Part 1 of 6 of the theme 'Nonviolence' by Gijs van den Brink
In our time, we often hear talk of an Islamization of our society. And then we talk about the rise of Islam, in which people attribute a major role to violence. This, at least in the presentation by the media, is happening and thus comes into the perception of many people. This is already a pretty quick conclusion, but it is even more pernicious. Because in the slipstream of Islam, the other two book religions, Judaism and Christianity, are also mentioned and associated with violence. According to that view, religion means war. How different the facts are. The roots of nonviolence in Christianity are found with the prophet Isaiah in the OT.
The Lord's Servant in Isaiah
Radical nonviolence is discussed as early as the 8e century BCE by the prophet Isaiah when he relays his prophecies about the "Servant of the Lord" (Isa. 40-55). This Servant "does not shout, he does not raise his voice, he does not shout loudly in public" (Isa. 42:2). He looks to God and says "the Lord will do me justice, my God will reward me" (Isa.49:4). He exposed his back to his torturers, and those who pulled out his beard offered him his cheeks (Isa. 50:6). And then the over-familiar verses from Isa.53 "He was mistreated, but did not resist or open his mouth. Like a sheep being led to the slaughter, like a ewe being silent with her shearers he did not open his mouth" (53:7).
Isaiah speaks of a Servant who is beaten and mistreated, who nevertheless does not resist, but completely renounces violence. He expects it only from God, bringing salvation to Israel and the nations (Isa. 42:4,6; 49:6,8).
Who is this servant? About that next week.
Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine
This is part 1 of 6 brief blog on the theme of "Nonviolence" from Study Bible Magazine, Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!
