Misuse and Misrepresentation of the Teachings of Christ:
A Behavioral Pattern of Christian Leaders
Kyle Matter
June 2, 2004
MS&E 297C – EDGE
Mr. Bruce Lusignan
Table of Contents
Introduction1
Origin and History of Christianity3
Relevant Doctrine of Christianity6
Historical Pattern of Misuse and Misrepresentation of Christ’s Teachings8
Recent and Current Instances of Misuse and Misrepresentation of Christianity15
Conclusion: Is there a solution?19
Works Cited21
Introduction
Conflict and religion go together nearly hand-in-hand. Humans with differing beliefs have fought each other since the dawn of man. Of the thousands of religions throughout human history, just one has come to dominate Western culture, while another has come to dominate Mid-Eastern culture. The very fact that these two religions exist as separate systems of belief is the result of conflict. Both Christianity and Islam are the rebellious sons of Judah—both can trace a common origin back to the fertile lands of Mesopotamia. In fact, the two religions have spent more time together as Judaism than they have apart as separate entities. Perhaps it is because the ties were so close that the conflict today is so severe. Today, a look back at the histories of Christianity and Islam provides numerous instances of conflict. Each religion teaches peace, yet members of each religion are guilty of war and violent struggle against fellow members and non-members alike. Of course, there are many causes for war and violence in this world, and religion is only one of them. However, in many instances, religious doctrine is used as justification for the militant actions taken by believers. Why does this dichotomy exist between belief and action? Why do religions preach pacifism and loving acceptance, yet the followers of these religions lash out in violent strikes against those with different beliefs—and justify their actions on religious grounds?
Clearly, if there exists a blatant discrepancy between a religion’s teachings and the actions these teachings are being used to justify, there is some distortion, misuse, or misrepresentation of the teachings. What is the source of these problems? There are many possible answers to this question, but nearly every feasible solution has its roots in the shortcomings of man when attempting to live up to the high standards set by religion. Most commonly, the source of the trouble is either a failure to understand and apply the religious teachings correctly—an honest mistake—or an intentional misuse of the doctrine—a malicious intent. In either instance, damage is done and harm is caused because of the action taken for religious reasons or purposes. Was this the intent of Jesus or Mohammed?
Indeed, there is a definite discrepancy between the intent of the founders of each religion and the actions taken by their followers. This paper will focus on the Christian side of the issue, and the wrongdoings that have resulted from misuse and misrepresentation of Christian teaching. This discrepancy between doctrine and action is often most visible in the actions of government leaders and rulers of men. In this world there are many forces pulling on those in charge, often pulling in different directions. A leader’s personal and religious beliefs are one of these forces, yet the others are frequently more tangible, such as the desire to remain in power or defeat an enemy. As a result, religion can be misused or misrepresented to help accomplish these other goals because it is such a powerful motivator of so many people. In looking back through history, we can recognize a pattern of behavior in which leaders and rulers have misused the doctrine of Christianity as moral justification for violent and oppressive action. This behavioral pattern has its roots in Rome almost 1700 years ago, and continues today in the United States. Whereas yesterday the “enemies” were the barbarians and savages who did not share Christian beliefs, today it is Muslims who are deemed “enemies” by misguided leaders. The cast of characters has changed but the plot remains the same.
By exposing the wrongs that have occurred, perhaps we can mend our ways and make peace where there is war. Perhaps we can move closer to the peaceful way Christianity calls us to live if we recognize that the source of the conflict is not God or the Bible, but the humans that believe. First, we will examine the origin of Christianity and how it has spread to gain acceptance worldwide, especially in Western culture. Next, we will review actual teachings of Christianity, particularly those that are relevant to these issues of war, peace, love and acceptance. Then we will begin to establish and describe the pattern of behavior throughout history where Christianity has been misused and misrepresented as justification for violent actions. After that, we will examine the current conflict between the United States and the Middle East, where this behavioral pattern is again rearing its ugly head. Finally we will attempt to develop a solution for this problem so we can right the wrongs that are occurring.
Origin and History of Christianity
It is impossible to discuss the origins of Christianity without first discussing the origins of Judaism, the religion from which Christianity was born. Judaism is the monotheistic religion of the followers of Abraham, a migrant people who entered the hilly area to the west and north-west of the Dead Sea around the latter part of the second millennium BC. The god they served was called Yahweh, and was a god of creation who kept the universe functioning and had supreme powers over the forces of nature (Partner 3). The story of the Jewish people, the descendants of Abraham, is recounted in the Hebrew Bible, which is known as the Old Testament of the Bible in Christianity. The Jewish people lived under a set of laws, which were written out in the Bible. The other works in this book were the prophecies of many Jewish prophets. Over the course of about 2000 BC to the 6th century BC, the common thread of the message of these prophets was that a Messiah, or savior, would come to establish God’s kingdom on Earth (Judaism, Britannica Online). This hope and expectation for the coming king is precisely what caused the rift that divided the Christians from the Jews.
Jesus of Nazareth was born in 4 BC in the small town of Bethlehem of Judea, roughly 6 miles outside of Jerusalem. Most of what we know of Jesus’ life is from the Gospels written about him by his followers. Christian doctrine states that he was a descendant of the line of David, the great King of Israel, just as prophecy in the Old Testament said he would be. Also according to Christian doctrine, Jesus was the son of God, having been conceived in the Virgin Mary. Jesus grew up in Nazareth and studied the Jewish teachings, becoming extremely well-versed in all of the Scriptures. At roughly age 30, Jesus began his public career of teaching and ministry. He selected 12 disciples that would be his closest friends, and began to speak and teach about God. He also performed many miracles and healings. He attracted large crowds of followers who regarded him as a wise teacher and miraculous healer. Many regarded him as the Christ, or the savior the Jews had been waiting and hoping for. However, the Jewish leaders did not share this belief. They viewed Jesus as a threat to their power and authority, and did not believe he was the Son of God, as he claimed to be. Because of this, they plotted against him, and had him arrested, tried, and crucified (Jesus Christ, Britannica Online). For the Jewish people, the story ends there. However, that is simply the beginning for Christians.
Christians believe that Jesus Christ was indeed executed, but also that he was resurrected and rose from the dead 3 days afterward. He then appeared to hundreds of people before finally ascending into heaven. The followers of Jesus Christ came to be known as Christians. They were a persecuted minority sect of the Jewish religion that could not be completely snuffed out despite the best efforts of the Jewish leaders. The Gospels, biographies of the life of Jesus, were written and became the basis for the New Testament of the Bible. Because of these books and the efforts of the early Christians, the religion spread quickly throughout the Middle East and into Africa and parts of Southern Europe. However, Christians were deemed a rebellious threat by the Roman Empire, which controlled the entire region, and as such were persecuted harshly. Nearly all of the early leaders of the Christian church, called apostles, were martyred for their faith. The major turning point that transformed Christianity from a minority belief to a widely accepted religion came at the very hands of the empire that sought to eliminate it.
In 312 AD, Constantine was the Western Emperor of the Roman Empire. He was preparing to fight a battle with rival Maxentius when he and his soldiers saw what appeared to be the sign of the cross in the sun. Constantine decided to paint this symbol on the shields of his soldiers in the hopes that it would bring a military victory. The battle that day was an overwhelming victory for Constantine, and as a result, his policy became increasingly pro-Christian. As time went on, Christianity came to be the officially recognized religion of the Roman Empire (Partner 59-61). As such, it was spread throughout the entirety of its territory, and millions of people became new believers in this young religion. Even as the Roman Empire declined and eventually fell, Christianity grew stronger and was accepted more widely. Because of its acceptance in Europe, it was spread throughout the rest of the world as the European powers established their far-reaching empires. From its humble beginnings in the Middle East, Christianity had survived and flourished as it spread westward. Today, Christianity is the world’s largest religion, with over 1 billion followers worldwide.
Relevant Doctrine of Christianity
As the history and origin of the Christian religion is based in Judaism, so too are its beliefs and convictions. Christians believe that man was created in God’s image, perfect and righteous. Adam and Even were the first man and woman, and they lived in harmony with God and Earth in Eden until their rebellion against God caused sin to enter mankind. From that point on, all men would live with the consequences of sin. Man could no longer live up to the holy standard of perfect righteousness set by God, but instead would fall victim to the temptation of evil fleshly desires. In Romans, the apostle Paul writes, “For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Rom 3:23). The Jewish religion was based on a set of laws that were given to man by God in order to reveal this sin, or shortcoming. A large part of this law is the Ten Commandments, given to Moses by God. Christians believe in these laws as well. As a result of this condition of sin, man is separated from God and condemned to death. However, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived a righteous life free of sin, and died as a perfect sacrifice to atone for the problem of sin. Also in Romans, Paul writes, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23). As a result of this sacrifice, those who believe in and have a relationship with God and his Son Jesus Christ can be forgiven of their sins and attain salvation and eternal life in heaven.
So the life goal of Christians is to become as close as they can to God by living like Jesus did, free of sin. In other words, Christians are supposed to do the right thing, live a good life, and treat others fairly and with love. How is this accomplished, and how does it apply to the way Christians should treat others? In the book of Exodus in the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments give examples of behavior and actions that are and are not permitted. The most pertinent commandments that apply to dealing with others are, “You shall not murder” (20:13), “You shall not steal” (20:15), and “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” (20:16). Jesus took these basic laws a step further and taught his followers to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). Further, when asked who the term “neighbor” applied to, he explained that a neighbor is not merely the product of location, but any man. Jesus was also known for the loving acceptance of people of all different backgrounds, creeds, and beliefs. He commonly spent time with tax collectors, prostitutes and lepers, considered by society to be the lowest of the low.
Jesus was also an adamant pacifist. In response to the Old Testament verse in the book of Exodus that states, “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (21:24), Jesus taught “Do not resist an Evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matt 5:39). Jesus also told his followers, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt 5:44). These verses further support Jesus’ attitude of love and peace toward all mankind. At no point during his life or teaching does Jesus promote violence as a solution to a problem. Because the goal of Christianity as a religion is for Christians to follow the example that Jesus set, these virtues of peace and love should be carried out by Christians.
There is one more command of Jesus to his followers that is very pertinent to the treatment of others. After he was resurrected, Jesus appeared to his disciples and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt 28:18-20a). This statement is commonly known as the Great Commission. Jesus and his followers believe that knowing and believing in Jesus Christ is the only path to salvation and eternal life. Thus, the Great Commission is an attempt to spread this good news to all the people of the world. As combined with the teaching of love, peace and acceptance of differences, Christians should be accepting of all others throughout the world while gently attempting to share with them the good news they believe about Jesus Christ.
Historical Pattern of Misuse and Misrepresentation of Christ’s Teachings
Ever since there has been both war and god in a society, the two inevitably seem to be linked. In each society, the people feel that their cause is good, and so their god is on their side. “If people worship gods and fight wars, they expect the former to take an interest in the latter” (Partner 1). This pattern can be recognized throughout ancient history, as all great civilizations had their own war gods that they called upon in military efforts. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were no exception to this trend. However, one distinction that can be made is that the Greeks, for instance, believed in their own gods. The Egyptian gods were for the Egyptian people, and would protect them against their enemies. The same is true in the ancient times of the people of Israel, the chosen people of Yahweh. Yahweh intervened on behalf of the Jewish people on numerous occasions throughout their history (Partner 6). Many of these stories are recounted throughout the Old Testament, and they include great military victories against seemingly impossible odds where Yahweh protected his chosen people and routed their enemies.
However, once Jesus Christ came, Christianity became much more than a religion for the people of Israel. On the contrary, it became a religion for “people of all nations” (Matt 28:19), Jew and Gentile. The chosen people of Yahweh were now all the people on Earth. This began to cloud the issue of God’s side when it came to battle. If God’s ultimate goal was to see the salvation of all men, would he still take sides in war? The New Testament states that Christians should “turn the other cheek” (Matt 5:39) and makes no mention of the Old Testament practice of “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (Exodus 21:24). Further, Christians are instructed to “pursue faith and love and peace” (2 Tim 2:22). In light of this scripture, is there even a place for war within Christianity as a religion?
The issue would not be nearly as complicated if Christianity were simply a religion that remained a completely separate entity from all other aspects of life. However, that is impossible and has not been the case ever since Constantine adopted Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. Empires do not generally survive and flourish without fighting battles and wars, and while Constantine was undoubtedly sincere in his faith, he was also sincere in his desire to maintain his empire. So making Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire made the church “a consenting party to war, even if it persisted in its formal rejection of bloodshed” (Partner 59). This causes a great dilemma for the church, and also marks the establishment of a pattern of behavior by government leaders and rulers of men of misusing and misrepresenting the teachings of Christianity. Constantine called upon Christianity to help ensure victory in battle, not just to achieve salvation for himself and his people. “An Important element in Constantine’s move toward Christianity had been its supposed promise of victory in battle” (Partner 59). This is a blatant misuse of Christianity, and the pattern established then by Constantine continued to live on throughout the history of the Roman Empire, and ultimately still exists today.