What Islam's sources say about violence and jihad
What Jesus taught about violence
Jesus told Peter to put away his sword, said his kingdom is not of this world, and commanded love for enemies. Christians who used violence in his name went against him, not with him.
His words
Jesus forbade retaliation, commanded love for enemies, rebuked Peter for striking with a sword and healed the wounded man, and told Pilate his servants would not fight because his kingdom is not of this world. He went to the cross rather than fight.
38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. 41Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42Give to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you. 43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 48Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:38-48 (WEB) · context
51Behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword.
Matthew 26:51-52 (WEB) · context
50A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51But Jesus answered, “Let me at least do this”—and he touched his ear and healed him.
Luke 22:50-51 (WEB) · context
36Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here.”
John 18:36 (WEB) · context
34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.
Luke 23:34 (WEB) · context
Honest about Christian history
Christians have committed terrible violence, from the Crusades to forced conversions. Those acts contradict Jesus' own words and example. The question is not what followers did, but what the founder taught and did, and what his book commands.
17Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 18If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 19Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21 (WEB) · context
Sources
- Earliest source Matthew 5, 26; Luke 22-23; John 18; Romans 12 (World English Bible).