Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 5
The host observes that to justify killing, leaders reached for Abraham rescuing Lot, David and Goliath, Samson, etc., because “from Jesus’ teachings and life, you don’t find anything”; when Christians today reach for Old Testament examples to override Jesus, what does that imply about which “Testament” practically rules their conscience?
Another way to ask: When Christians use Old Testament war stories to ignore Jesus’ way of life, what does that say about which part of the Bible is really guiding their conscience?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests that when Christians use Old Testament war narratives to justify actions that Jesus’ life and teaching do not support, their conscience is practically being ruled by those older examples rather than by Christ’s New Testament pattern. The host and Chester present this as a recurring historical move tied to the church blending with worldly power.
- Chester quotes the shift explicitly: some considered nonresistance “a mere tradition” and pointed to “Abraham… rescued Lot militarily… David… killed… Goliath, Samson…”
- Chester names it as a sermon pushing change: “This was the first Selbstschutz sermon… move… away from… non-resistance to a just war position.”
- The host interprets the pattern: “a blending of Old Testament moralities with New Testament theology.”
- The host states the reason they reach back: “if you try to justify killing from Jesus’ teachings and life, you don’t find anything.”
- Chester agrees strongly: “Exactly right… You have to pull out those Old Testament stories to justify killing today.”
- The host links it to Constantine-era compromise: bringing OT stories “to justify war, killing… the Constantine hybrid.”