The Myth of Redemptive Violence.

Spiritual Warfare seeks to destroy evil.

It may lead to killing evil people.

But the perception of evil in our world is highly subjective and this may lead to killing innocent people.

Our culture is saturated with the Myth of Redemptive Violence.  That is the idea that there is Good and there is Evil and Good wins by killing Evil.

It is the basis of powerful modern mythology in movies like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. 

It appears in fairytales and ancient mythology.

It inspired two World Wars and it completes the Bible with the Book of Revelation.

But the Myth of Redemptive Violence is not true.

Violence is never the answer.

It just leads to more violence.

And this myth is in direct contrast to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus said: "'You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth."  But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer.  But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.'"  Matthew 5:38,39 (NRSV)

And: "'You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy."  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.'"  Matthew 5:43-45 (NRSV) 

Not only does Jesus recommend non-violent love as a response to evil but he suggests that this is the nature of God Himself.

Jesus' parables are full of examples of the King writing off debts.

This is fortunate for us because we all make mistakes.

And we all need forgiveness.

So do not seek to kill and destroy evil.

Seek to redeem evil through Love.


(*The term Myth of Redemptive Violence was coined by Walter Wink in his book Engaging the Powers.)

[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.]

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