Religion and War | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 24, 1872

Religion and War.

Some say there is nothing in religion that militates against war, and it has always been a mystery to us how any man could say so in sincerity. If there are any two things diverse one from the other, it seems to us it must be these two. They are entirely opposed to each other; as much so as light and darkness, good and evil. This is no assertion of ours, it is a simple fact. Look and see. Let each one be tried by their fruits. Religion saves men, and war destroys them. Religion elevates and refines men, and war degrades and debases them. Religion purifies and sanctifies men, and war corrupts and defiles them.

Let us listen to the language of each: Religion says—Thou shalt not kill. War says—Thou shalt kill. Religion—Blessed are the peace-makers. War—Blessed are the war-makers. Religion—Love your enemies. War—Hate your enemies. Religion—Forgive men their trespasses. War—Forgive them not. Religion—Resist not evil. War—Resist to the death. Religion—If a man smite thee on one cheek, turn the other. War—If a man smite thee on one cheek, knock him down. Religion—Bless those who curse you. War—Curse those who curse you. Religion—Pray for those who despitefully use you. War—Destroy those who thus use you. Religion—Overcome evil with good War—Overcome evil with evil.

Do they speak the same language? If there is any such matter as one thing being antagonistic to another, do we not find it here? Let us seek for the things that make peace.—Christian Era.