PEACE CHURCH CHALLENGE

PEACE CHURCH CHALLENGE: "The original Apostolic church through the 4th century refused enlistment in the military and participation in war because they felt that under Jesus of Nazareth the era of the Messianic Kingdom had arrived and the prophesies now materialized, for them to “turn their swords into plows and their spears into pruning hooks and not learn war any more.” Isaiah 2:4. As a result of this, early Christians were persecuted and even executed. Since that time however, Christian nations have been involved in war and military aggression, manufacture of munitions and weapons, and increase of soldiers and military personnel. Refusing to adhere to Jesus of Nazareth and His Apostles’ gospel of non-violence and religious objection to conscription and military service, Christianity as a religion has capitulated over the centuries to the demands of the state."