Early-generation church leaders preached love, not war. One leader summed up the majority view. Tertullian (about AD 160-220) said, “When Christ disarmed Peter he disarmed every soldier.” 100 Tough Questions about God and the Bible, p. 38.
About Stephen M. Miller
STEPHEN M. MILLER is an award winning bestselling Christian author of easy-reading books about the Bible and Christianity and author of the Casual English Bible® paraphrase. His books have sold over two million copies and include The Complete Guide to the Bible and Who’s and Where’s Where in the Bible.
Hi Steve:
I was raised in the Church of the Brethren and they are pacifists. From a very early age, I remember my Grandma telling my brothers that they did not have to fight in a war; that they were “Conscientious Objectors.” I have carried this with me my entire life. I dislike war very much and consider myself a pacifist.
P.S. I have been a Methodist for over two decades, but I still consider myself a bit of a Brethren. 🙂