Non-Violence.

Many people wonder why God does not make the world a better place.

The world is full of lies, violence, war, corruption, hate, abuse, treachery, and evil.....

God does not intervene to stop these things.

But that does not mean that He condones them.

When the world becomes dark and violent He sends a messenger to announce the Light.

God does not use violence to enforce His message.

But the powers of this world will not listen to His messengers.

They stiffen their necks and cling to the power they have won.

And this includes the religious authorities our world.

"'Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!  How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!'"  Matthew 23:37 (NRSV)

"From the day that your ancestors came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them day after day; yet they did not listen to me, or pay attention, but they stiffened their necks.  They did worse than their ancestors did."  Jeremiah 7:25,26 (NRSV)

They adhere to the theology of punishment and judgement, the carrot and stick of heaven and hell.

And they attack and persecute any dissent.

God's message is non-violent.

It is a message of mercy, forgiveness, and love.

But few will hear this message and act on it.

[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

Photo Credit: Times Higher Education.