The Cross and the Sword
Rejecting the Violence of Babylon
In every corner of the world, a silent but profound battle rages—a battle between two kingdoms with fundamentally opposing values. On one side is the kingdom of the world, where power is seized through violence, coercion, and control. It’s a kingdom built on fear and pride, where might is right, and the strong dominate the weak. On the other side stands the kingdom of God, a realm where peace, love, and humility reign. This kingdom was established not by force, but through the ultimate act of non-violence: Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross.
In this essay, we will explore the profound differences between these two kingdoms, delving into why the world clings to violence and how Jesus’ radical example of non-violence calls His followers to a higher way of living. We’ll examine the roots of violence—fear and pride—and consider how these forces shape our world today. We’ll also reflect on the legacy of non-violent movements led by figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, who drew inspiration from Jesus’ teachings to challenge the injustices of their time.
Moreover, we’ll take a closer look at a stark warning found in the book of Revelation, where the Apostle John reveals the consequences of participating in the world’s corrupt systems, symbolized by Babylon. John’s words remind us that even seemingly benign actions, like engaging in commerce with violent systems, can make us complicit in the worst of their deeds.
This is not merely a theological exploration; it is a call to action. As followers of Christ, how do we navigate a world that often glorifies violence? How do we live out the values of God’s kingdom in our personal lives, in our communities, and on the global stage? And how do we reconcile the complex question of self-defense with the call to non-violence? This essay invites you to journey through these challenging questions, to reflect deeply on the teachings of Jesus, and to consider how we can truly be peacemakers in a world that desperately needs the light of God’s kingdom.
The Kingdom of the World and the Kingdom of God
At the heart of the Christian understanding of the world are two opposing kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world. The kingdom of God, as Jesus proclaimed, is not of this world (John 18:36). It is a kingdom where love, peace, justice, and righteousness reign. The kingdom of the world, on the other hand, is characterized by power struggles, violence, oppression, and injustice.
Violence in the Kingdom of the World
The kingdom of the world uses violence as a tool to maintain power and control. From the beginning of human history, violence has been a recurring method by which individuals and nations impose their will on others. Cain’s murder of Abel (Genesis 4:8) is an early example of how violence arises from anger, jealousy, and a desire to dominate. Throughout history, empires have risen and fallen through wars, conquests, and the oppression of weaker groups. In modern times, the prevalence of violence is seen in wars, terrorism, and systemic oppression.
The world’s reliance on violence is rooted in fear and pride. Fear leads to the desire to protect oneself at any cost, even at the expense of others. Pride drives individuals and nations to assert their superiority over others, often through violent means. This is evident in the way that governments, organizations, and individuals often resort to force to achieve their ends, believing that might makes right.
Jesus’ Model of Non-Violence
In stark contrast to the world’s use of violence, Jesus Christ exemplified a life of non-violence. He taught His followers to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44), and to pray for those who persecuted them. Jesus’ entire ministry was one of peace and reconciliation, even in the face of hostility and violence.
The ultimate demonstration of Jesus’ commitment to non-violence was His willingness to go to the cross. When Peter attempted to defend Him with a sword, Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Jesus chose to suffer and die rather than resist with violence, thereby embodying the principle that the kingdom of God is advanced not through force, but through sacrificial love.
The cross is the clearest demonstration of God’s kingdom values. It is through the apparent weakness and defeat of the cross that the power of God’s love is revealed. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the vindication of non-violence, showing that the kingdom of God triumphs not by the sword, but by the power of God’s redeeming love.
The Roots of Violence: Fear and Pride
To understand why the kingdom of the world so often resorts to violence, it is essential to examine the roots of violence, namely fear and pride.
Fear
Fear is a powerful motivator for violence. When individuals or groups feel threatened, they often resort to violence as a means of self-protection. This fear can be fear of physical harm, fear of losing power, or fear of the unknown. Fear creates an "us versus them" mentality, where the other is seen as a threat to be neutralized rather than a neighbor to be loved.
In the Bible, fear is frequently addressed as something to be overcome through faith in God. Jesus often told His disciples, “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27), encouraging them to trust in God’s provision and protection rather than giving in to fear. The Apostle John writes, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). In the kingdom of God, fear is replaced by love, which seeks the good of others rather than their destruction.
Pride
Pride is another root cause of violence. Pride leads individuals and nations to believe they are superior to others and therefore entitled to dominate or oppress them. This sense of superiority can lead to the justification of violence as a means of asserting control or achieving one’s goals.
The Bible speaks strongly against pride, warning that “pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Jesus’ life and teachings consistently challenged the pride of the powerful and uplifted the humble. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declared, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5), indicating that the values of the kingdom of God are diametrically opposed to the pride that leads to violence in the kingdom of the world.
Defining Non-Violence in Christian Life
The call to non-violence in the kingdom of God extends beyond personal interactions to include broader societal and national levels. To live out the values of God’s kingdom, Christians must reject violence in all its forms and seek to promote peace and justice.
Personal Non-Violence
On a personal level, Christians are called to reject violence in their thoughts, words, and actions. This means not only refraining from physical violence but also avoiding harboring hatred in one’s heart. Jesus taught that even harboring anger against another person is equivalent to murder (Matthew 5:21-22). Christians are called to love their neighbors as themselves (Mark 12:31), which means seeking their good rather than their harm.
In practical terms, this involves being peacemakers in everyday interactions, resolving conflicts through dialogue and understanding rather than aggression. It also means forgiving those who wrong us and seeking reconciliation rather than revenge.
Non-Violence in People-Systems
Non-violence must also be practiced within organizations and groups. This includes rejecting systems of oppression, exploitation, abuse and violence. This may be your church, workplace or political party.
Churches and other Christian organizations should be places where the values of God’s kingdom are lived out, where justice, equality, and respect for all individuals are upheld. This involves addressing and dismantling any systems within these organizations that perpetuate violence, whether through discrimination, exclusion, or abuse.
Non-Violence at the National Level
At the national level, Christians are called to be advocates for peace and justice. This means rejecting the use of violence as a tool of national policy, whether in the form of war, capital punishment, or systemic oppression. Instead, Christians should work towards peaceful resolutions of conflicts, support policies that promote human dignity, and oppose those that perpetuate violence and injustice.
This does not mean that Christians should be passive in the face of evil or injustice. Rather, they are called to actively pursue peace and justice through non-violent means, such as diplomacy, advocacy, and humanitarian work. The prophet Micah calls on God’s people to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8), a call that is as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel.
Not Supporting Violent Organizations: A Lesson from Revelation
The Apostle John’s vision in Revelation 18 offers a powerful warning against participating in the commerce of the world’s systems, symbolized by Babylon. In Revelation 18:10-13, John describes the lament of the merchants who had grown rich by trading with Babylon. He lists all the luxurious goods that were traded—gold, silver, precious stones, fine linen, and more—culminating with "horses and chariots and human bodies (slaves)." This stark ending highlights the reality that even if one’s trade appears to be non-violent or benign, doing business with a corrupt and violent system means condoning and funding its worst atrocities.
This passage serves as a sobering reminder that Christians must be vigilant about the implications of their economic activities and associations. Supporting or engaging with organizations and systems that perpetuate violence, exploitation, or injustice—even indirectly—means becoming complicit in their sins. John’s vision warns believers to "come out of her [Babylon], my people, so that you will not share in her sins" (Revelation 18:4). In today’s context, this means Christians should carefully consider the ethical implications of their economic choices and affiliations, ensuring they do not contribute to systems that violate the principles of God’s kingdom.
The Legacy of Non-Violent Movements
The teachings of Jesus on non-violence have had a profound impact on many movements for social change throughout history. Two of the most notable examples are the American Civil Rights Movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. Both of these leaders drew heavily on the principles of non-violence that Jesus taught, using peaceful resistance to bring about significant social and political change.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Deeply influenced by the teachings of Jesus, King advocated for non-violent resistance as the most effective and moral way to achieve civil rights for African Americans.
King believed that non-violence was not only a strategy but a way of life. He taught that love should be at the center of the struggle for justice, and that those who engaged in non-violent resistance must do so with the goal of winning the friendship and understanding of their opponents, not defeating or humiliating them. This philosophy was evident in the many peaceful protests, marches, and sit-ins that characterized the Civil Rights Movement.
One of the most significant examples of non-violent resistance during this time was the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which began in 1955 after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white person. The boycott, which lasted for over a year, was a peaceful protest against segregation on public buses. It ultimately led to a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional.
King’s commitment to non-violence was tested many times, particularly in the face of violent responses from those who opposed the movement. Yet, he remained steadfast in his belief that non-violence was the most powerful weapon available to oppressed people in their struggle for justice and equality. His leadership and the non-violent principles of the movement were instrumental in achieving significant civil rights victories, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian Independence Movement
Mahatma Gandhi, although not a Christian, was profoundly influenced by the teachings of Jesus, particularly the Sermon on the Mount. Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence, or ahimsa, became the cornerstone of his philosophy and the Indian independence movement.
Gandhi believed that non-violence was the most powerful force for social and political change. He taught that true strength comes from the ability to love and forgive one’s enemies, rather than from the ability to defeat them through force. Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence was not passive but active, involving peaceful resistance to oppression through methods such as non-cooperation, civil disobedience, and fasting.
One of the most famous examples of Gandhi’s non-violent resistance was the Salt March of 1930. In protest against the British salt tax, Gandhi led a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea, where he and thousands of followers made salt from seawater in defiance of British law. The march sparked widespread acts of civil disobedience across India and drew international attention to the Indian independence movement.
Gandhi’s non-violent resistance ultimately played a crucial role in securing India’s independence from British rule in 1947. His philosophy of non-violence has continued to inspire movements for justice and peace around the world.
Self-Defense from a Biblical Perspective
The question of self-defense is a complex one for Christians who are committed to non-violence. On the one hand, the desire to protect oneself and others from harm is natural and, in many cases, morally justified. On the other hand, the teachings of Jesus suggest a radical commitment to non-violence, even in the face of danger.
The Teaching of Jesus on Self-Defense
Jesus’ teachings and example suggest that self-defense, at least in its violent forms, is not compatible with the values of the kingdom of God. Jesus taught His followers to turn the other cheek and not to resist an evil person (Matthew 5:39). When Jesus was arrested, He did not resist, and when Peter tried to defend Him with a sword, Jesus rebuked him, healing the ear of the man Peter had struck (Luke 22:50-51).
These actions and teachings suggest that Jesus calls His followers to a way of life that goes beyond the natural instinct for self-preservation. Instead of responding to violence with violence, Christians are called to trust in God’s protection and to respond with love and forgiveness, even in the face of danger.
The early Christians exemplified this commitment to non-violence in a powerful way. Faced with brutal persecution under the Roman Empire, they chose to endure suffering and even death rather than take up arms against their oppressors. The stories of martyrs such as Stephen, who was stoned while praying for his executioners (Acts 7:59-60), and countless others who faced lions in the Colosseum, reflect a deep adherence to Jesus’ teachings. These early believers saw their suffering as a witness to the power of God’s love and a means of identifying with Christ’s own suffering and death. Their refusal to retaliate with violence became a hallmark of the early Christian community, distinguishing them from the violent power struggles of the world and bearing powerful testimony to the transformative power of the gospel.
The Broader Biblical Perspective
While Jesus’ teachings seem to suggest a complete rejection of violence, other parts of the Bible acknowledge the reality of self-defense. For example, the Old Testament law provides for the right to defend oneself against an intruder (Exodus 22:2). Moreover, there are numerous instances in the Old Testament where God’s people are commanded to go to war to defend themselves or to achieve justice.
However, the New Testament shifts the focus from physical defense to spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul writes that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Christians are called to put on the armor of God, which includes truth, righteousness, and the gospel of peace, rather than physical weapons (Ephesians 6:13-17).
Also, in Luke 22, Jesus states, “Let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” There have been arguments on both sides that this is a tacit invitation of Jesus to utilize swords for self-defense, while others have suggested that Jesus was setting up his disciples to be rebuked by Him later (which seems to me like utter hogwash).
A Balanced Approach
Given these differing perspectives, many Christians adopt a balanced approach to self-defense. They may see non-violence as the ideal to strive for, while recognizing that there may be situations where the use of force is necessary to protect oneself or others from harm. However, even in such situations, the use of force should be a last resort and should be proportional to the threat.
Moreover, any use of force should be guided by the principles of love and justice, rather than fear or pride. Christians are called to be peacemakers, even in the midst of conflict, and should seek to resolve situations through non-violent means whenever possible. When force is used, it should be done with a heavy heart, recognizing that it is a deviation from the ideal of non-violence that Jesus modeled.
Conclusion: The Call to Live Out God’s Kingdom Values
The kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world represent two fundamentally different ways of living. The kingdom of the world relies on violence, fear, and pride to achieve its goals, while the kingdom of God is characterized by non-violence, love, and humility. As Christians, we are called to live out the values of God’s kingdom in our personal lives, in our relationships, in our organizations, and in our nations.
This call to non-violence is not an easy one. It requires a radical trust in God’s provision and protection, a willingness to suffer for the sake of others, and a commitment to seek peace and justice in all areas of life. It also requires discernment, particularly when it comes to issues like self-defense, where the principles of non-violence may seem to conflict with the need to protect oneself or others.
Ultimately, the call to non-violence is a call to follow Jesus, who showed us the way of the cross. In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated that the power of God’s love is greater than the power of the world’s violence. As His followers, we are called to bear witness to this truth, not through violence, but through the transformative power of love.
Have there been moments in your life where you have acted out of fear or pride, using or advocating for violence rather than following the teachings of Jesus and the values of God’s kingdom? If so, pray this prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart that seeks Your peace and Your guidance. I acknowledge that there have been times when I have acted out of fear, pride, or anger, choosing the ways of the world rather than the ways of Your kingdom. I confess that I have sometimes justified violence, whether in my thoughts, words, actions, or the systems I have supported.
Lord, I ask for Your forgiveness. Cleanse me from the desire to retaliate, to control, or to dominate others. Help me to embrace the path of non-violence that Jesus modeled for us. Teach me to love my enemies, to turn the other cheek, and to respond to evil with good. Strengthen my heart to trust in Your protection and provision, even when the world around me promotes fear and aggression.
Father, fill me with Your Spirit, that I may be a true peacemaker in this world. Help me to reflect Your love in every interaction and to stand firmly for the values of Your kingdom. Guide me in my choices, so that I may never support or condone violence, but instead be a beacon of Your peace and righteousness. In the name of Jesus, who chose the cross over the sword, I pray. Amen.
Bibliography
Volf, Miroslav. Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation. Abingdon Press, 1996.
Wright, N.T. The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is. InterVarsity Press, 1999.
Yoder, John Howard. The Politics of Jesus. Eerdmans, 1994.
Hauerwas, Stanley. The Peaceable Kingdom: A Primer in Christian Ethics. University of Notre Dame Press, 1983.
Stassen, Glen H., and David P. Gushee. Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context. InterVarsity Press, 2003.
Scriptural References
Matthew 5:39 (NIV)
Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
Matthew 26:52 (NIV)
John 18:36 (NIV)
1 John 4:18 (NIV)
Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)
Mark 12:31 (NIV)
Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Revelation 18:4 (NIV)
Revelation 18:10-13 (NIV)
Luke 22:50-51 (NIV)
Ephesians 6:12-17 (NIV)
Luke 22:36 (NIV)
Exodus 22:2 (NIV)