WAR INCONSISTENT WITH THE
RELIGION OF JESUS CHRIST
─ AND ─
THE MEDIATOR'S KINGDOM
NOT OF THIS WORLD
by David Low Dodge
Table of Contents
WAR INCONSISTENT WITH THE RELIGION OF JESUS CHRIST
1. Because it hardens the heart and blunts the tender feelings of mankind
2. War is inhuman, as in its nature and tendency it abuses God’s animal creation
3. War is inhuman, as it oppresses the poor
4. War is inhuman, as it spreads terror and distress among mankind
5. War is inhuman, as it involves men in fatigue, famine, and all the pains of mutilated bodies
6. War is inhuman, as it destroys the youth and cuts off the hope of the aged
7. War is inhuman, as it multiplies widows and orphans, and clothes the land in mourning
1. Because, instead of preventing, they provoke insult and mischief
2. War is unwise, for instead of diminishing, it increases difficulties
3. War is unwise, because it destroys property
4. War is unwise, as it is dangerous to the liberties of men
5. War is unwise, as it diminishes the happiness of mankind
6. War is unwise, as it does not mend, but injures, the morals of society
7. War is unwise, as it hazards eternal things for only a chance of defending temporal things
8. War is unwise, as it does not answer the professed end for which it is intended
1. Going to war is not keeping from the appearance of evil, but is running into temptation
2. War is criminal, as it naturally inflames the pride of man
3. War necessarily infringes on the consciences of men, and therefore is criminal
4. War is criminal, as it is opposed to patient suffering under unjust and cruel treatment
5. War is criminal, as it is not doing to others as we should wish them to do to us
6. War is inconsistent with mercy, and is therefore criminal
7. War is criminal, as it is inconsistent with forgiving trespasses as we wish to be forgiven
8. Engaging in war is not manifesting love to enemies or returning good for evil
9. War is criminal, because it is actually rendering evil for evil
10. War is criminal, as it is actually doing evil that good may come
11. War is opposed to the example of the Son of God, and is therefore criminal
1. What if we are attacked by an assassin?
2. Self-defense is the first law of nature
3. War is consistent with moral law
4. The essence of morality in the Old and New Testaments is the same
5. Abraham’s war was approved by God
6. The shedding of blood is a universal law
7. We are told to seek counsel when waging war
8. John the Baptist did not rebuke the soldiers
9. The centurion and Cornelius were not rebuked
10. Jesus himself paid tribute
11. Christ told his Apostles to get swords
12. We are commanded to be subject to civil rulers
13. Magistrates are called avengers who execute wrath
14. The enemies we are to love are our personal enemies, not the enemies of the state
15. Shall we condemn our pious forefathers?
16. We cannot survive as nonresistants
17. It is our duty to preserve life and liberty
18. Some early Christians did not refuse to bear arms
THE MEDIATOR’S KINGDOM NOT OF THIS WORLD, BUT SPIRITUAL