Did early Christians avoid violence?

Savannah asks about motives; Lee discusses allegiance, vows, and reasons Christians historically avoided military service.

Play episode from 19:40

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Transcript

Episode notes

What happens when dispensational theology or Christian nationalism directly informs foreign policy without critical reflection or moral accountability?

In this episode, we get to hear from the Professor himself, Lee C. Camp, as he takes the podium to trace the historical roots of Christian nonviolence, exploring how followers of Jesus have wrestled with war and peace across the centuries. Savannah and Lee examine reports that more than 200 complaints have been filed by members of the U.S. armed forces regarding commanding officers invoking “God’s divine plan” to justify military action. These stories raise a pressing question at the intersection of faith, power, and policy: War—what is it good for?

Things we mentioned in this episode:

Jemar Tisby on No Small Endeavor

Christian Attitudes Toward War and Peace by Roland H. Bainton

Christian attitudes to war, peace, and revolution: a companion to Bainton by John Howard Yoder

Who Is My Enemy? by Lee C. Camp

With God on Our Side by Bob Dylan

Also: pre-save Savannah's album!

Some of our sources!

US troops were told war on Iran was ‘all part of God’s divine plan’, watchdog alleges (The Guardian)

MRFF Inundated with Complaints of Gleeful Commanders Telling Troops Iran War is “Part of God’s Divine Plan” to Usher in the Return of Jesus Christ (MRFF)

Jemar Tisby on Threads

Why Would Some Christians Be Excited About War With Iran? Benjamin Cremer on Substack