*A THESIS: JUST WAR AND PACIFISM IN ROMANS 12:14-13:7 THROUGH A SOCIOLOGICAL LENS

A Christian’s role within the government has been greatly debated throughout church history.  Biblical interpreters have used Romans 12-13 to justify government-sanctioned acts of violence, and, as the pendulum swings, pacifists have used the same chapters in defense of a complete detachment from the world and its governments.  Among other important texts, biblical scholars turn to Romans 12:14-13:7 in order to answer the question, is a Christian warranted in fighting in a war?  In our contemporary setting this debate still rages as Christians (both scholars and lay) seek to find a biblical response to war.  This scholarly work–stemming from a master’s thesis in biblical studies–is a detailed study of Paul’s argument in Romans 12:14-13:7 and how it affects the on-going debate between just war theorists, pacifists, and just peacemakers.

A Thesis was written to fulfill the requirements of a master’s degree in Biblical Studies New Testament. It is the foundation for my forthcoming book, Peacemaking: A Story of Redemption, which is due Spring of 2013.  Peacemaking: A Story of Redemption is the story of my progression from warfighter to peacemaker.  This progression is chronicled narratively in my forthcoming Peacemaking: A Story of Redemption and academically in A Thesis. Please note that A Thesis includes Koine Greek, which may or may not appear correctly on your Kindle reader should you purchase it through Amazon.

*(Please Note: This is a master’s thesis that was submitted in December of 2009 for an M.A. in Biblical Studies N.T.)

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Available as a free PDF: A Thesis