Blessed are the Peacemakers, Part 2

Blessed are the Peacemakers, Part 2

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”[1]

Last week I went to some length considering how common it is to use violence to try to attain peace, particularly between nations. In many ways it is our default position – that if we cannot peacefully co-exist with another person, group, or nation, we resort to violence in an attempt to force peace upon the situation, which in most cases means I want the other person, group, or nation to behave in ways that allow me whatever I desire. Many times a resolution through violent means becomes our go-to method of dealing with conflict because we are too impatient or too lazy to endure the often extended and onerous process required to obtain a peaceful outcome by non-violent means. If an ease in tensions does not come quickly or easily, violence becomes an increasingly attractive option, particularly when one has violent options readily available.

And, of course, physical violence is not the only form of violence. Words and emotions are also used as weapons in many conflicts, as is the silent treatment. Withholding of certain valued opportunities, like restricting a child’s screentime, can become a violent means of punishment instead of a loving setting of appropriate boundaries when done impulsively or in anger. Bombing a neighboring country is one form of violence but so is blockading their ports to prevent the free flow of goods in and out. So, too, with the freezing of a country’s assets.

And lest we assume that Christian churches, as professed followers of the non-violent Jesus, are paragons of non-violence, we need look no further than the fire-and-brimstone sermons emanating from many pulpits threatening eternal damnation (violent threats) to all who do not conform to the teachings of the church (never mind the wide variation in and vast vagueness of the teachings). Many churches claim to open their doors wide to welcome all people, even as they insist that all people in attendance abide by the established acceptable behaviors of their congregation. That sort of practice does violence not only to potential new members but also to the gospel they claim to uphold.

Last week I noted how the United States is a nation founded on and maintained by violent means. The church, as a formal organization, is no different. Christianity became the official religion of Rome in the 4^th Century CE as the Roman Catholic Church. Thus began an unholy alliance between the accepted practice of the life and teachings of Jesus with the Roman Empire – a movement aimed at personal and collective transformation now united with the bully-of-the-world Rome. Violence was not just a tool of the Roman government, it was their regular practice. While becoming the official religion eased many of the personal dangers involved in practicing Christianity, it also forced the church to turn a blind eye to the forceful practices of Rome. Many “Christian” groups split away from the Roman Catholic Church to form their own religious organizations, ones that were not  under the thumb of Rome. Of course, we cannot overlook the brutal Crusades of the 12^th and 13^th Centuries, where Christians sought to retake lands settled by Muslims by force.

The largest, loosely-affiliated group to split away from the Roman Catholic Church happens to be the Protestants, which began in the 16^th Century. Of course, the Roman Empire was long gone by then, but Martin Luther and others rebelled against what they considered the non-biblical practices and unwarranted control of the Church over its members. Interestingly, in their zeal to flee the oppression of the Vatican, some protestant churches today have aligned themselves strongly with the right-wing of the Republican party, thus fleeing one oppressor for another with equally (and arguably) unchristian beliefs and practices, often employing various types of violence. As such, many Christian churches, particularly in the West, remain aligned with an earthly empire of one sort or another.

Earthly power and religion are a dangerous mix. Jesus warned of this and sought to show us the way to a different sort of world – the kingdom of God. But the kingdom of God – the kingdom Jesus taught and modeled for us – is not of this world.[2] This new world does not overly value wealth or status but focuses on love for and service to others. It does not seek individual status or glory except as through membership in a larger community. Security in the realm of God is granted by faith that God provides through the interdependence built between its members. There is no need for the violent taking of anything because everything is held in common and is readily available to anyone in need. Members of the family of God need not look to nor rely on the protections of or distributions from an earthly empire. Theirs is a security attained by belonging and trusting, not by conquering and dominating.

This is the 17^thin a series titled Blessedness and Woe.Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Matthew 5:9

[2] John 18:36