How do we harmonize Jesus’ teachings about being a peacemaker and taking the kingdom by violence (Matthew 11:12-15)? This certainly is not a passage about being a passive Christian. On the other hand, authoritarian leaders who coerce their churches, violating the consciences of people are reprehensible. The Greek here is difficult to interpret and there are several schools of thought on the specifics of what Jesus meant. However, one thing is very clear, that passive Christianity is not an option. John the Baptist suffered violence and that is the context of Jesus saying that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence. In a world with increasing persecution of Christians and escalating pressure for Christians to become wishywashy and weak-willed, it is a time for people of faith everywhere to stand up for their beliefs and be strong in the Lord.
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