By William Slavick Pax Christi Maine The Vatican conference call for Just Peace theology gave Dan Berrigan a hopeful departure. Jesus and his followers were peaceful, practiced love of neighbor, and for three centuries rejected violence, choosing martyrdom over engaging in violence. The link with Constantine’s empire resulted in contradictory loyalties. Many Christians retreated to the … Continue reading REFLECTION: Conference follows the words of Jesus – “Put down that sword”
REFLECTION: The Church’s turn toward nonviolence
By Rev. John Dear Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace For its first three centuries, Christianity required the practice of active nonviolence as taught by Jesus. The early Christians refused to serve the Roman Empire or kill in its wars, and so they were routinely arrested and killed. All that changed in the year 313 … Continue reading REFLECTION: The Church’s turn toward nonviolence
