The authors examination of Jesus's message is lacking. He uses the scriptural passages that are overtly exclusivistic to state that implicitly Christianity leads to violence. This conclusion does not follow. Even if it did, he would need to look at all of what Jesus said and did, rather than just pulling out stuff that appears to support his views. The centrality of the cross ought to suggest that through sacrifice for one's neighbor leads more surely to their salvation that forcing them to 'believe' through the force of arms. After all, that forceful method used against Christ, is the primary reason why his words have not passed away.
I admit that violence has been the result of so-called Christian thinking but that is separate from it being something legitimately derived from the Gospel.
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The authors examination of Jesus's message is lacking. He uses the scriptural passages that are overtly exclusivistic to state that implicitly Christianity leads to violence. This conclusion does not follow. Even if it did, he would need to look at all of what Jesus said and did, rather than just pulling out stuff that appears to support his views. The centrality of the cross ought to suggest that through sacrifice for one's neighbor leads more surely to their salvation that forcing them to 'believe' through the force of arms. After all, that forceful method used against Christ, is the primary reason why his words have not passed away.
I admit that violence has been the result of so-called Christian thinking but that is separate from it being something legitimately derived from the Gospel.
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