When is it Right to Fight?
Overview
Is it ever right to fight? Does the New Testament prohibit all forms of self-defense? What did Jesus mean by "turn the other cheek"?
Paul wrote to the Roman Christians, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Rom. 12:18). But what if it is not possible? What if others will not live at peace with us? Does there come a time when force is necessary to resist evil? Is there such a thing as a "just war"? Can war be reconciled with the sacredness of human life? In this incisive critique of pacifism, Robert A. Morey answers such questions in the light of the Bible and church history.
Top Highlights
“When peace will no longer work, the use of just force becomes a moral obligation as well as a God given right.” (Page 12)
“Sixth, knowing that we would have to find ways of dealing with evil after we have exhausted every avenue of peace, the Apostle moves on in the context to the believer’s relationship to civil governments and the civil ethics which guide the actions of the state (Rom. 13:1–7).” (Page 11)
“Fifth, while we are called upon to ‘live at peace with everyone,’ the Apostle recognizes that this cannot always be done.” (Page 10)
“Scriptures always present the view that God established civil government for the good of mankind. In order to promote civil peace and prosperity, God gave certain ethical and moral responsibilities to the state that He denies to individuals. In other words, it is erroneous to assume that all the rules which govern personal ethics should also govern the state. The converse is also true. The rules which govern the actions of the state are not to be taken over by individuals.” (Page 11)
“In this book, we have the history of the freedom fighters God raised up to overthrow tyrannical powers. These brave men and women used assassinations, terrorist acts, sabotage, guerrilla warfare, and open revolt by armed resistance, all under the blessing of God.” (Page 30)
Dr. Morey's book is one of the best books on the subject of a 'just war' that I have read.
—John W. Whitehead, The Rutherford Institute
Morey makes his point. . . stimulating, thought-provoking, and helpful.
—Bibliotheca Sacra
- Title: When is it Right to Fight?
- Author: Robert A. Morey
- Publisher: Faith Defenders
- Publication Date: 2008
- Pages: 143
Robert A. Morey was an internationally recognized scholar in the fields of comparative religions, the cults, and the occult as well as on Islam. He is the author of over 40 books, some of which have been translated into Spanish, Swedish, Hungarian, Norwegian, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Turkish and Farsi. Morey also ran Faith Defenders and was the founder of California Biblical University and Seminary.
Reviews
1 rating
Glenn Crouch
2/20/2019
On reading the Introduction I thought that this would be a good book looking at such things as Pacifism, Justifiable Warfare, difference between Individuals and Governments when it comes to violence, etc. However as I got into this book I was sadly quite disappointed. The Author has a very right-wing and dispensational viewpoint that he seems to assume all Christians should have, and constantly proclaims that his interpretation is the only proper way to read the Bible. I am no pacifist, I wasn't expecting how aggressive this book came across to me - and have to admit I found it difficult to read. So am not likely to read other things by this author - at least not for some time. The book is also quite dated, with lots of anti-Soviet rants - I also find it hard to believe he argues for the survivability of a Global Nuclear War.