V. Henry T. Nguyen , a lecturer in theology at Loyola Marymount University (L.A.) has written an essay in Religion Dispatches that is a response to recent findings that evangelical Christians are more likely, statistically, to support the use of torture, and proposes an approach to nonviolence based on the teaching of Christianity’s first theologian -- Paul of Tarsus.
Nguyen reminds us that Paul is the earliest historical interpreters of the meaning of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. He points out that Paul turns away from a life of persecutor to that of a preacher and apostle. His being was transformed from a life of violence in the name of religion to a life of love in the spirit of Christ. Paul must have known many of Jesus' teachings because he quotes the Sermon on the Mount in Romans 12, stating "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink." He tells us, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Another excellent point that Nguyen makes in his article is that Paul's convictions are often misunderstood when it comes to issues of violence. Many miss his bold statements on non-violence and come to the conclusion that he supported violence as a means of dealing with conflict and justice. Some argue that Paul uses military language and thus condones the way of violence. However, Nguyen aptly makes note of the fact that Paul uses military imagery in the service of the gospel of Christ and not the other way around. He reinterprets the gospel such that one is not to intentionally inflict suffering on others but is willing to endure suffering for others. It's this transformative act of taking on suffering for others' sake that is part and parcel of being united to Christ. One suffers and dies like Christ; one is resurrected and reborn like Christ.
Paul's message on violence is one coming from a changed man -- a man who has been radically affected by the experience of redemptive suffering in Christ. This doesn't mean that Paul thought people should seek out suffering, but it does mean that he felt Christians are called to unite ourselves to Christ, which includes loving without reservation (including enemies) and thus being willing to compassionately suffer if it will benefit the well-being of others.
Many in Unity back away from this language of the embrace of suffering for the sake of others. But I don't think we in Unity should be scared of it at all. It's totally in line with our belief in the love of God expressing as each individual. Suffering is not something to be sought or glorified (for it's not our created state). But when suffering is willingly and compassionately endured so that others' well-being may prosper this evinces the profound and transformative Love that we all are. When this compassion occurs, the experience of suffering for all involved is changed into triumph and delivered into the hands of divine glory, release, and peace. This kind of empathy and lovingkindness is an exemplification of the reality of interdependence in the great dynamism of Oneness. (Perhaps more on Unity and suffering at a later time.)
Nguyen offers an informed and insightful look at the teachings of Paul on suffering and violence, using prominent New Testament scholars as well as his own learning. Due to the present circumstances in the world concerning war, terrorism, and torture-debates, this brief essay makes Paul and his theology very relevant for today.
Read the article at Religion Dispatches.
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