that contemporary Christians troubled by the scourge of violence look instead to the magisterial Protestant just war tradition. "In this concise little book, the author does more than merely refute the case for Christian pacifism. He also shows that special revelation coheres with general revelation and that natural law (which results from God's creative work) coheres with the Bible (which is inspired by the Creator). He deals extensively with the key biblical texts and shows the unity of Scripture, thus removing the need for the "canon-within-the-canon" approach that defenders of Christian pacifism are forced to adopt. This little work is highly recommended for anyone who is struggling with this issue." -Dr. Craig A. Carter, Professor of Theology, Tyndale University College, Toronto, Ontario

Genres: Christian, Politics, Christian Living, Theology

126 pages, Paperback

Published November 28, 2016

Reviews

[Peter Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rate a book based on its stated aim. I do not expect a book of 100 pages to accomplish what a book of 500 pages will. If the book is about Calvin, I do not critique it for failing to adequately discuss Luther or the Westminster Assembly. Fulford’s brief, but clear and precise critique of pacifism is excellent and accomplishes perfectly its stated aim. Three things stick out.

First, the initial chapter is a brief lesson on hermeneutics or how to read the Bible charitably. So many authors refuse to look at the Biblical, historical, and social context thus they end up reading Paul, Moses, and Jesus in ways that are directly at odds with how their contemporaries would have read them. Fulford begins by laying out the context in which Jesus spoke. Once this is done pacifistic readings of the Sermon on the Mount become less plausible.

Second, Fulford lists the six key arguments pacifists use and refers to these throughout the book. This is helpful in keeping up with the various arguments as well as his own refutation of them.

Third, he does a good job with his analogies between war, police work, excommunication, and even parenting. In other words, coercive force of various kinds is necessary and commanded by God in a world of sin. Once this premise is granted pacifism immediately becomes untenable.

For a book of so few pages it does the job. The foundations on which pacifism is built are slowly eroded through careful exegesis and logical thought. I would highly recommend the book for those who are looking for a short introduction to the subject. He said he is writing a full length treatment. I am looking forward to that.

[Rick Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though Yoder's The Politics of Jesus is 45 years old, the influence of Yoder and his disciples is still strongly felt in many evangelical circles. I very much appreciated Peter Leithart's Defending Constantine from 2010 which tackled Yoder's thesis from a historical perspective. This book Jesus and Pacifism attacks the Christian pacifist position from a more purely exegetical standpoint. It is thoughtful and irenic in tone, and it does a good job of enumerating and addressing the issues involved in the dispute. Although I enjoyed it and appreciated it greatly, I would like the author release something more comprehensive on the subject at some point.

[Flynn Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it is by no means exhaustive on the subject, this is an excellent, concise survey of this topic. I was hoping for a more substantive analysis regarding the viability of self-defense for Christians, yet it was nevertheless helpful to have the biblical-theological discussion broadly considered.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief but very solid critique of modern Anabaptist readings of Jesus' teaching and exemplary death.

[StephenM · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with the premise, but I found many of the arguments brief and unconvincing. Too often, Fulford seemed to brush aside the more demanding implications of passages like the Sermon on the Mount for a safe and easy reification of common sense and moderation. If Christ's words are not challenging us, if we don't find ourselves uncomfortable when contemplating how we fail to live up to them, then something is missing, it seems to me.

[Stephen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good for its intended purpose: a nice short introduction to the case for the just war tradition in opposition to popular arguments for pacifism.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since it has been many years since I have seen a book on pacifism, it was good to see this contribution to the subject. Fulford writes for an audience that tends to be more influenced by the "example of Jesus" than by the authority of Scripture per se. In my perspective, the author places too much emphasis on "natural law" which is not thoroughly defined in the book. As well, it seems to me that natural law does not take enough account of the motives of fallen human rulers in the decision to pursue war. Nevertheless, this is an important contribution to a subject of ongoing importance. I am thankful for its contribution.

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short yet thorough and well-argued answer to Christian Pacifism.

[Matthew Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good critique of pacifism

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this 5 stars on the quality of the author's beard alone.

[Justin Dillehay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fulford makes a compelling case that Jesus's teachings, when interpreted in context, do not endorse pacifism. Irenic, measured, and readable. It's tone and methodology make it a good case study in moral reasoning.

[Brian]

A powerful little book that I got to help put together. if you have been trying to figure out how to find a decent pathway between some of the newer, "Jesus is radical pacifist/socialist/communitarian" stuff and the older, creaking "Jesus was a white middle-class guy who would too vote for Bush," then this book is for you.

Of course, I think it could potentially have a bigger audience than that, since the issues actually extend to a lot more than just pacifism, but to whether the church is really a polis. There are reasons to answer that question with a decisive "no," or at least "mostly no." The book is a little academic at times, but still lucid and clearly written.