Jesus did not tell us to kill our enemies

In a week in which six young British solders were killed and then an American soldier in Afghanistan had a nervous breakdown, and went on a house to house rampage, killing at least 16 civilians in their homes, injuring many more, ICN reader Chidi Umeano points out that early Christians refused to carry arms at all, because they believed it contradicted the teaching of Jesus.

Chidi has sent us the following YouTube link to a lecture given by Fr Emmanuel Charles McCarthy on the 'Introduction to the History, Theology and Spirituality of Gospel Nonviolence (GNV) given in June 2010 at Kimmage Manor, Dublin, Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Province of Ireland by Peter McGuinness. It discusses the inconsistency between faith in Jesus (the Prince of Peace) and war, abortion, violence and hatred etc. To see the film, click here: www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8YjBw-th_Vs

Chidi has also sent us details of two retreats:

Weekend Silent Retreat on Gospel Nonviolence 27 - 29 April 2012 in The Friars, Aylesford, Kent ME20. Book online at: http://nonviolence.eventbrite.com/

Weekend Silent Retreat on Gospel Nonviolence 5 & 6 May, 2012 at Kearsney Manor Convent, Dover CT16 3EQ. Email kryslatham@gmail.com for more information.