How Did Paul Get Christianity so Horribly Wrong?

[hedrick]

I still don't understand the OP. Jesus taught forgiveness and reconciliation. In a lot of contexts I think his followers would avoid using force. I think the US has been too quick to use force internationally, without carefully considering the likely result. In Jesus' original context, he wanted Jews to take a non-violent approach to the Romans. But none of this means that he was a complete pacifist, who saw no role for force in policing or defense. He interacted with a few soldiers, and seemed OK with their role.

Furthermore, Rom 13 is consistent with his position. It counsels accepting the role of the Roman state, just as Jesus did. In the context of Jewish politics of the time, Rom 13 borders on pacifism, because it implies that Jews shouldn't resist Rome.

[Cerebrum123]

I still don't understand the OP. Jesus taught forgiveness and reconciliation. In a lot of contexts I think his followers would avoid using force. I think the US has been too quick to use force internationally, without carefully considering the likely result. In Jesus' original context, he wanted Jews to take a non-violent approach to the Romans. But none of this means that he was a complete pacifist, who saw no role for force in policing or defense. He interacted with a few soldiers, and seemed OK with their role.

Furthermore, Rom 13 is consistent with his position. It counsels accepting the role of the Roman state, just as Jesus did. In the context of Jewish politics of the time, Rom 13 borders on pacifism, because it implies that Jews shouldn't resist Rome.

The underlined is the issue. There are those that believe that Jesus explicitly taught a radical form of pacifism where lethal violence is never justified under any circumstances.

[Truthseeker]

Furthermore, Rom 13 is consistent with his position. It counsels accepting the role of the Roman state, just as Jesus did. In the context of Jewish politics of the time, Rom 13 borders on pacifism, because it implies that Jews shouldn't resist Rome.

I read an essay some time ago about Romans 13 and how badly translated to English it was. Also misinterpreted. For one thing, the context (Romans 12 and beyond) has to be kept in mind. Another thing, the word translated "civil authorities" or whatever is more general than that. The scope of the word may be intended to include such people as village elders, teachers, parents, synagogue leaders.