Cleansing of the Temple – Does Jesus Sanction Violence: 'Is His Behavior a Norm for Human Relationships?'

Cleansing of the Temple Gospel Narrative

Cleansing of the Temple

In today’s climate of heightened political rancor, some believers use the cleansing of the temple gospel narrative to justify all manner of egregious and even violent behavior toward others–“After all, Jesus whipped people.”—sic. The cleansing of the temple account is one of the favorite proof texts of those who want to try to deflect the potency of Christ’s clear ethical commands to overcome evil with good and to love one’s enemies. Those who proof text this passage to justify their behavior are betraying the scriptures and the Lord they profess to serve.

Continue reading

The Kingdom of Heaven and Violence – Matt. 11:12: 'Jesus' Kingdom is Not Forcibly Advancing'

The Kingdom of Heaven is Not Forcibly Advancing

The Kingdom of Heaven and Violence

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force. – Matt. 11:12, KJV.

All my Christian life I have found the idea that Jesus somehow endorses violent human effort for His cause as very odd. It contradicts the rest of His teaching, the life He lived, the example He set, and the rest of the New Testament. What does this passage about the kingdom of heaven and violence mean?

Continue reading