Love of Enemies
INTRODUCTION In his book “Love of Enemies” William Klassen examines the various interpretations of love of enemies in relation to war and peace in the Jewish and Christian faiths. ... The Word says to always “Love your enemies”, In comparison to the message the world sends, God is not considered when it comes to war and conflict. ... Countries that were considered to be neutral in times of conflict were also seen as potential enemies of the nation. ... Through the teachings of Jesus, it is learned that God loves us whether we are his followers or his enemies. This is can be traced back in biblical history where it is seen that Jesus spent more of his time with his enemies than his friends. ... The main theme sought through his concerns is that Christ was sent by God to spread the teachings of loving ones enemies. ... Both of the pieces demonstrate a strong attitude towards violence and they condemn the idea of showing humanity to their enemies. ... ” During this time of war, it was common to see ones enemies as bearers of bad fruit or “un-normal”. ... Klassen believes that the most important point made from the three was made by Euripides when he stated, “ …gods cannot be blamed for human violence and the enemies are made by humans, not provided by deities. ... His plays aimed at upholding moral values (love) and learning to appreciate the fullness of them rather than resulting to a meaningless and barbaric slaughtering of men. ... LOVE YOUR ENEMY AND PEACE IN THE HEBREW BIBLE The collections of literature communally known as the Old Testament are some of the most important biblical sources of teachings. ... The Old Testament is also read to discover what ideas are quoted within the work, that others have used to justify malice towards one’s enemies. ... The prophets of these times also exercised their own way of loving their enemies. ... Other prophets, Elijah and Jonah, believed that the prophets should punish their enemies when deemed necessary, but never countered the loving word of God. ... JUDAISM AND THE QUEST FOR PEACE In the Jewish religion, the commandments of love that Jesus stood for were greatly accepted. Writings within the Hebrew Scriptures support the principle that the teachings of Jesus were viewed as a center of love. ... The message that God calls his children only to extend them love would continue to be spread through Judaism. ... there existed prophets that believed that the love of God also brought with it a side of vengeance. ... The Zealots believed that the destruction of God’s enemies was the only sure way of keeping shalom. ... Even in God’s anger, he still holds a love for those who turn against him in violence. ... The stories demonstrate a love for ones enemies. ... Benjamin (3:4-5) says “Fear the lord and love your neighbor,” These writing with out a doubt came to hold what God’s message was. ... The whole purpose of the Testament came to be known for discouraging vengeance and hate, but instead embracing the love that God came to teach. ... Many of the Jewish writers brought forth what the true meaning of Judaism means and has allowed there to be a consistent love over hate. By allowing love to be shown so freely we stop the violent acts that eventually will cause man to destroy himself. ... There are others that believe Jesus was a true speaker of peace and love of his fellow man. ... It is said in Mark, “When the Lord is pleased with a man and his ways, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. ... According to Matthew, Jesus was a ruler who created peace between himself and his enemies. ... Jesus would be the one to drive the Jews away from their enemies. ... Instead he embraced his enemies and showed them his true spirit. ... The true light of his word could not be understood by taking arms, but by showing their enemies that there would be no misdeeds, only love to be shown. ... The Christians like all others loved their enemies and refuted the act of vengeance on those who proposed evil in the world. ... The writing on a whole demands that arms be set down and that the enemies of the nation be brought together in a cause of peace. Jesus is the ultimate messiah; he embraces his enemies and contiues to love them, even upon his imminent death. ... Beyond the need to respect the nation, Paul claims the value of Love. The importance that love brings is the essence of what Jesus attempts to teach us.