ISJS Transactions 2018 07 To 09 Vol 02 No 03

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 21

Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur
14 | ISJS-Transactions, Vol.2, No.3, Jul-Sep, 2018
ahimsā fits into the belief systems of the four major world religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Christianity and Non-violence
As the Israelites approached the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, hundreds of years before Jesus, their leaders advocated a law of retribution as a way to punish evil-doers. 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot became the law of the land." The ancient leaders of the Israeli nation did not advise these measures to advocate violence per se, but instead, these laws were provided as a reduction mechanism, a way to control the violence of the mobs.
Centuries later, Jesus ushered in a new paradigm of non-violence. His new interpretations of the ancient laws were not to oppose the Laws of the Old Testament, but rather to present the path to Salvation. One important focus of his teachings was on reducing inter-human violence. A telling example of this is given in his 'Sermon on the Mount':
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles."
This depth of non-violence showed his immense compassion for all mankind. Even after his ascension into Heaven, Jesus' moral precepts of non-violence and compassion were extended through the Missionary work of his Disciples. Some examples include: • Excerpts from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, guiding the gentiles to Salvation: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If
it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." • A letter from Paul to the Thessalonians was written to encourage and reassure the
Christians there: "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to
do what is good for each other and for everyone else." • And a letter from the Apostle Peter, by then a Bishop, was written to various churches in
Asia Minor which were suffering religious persecution at the time: "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it."
These scriptural references exhibit the substantial emphasis that Jesus and his disciples laid on inter-human non-violence, which has continued into modern times. In modern history, there are pacifistic movements in Christianity who refuse to go to war, such as the Quakers, Amish, Mennonites, and the Church of the Brethren. In the Catholic tradition, the Popes have traditionally upheld peace and non-violence, as evidenced throughout history. The present Pope Francis recently made the appeal to all Christians for peace:
"Our world is being torn apart by wars and violence... In various countries, conflicts and