September 9, 2002

Mamby-pamby Response
Gwahir

Everett, your article was interesting to read, yet I have a hard time accepting what you said. Those two scriptures you quoted are the only two that exist in the bible that even hint at violence on Jesus' part. I'd have to agree with Annatar too, because it's not like Jesus is hacking body parts off these people, he's merely teaching them a very important lesson that perhaps wouldn't have sunk in if he had used a parable. He didn't hurt those people at all. Violence was never a part of his doctrine.

You also accuse Annatar of having lack of knowledge in the scriptures, well, it seems that you suffer from this quite a bit more than he does. Let me point you to the passage where Peter cuts off the soldier's ear in an attempt to defend Jesus. What happens? Jesus rebukes Peter and heals the man. And your quotation of Matthew is weak as a reference to violence. The reference of the sword in that passage is symbolic, not literal. It is symbolic of truth that Jesus will bring, truth that will break down all other half-truths and false doctrines. Anywhere else you read in the Bible about swords, armor, and rods, it is usually symbolic (unless it is describing historic battles) representing the word of God, or righteousness. Nice try though.

I agree with what you said about applying LOTR to our lives though, it really is an inspiring book!

P.S. I agree with whomever said we should drop this topic. It's definately been milked. I'm sure there are other websites that are devoted completetly to this sort of thing.