War: Islam and Christianity

I recently finished reading a book called “War; Four Christian Views” which tries to present the range of Christian views on war as advocated by four Christian theologians.

After each one argues for his view the other three critique that view. The four positions are

1) “Christian Pacifism: Christians are called to peacemaking, which excludes any participation in war.”

2) “Biblical Nonresistance: Christians may participate in war only as noncombatants.”

3) “Just War: Christians may fight in a defensive war.”

4) “Preventive War: Christians may go to war to stop attack or correct outrageous injustice.”

It is important to note that not one of the four theologians defended war for the purpose of taking another nation’s goods, expanding territory, or spreading Christianity. In fact, it is safe to say that all four theologians would have strongly argued against such notions.

Modern Jihadists, on the other hand, following the example of Muhammad, specifically advocate war for the purpose of spreading Islam (and in the process, taking land and goods).