]]> http://www.southwesterncivilization.com/christian-jihad-9/feed/ 0 http://www.southwesterncivilization.com/christian-jihad-8/ http://www.southwesterncivilization.com/christian-jihad-8/#comments Sun, 04 May 2008 04:56:00 +0000 admin http://southwesterncivilization.wordpress.com/2008/05/04/christian-jihad-8/ This book provided a look at war, the Crusades, and killing in the name of religion from a very different perspective than what we’re used to. The Caners recounted the long history of the church’s involvement with the government and showed the average Americans reading this book that we can identify with Muslims in this respect. The book begins by giving us a picture of “Tom,” a terrorist lying in the bushes, waiting for the perfect moment to rid the world of a few supposed Devil’s workers. Whenever we think of a scenario like this one, we inevitably think back to September 11, 2001 when Muslim terrorists attacked America by running planes through some of our most prominent buildings. Why did this happen? They believed it was justified killing. They were killing in the name of Allah and believed they would gain an eternal reward for it.
These unprovoked, heinous hate acts turn our stomachs, but one point the Caners make in this book is that, looking back at our own history as Christians, it shouldn’t be anything new to us. They go into detail of the church’s own horrifying cruelty to “pagans” and talk about how the stance on religion being a part of the government has been constantly changing throughout history. The early church fathers took a pacifistic stance on war. The first thing that comes to mind when talking about the early church is that it produced a lot of martyrs. Because the Christians would not fight back and were also immensely passionate in their faith, they were subject to tortures of the worst kind. The killers had no way of being stopped since the Christians obviously weren’t stopping them. Slowly, though, Christians became more and more involved in wars up to the time of Constantine, when the church leaders themselves were calling Christians to join in the fighting.
Then came Augustine. He took the middle stance in this issue. He was not for complete pacifism, nor did he encourage believers to resort to violence immediately all the time. Instead, he advoacted the position that we must try every possible peaceable option to work out our differences. If all of those have been exhausted, we may fight, but it must be jusitified and honorable. While this was a wonderful thought, like all thoughts, when carried out it was not completely followed. “The Just War criteria had been replaced by a theology of retribution.” This is evidenced in the Christian Crusades.
The horrors produced by Christians is staggering. It is obviously a very dark time in Christian history, one that we ought to be ashamed of but also must remember. Sadly, the Caners say, too few Christians even know about this. And those who do only know a very watered-down version of the event. The increasingly gung-ho attitude for the Christians toward violence led up to the climax of the Crusades, when the government was finally run by the church. So much for pacifism and the separation of church and state. Viscious killings commanded by the church continued as they tortured non-Christians, just as the enemies of Christians in the early church had done. Deception and trickery ran rampant in the church. The persecutions continued well into the 18th century and were finally defeated on a large scale by the Spanish Constitution of 1869. Of course there have been disagreements and persecutions between different religions and sects since then, but not to the same extent. The main point of this book can be summed up in this: “Though it took several centuries to completely remove church-state association and allow each to perform their function properly, it did happen. Vestiges of state-supported churches and the exclusion of dissenters from general religious rights finally ended. Much blood was shed, but not in vain. The men and women who gave their lives for the faith have not only been rewarded in heaven by the heavenly Father, they also gave us a gift which is priceless as well.” The Caners hold to the view that the church needs to be almost completely separated from the state. They say that Christians can take part in government, but the government should have no control whatsoever on the church. Likewise, the church itself has absolutely no place to make decisions in the government.
This book obviously had a lot of thought and emotion put into it, but it has a few weaknesses. It is apparent from their ad hominem attack on Martin Luther and John Calvin what their stance is. These two great leaders of the faith obviously should not have advocated murder in any circumstance. However, I think the message of the book gets lost in these ullustrations. The Caners wrote this book to define the relationship between church and state. In the instances of these two men, the government is not involved whatsoever. What was the point of inserting them in this book? Apparently just to slam them. Ah, the war of words. As Augustine would say, was it justified? In the same way, the Caners tend to lose their focus throughout a lot of the book. I often found myself asking, “What does any of this have to do with the separation of church and state?”
This book started out with good intentions, but the blatant anti-Luther, anti-Calvin, pro-Anabaptist speeches toward the end were just ridiculous and unnecessary.
One memorable quote that I just can’t neglect to put in here would be this one: “Whereas Luther’s writings changed a Church, Hubmaier’s writings – in due time – helped change the world.” Wow. So in the Caners’ mind, Luther’s contribution to the very practice of Christianity was insignificant? Ouch. And obviously this Hubmaier guy was infinitely more influential than any church reformer. I mean, look at the world! Everyone is Christian now!
*I probably shouldn’t be writing so sarcastically about the Dean of my own school…oh well.

In conclusion, I was not very impressed with the writing or arguments in this book. I expected a lot more from such prestigious professors.

Christian Jihad acts as a splash of cold water in the face of a historically illiterate society. The book recalls to life over a thousand year period which has almost been forgotten in the pages of time. The word crusade is recognized as a familiar term but its horrors and caprice have been diluted along with the general facts and truth of what took place. In Christian Jihad, Ergun and Emir Caner gave a detailed account of the atrocities in which both the Christian and Muslim worlds took part; all having believed themselves to have been fighting a holy war. The evaluation of these occurrences testifies to the evil mankind is capable of when he strays from the Word and rests instead on his own understanding.
The first issue the Caner brothers addressed is the pacifistic stand taken by the Early Church. The Churches were against participating in violence for the reason that they themselves for many years had been the recipients of such pain and bloodshed.
With the shifting of times, there also came a shifting of motive. Beginning with the first persecution under Nero in the year 67 AD, most Christians vehemently opposed conflict; though this stance was taken by the majority, there persisted a small vein of believers who were not against Christian involvement in the military. As time progressed into the third and fourth centuries, changes took place in which some Christians were allowed to serve under strict conditions. It is stated by the authors that [1]“the ascension of Constantine in 324 marks the point of transition in the teaching of the church regarding warfare.” The book addresses the tumult of conflicts and decisions the Christians were facing which accompanied this new found freedom. After enduring centuries of persecution, hatred and scorn, the Church was now able to participate in every realm of society. Once Constantine established Christianity as the official Roman religion, the next six hundred years [2]“served as a bridge in between the Church persecuted (30-324) and the Church powerful and political (1095-1300).” Christian Jihad covers this tragic history.
In response to the circumstances of the Christian Church, Augustine of Hippo attempted to formulate a just war criteria. Thereby he gave believers a guide by which to measure and justify their involvement in military. The Caners wrote that [3]“If Pope Urban had not abandoned the Just War thesis, perhaps the Crusades would not be as dark a spot on the map of Christian history.” Unfortunately, the Caners go on to paint a different picture as this dark history is revealed.
The first major war between the Christian forces and Islam was the battle of Tours in 732. Charlemagne came on the scene in 768 and was responsible for the marriage of Church and State. The consequences of such an arrangement were quickly unveiled as soon as the views of Emperor and Pope clashed. One would have to bow to the other. In 1084, Guibert of Ravenna was named Pope and consequently subjugated himself to the king.
The Church and State took on opposite roles in 1088, when Pope Urban II came to the throne. From the beginning of his reign, his independence of providence made crooked the dark paths he chose to follow. The Caner brothers explained [4]“Urban’s method of rescuing the church at Rome was simple. He proclaimed a larger cause that would stir the hearts of all – the recapture of the Holy Land of Jerusalem.” This motive started a fire in the hearts of the Christian military which soon spread into a conflagration of twisted theology and self-serving revenge.
In Christian Jihad, the Caners evaluated the tragic battles which ensued after the spring of vengeance erupted into a blood bath of martyrs both Christian and Islamic. After a detailed account of the crusades, Ergun and Emer Caner wrote of the long-lasting effects that the period had on later generations and how today society is still tainted by its influence.
Christian Jihad acts as a beacon warning this present generation of the eminent consequences which prevail when a society kills God. The Caners offer an imperishable gift by allowing people the opportunity to relive history before it is lost forever. Humans have long been slipping into amnesia which threatens man to repeat his past mistakes. The historical account of the Crusades is much closer to America than people would believe. It all began with a shift in purpose. The Post-Modern worldview has long taken its eyes off of Jesus. All that has followed is an echo of historical patterns. For when a nation forgets God, it is doomed to suffer unfathomable consequences in His absence.

The second chapter begins on a different note, it starts with a report of the conquest Jerusalem from July 17, 1099. It is a description of what the Christian crusaders had done to the Muslims in Jerusalem. The attitudeof the author appears to be excited, some what joyful, and definitely without any sense of remorse. The Christian men had gone into the city and killed all the Muslims without any mercy and treated their corpses without the slightest hint of respect. It appears that the Christians have completely swapped sides, they had gone from being the persecuted to the persecutors.

The contrast between the first two chapters is very striking. the rest of the book is an in depth look at the progression of the contrast, and why Christians would persecute others in the name of Christ. Over time killing in the name of Christ has had many different reasons and results. Christians have killed Muslims, jews and each other, all in the name of Christ, with the idea that it is either what the Lord wills or that it will secure a place in heaven for the persecutor of the heathen or heretic.

Most of the chapters are divided into different time periods, and give examples of what brutal event the Christian community was participating in at the time. Many tactics have been used to get people to fight, one example is when the Pope told the Christains – many of which were illiterate – that if they would just participate in the crusade they would have the assurance of salvation. Another time thousands of children felt called to go and fight in the name of Christ, many turned back and went home, some were sold into slavery and many were killed, very few of them returned home.

It is also quite eye opening to see that men who are very highly esteemed for their sound doctrine and theology such as Luther and Calvin, were responsible for killing many Christians whom they considered to be heretics. Killing in Christ’s name really opposes His examples of love, healing and forgiveness. Chritians are commanded to “turn the other cheek” but they are not required to be pacifists.

The end of the book gives the guidelines for a “just war” and defends the legitmacy af the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is the belief of both Dr. Caners that there is a time and there are circumstances in which wars are acceptable. It is acceptable to fight to defend freedom but attempting to make followers of Christ by the sword is never an option.

Most Christians have no idea about the history of brutality in the Christian faith, this book is a nust read for them. the Caner brothers have done a phenomenal job of putting together an incredible book that sheds light on the history of persecution performed by the Christian Church.

When asked to give thoughts on the Crusades most people would have mixed feelings about the topic. It primarily relies on ones point of view that they are looking from. Some look at the Crusades as an attempt to help free the Christians from the oppression brought by the Muslims. This idea would be considered a good thing, pleasing to God and other Christians. Others see the Crusades as a horrible war that stained the name of God and Christians alike. Those who oppressed the Christians of that time were the Muslims, and the church raged war against them for political power of the Roman Empire. Whether you stand on one side or don’t have a side to on. The book Christian Jihad, written by Dr. Ergun and Emir Caner gives an insightful look on the motives behind the Crusades. This book shows how the early Christians held to the teachings of Christ and later becomes skewed from political power.

The Early Church

In the times after the life of Christ, the early church was mostly pacifist. Even in the midst of extreme persecution the Christians of that time chose to have nothing to do with violence. During this time the Christians experienced an up roar of violence lashing out toward them. Even thought they were charged with crimes that they did not commit, it enforced the ideas and convictions to abstain from violence toward another person. Emperor after emperor drunk with power would persecute them with no remorse. Nero is considered to be the worst, historians have found writings supporting that he used Christians as human torches to light his courtyards. During this time the Christians had to submit to the ruling of the Empire which had the power over the church. The involvement of Christians in the military involved in the bloodshed of men was considered to be problematic, because it went against the very teachings of Christ. It wasn’t until the time of Marcus Aurelius that the first written record of Christians in military was found. Early Church Fathers did not see a need for involvement in the military, for there eyes were set on eternity, and no political reign would come close to lasting. There fore, there was no need for that part of the government. For they were looking toward the return of Christ, the main focus was the showing of unconditional love that Christ showed.

A Shift in the Paradigm

Around the year 800, Charlemagne king of the Franks is best known for the marriage between the churches to the state. He was given power by the Leo III who was facing much opposition by his enemies. Rushes to Charlemagne for protection and by doing so offers the blessing of the church to him, Making him the Holy Roman Emperor. This sets the stage for the struggle for power between the church and the state. From that point on there has always been a push for one to be over the other. With the blessing of the church the empire was in control, but not for long. Over the centuries the power of the church to the state switched back and forth from one another. For years the church was the object of persecution, but now has had a taste of what power feels like. That taste has made the church crave it more and they have become drunk with it. The very thing that persecuted them is now the object of their affection. With this shift from state to the church wars are now being fought with the blessing of the church and a Holy Roman Military. Almost two hundred year later, there was the rise of Pope Urban II who was to be the one to bring power back to the church. Pope Urban II declares war on the Muslims, which the authors refer to Christian Jihad.

The Crusades

As Pope Urban II gives his speech to the people he declares war on the people of the Muslim, stating that it is the Will of God. The speech stirs the emotions of the people into a frenzy. The once pacifist church is now declaring war in the name of God. The teaching of unconditional love has been thrown out and just war is now in affect. Urban goes as far as to offer Salvation to those who fight whether they live or not will have remission of sins. By doing this assures a greater number of men and support behind the war. With the people behind him and “God” the church has swung the power from the state beck to the church again. Pope Urban used the name of God to wage war to merely gain control and use this war for political power.

Thoughts

The early churches main purpose was to follow the teachings of Christ nothing more. The idea of involving them selves in government was not even an option for they were living for eternity in mind. After tasting what true raw power tasted like, they wanted more and more. Even to go as far as to use the name of God to achieve this goal. Church leaders used their positions to unite Rome under them selves, as they struggled for power between them and the secular branch of the empire. They threw out the teachings of Christ and started following their own heart and desires. This shows how they basically left what they fought so hard to preserve during the early persecution. Then becoming that very entity that once persecuted them so long ago. The church of Christ needs to be a church that is founded upon the teachings of the Bible and not what man thinks is best or more important. It is east to see that when that church left what they fought for to follow what man had created, they fell into the desires of this world.

The Caners first describe the general consensus of Christianity on the subject of violence and warfare in the early days of the Church. In these days believers were wholly occupied with preparation for Christ’s return and, “as Christ had come to literally transform society and man’s relation to man, this kingdom work left no room for participation in warfare for his followers.” (26) These early Christians believed that killing for any reason was totally contrary to their Lord’s command to love unconditionally. This adherence to unconditional love applied to their relations with all people in all positions and circumstances. One church father, Arnobius, even condemned the giving of testimony against a person if that testimony would lead to the defendant’s death. For this attitude of love and lack of antagonism for all those around them, these Christians were repaid by their unbelieving fellow men by hatred, persecution and gruesome slaughter. All of which the Christians received without resistance or bitterness. This first stage of Christian interaction with the State—the hunted, pacifist Church—spanned from A.D. 30 until about A.D. 175.

The Caners then proceed to depict the gradual, yet huge, shift of the Church from their early pacifism to their later active involvement in and even leadership of State violence and warfare. This shift began around A.D. 173-175 with a shy courtship. As Christianity aged, both the Church and the State softened in their opinions of the other, gradually breaking down walls and barriers through the deterioration of Christian principles and secular prejudices. Church authorities began to allow for Christian involvement in the military in loyal service to the State, so long as loyalty to Christ came first. By the days of Constantine Christian service in the military was commonplace, and Constantine even instated military protection and preference for Christian soldiers in his army. From this period of courtship which resulted in Christian service in the army for the furtherance of God’s work developed a state of unholy matrimony between the Church and the State. During this period, which began in 324 A.D., the Church stood on equal ground with the State. The Emperor Charlemagne was actually instated as head of the Holy Roman Empire by anointment by Pope Leo III. Christianity, through kings and emperors, commanded the armies, and Christian soldiers were led to believe that they accomplished God’s work through warfare.

The stage which gave birth to Christian Jihad is termed in the book as “the Church as Mistress.” Any distinction between the Church and the secular State was practically lost, beginning around 1000 A.D., following the joining of Charlemagne and Leo in order to birth the Holy Roman Empire and secure for each their desired ends of power and control. The Church, propped up to stand over the State, was intoxicated with its limitless authority, yet even then it was simply being used as a tool by the secular leaders of the State. Through this unholy union came the epiphany to unify and strengthen the Empire by creating, utilizing half-truths, propaganda and promises of temporal and eternal rewards, a common enemy. This enemy was the Muslims currently inhabiting the city of Jerusalem, considered sacred to Christianity. On Tuesday, November 27, 1095, Pope Urban II issued the “holy” call to retake the land which was home to Christ. From this first summons to the Crusades followed centuries of war and slaughter against Muslims and Jews in the “Holy Land.” This, one of the lowest moments in Christian history, was followed by other such sacrilege: in the Inquisition, in the persecution from both sides during the Reformation, and in countless other periods throughout history.

Christian Jihad points out the painful truth: that this period of Christian history was no less than a Christian Jihad, as thousands upon thousands of “Christian” armies murdered and pillaged in the name of Jesus Christ, “for the sake of eternity, the belief that God would bless such ignominious deeds.” (201) Christianity had come a long way from the days when “all the Christians wanted to do was to worship their Savior and to share his love,” and “spoke passionately against any Christian partaking in the shedding of blood, innocent or otherwise.” (38) The Crusades demonstrated that Christianity could be sadly manipulated for secular ends, especially when the average “Christian” had never read the Bible for himself, nor did he know anything of the meaning of his “faith” beyond what the leaders of the Church told him. The Church had too much power, power almost entirely unrelated to the Biblical functions of the Church. Ergun and Emir Caner highlight the primary motivating factor for Jihad, which is shared by Christian and Muslim crusaders: a selfish desire for forgiveness. For both, “risking their lives… was the guarantee of God’s forgiveness if they shed the blood of the infidel.” (212) What neither understood (nor, still, understands) is that the only blood necessary for forgiveness has already been shed. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world—once, for all.