Does the Bible Say to Kill All Non-Believers?
The question of whether the Bible advocates for the killing of all non-believers has been a topic of intense debate and scrutiny for centuries. This article aims to explore the origins of this claim, examine the biblical passages often cited in support of it, and ultimately provide a balanced perspective on this contentious issue.
Origins of the Claim
The assertion that the Bible commands believers to kill all non-believers can be traced back to various historical and cultural contexts. One of the most notable instances is the Crusades, a series of religious wars fought between Christians and Muslims in the Middle Ages. During this period, some Christians interpreted certain biblical passages as a divine directive to eliminate non-believers, leading to widespread violence and bloodshed.
Biblical Passages in Question
Several passages in the Bible are often cited as evidence that it advocates for the killing of non-believers. One of the most frequently mentioned verses is Deuteronomy 13:6-11, which states:
“6 If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend, secretly entices you, saying, ‘Let us go and worship other gods’ (gods you have not known before), 7 whether near or far, from one end of the land to the other, 8 do not follow them; do not listen to them; do not let your eye pity them, do not spare them, do not shield them, 9 do not befriend them, do not have pity on them, and do not shield them. 10 You must certainly put them to death. Your hand must be first against them to kill them, then the hands of all the people. 11 Stone them to death, because they tried to turn you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
Another passage often cited is Joshua 6:21, which describes the destruction of Jericho:
“21 When the trumpets had blown for the seventh time, the wall of Jericho fell down completely. The army of Israel went into the city, and they captured it. The soldiers killed completely everyone in the city, including women and children, and they burned the whole city.”
Contextual Interpretation
It is crucial to understand that these passages must be interpreted within their historical and cultural contexts. The Bible was written over a span of several centuries by various authors, each addressing specific situations and audiences. The passages mentioned above were written in a time when polytheism was widespread, and the Israelites were striving to establish a monotheistic faith.
Moreover, it is essential to recognize that the Bible contains a wide range of teachings, including those that promote love, compassion, and peace. For example, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of loving one’s enemies and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42). The concept of “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) is a central tenet of biblical ethics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible does not explicitly command believers to kill all non-believers. The passages often cited in support of this claim must be interpreted within their historical and cultural contexts. While the Bible contains passages that advocate for the elimination of certain groups, these should not be taken out of context or used to justify violence against non-believers. Instead, the Bible encourages believers to live lives of love, compassion, and peace, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ.
