My kids are performing in Shakespeare’s 'Julius Caesar,' so we watched the old Charlton Heston film.
The hardest part to explain wasn’t the archaic language, but why Caesar’s friends thought stabbing him was the answer. Brutus and his cohort thought the ends justified the means: Kill Caesar to save Rome.
This was a difficult topic for them to comprehend, because in their heads, they cannot comprehend why anyone would take anyone else’s life. Oh, to be that young and innocent again.
Shakespeare revealed the age-old haunting lesson that political violence is a downward spiral that only collapses in on itself.
Soon, Rome fell into chaos, unrest and despair.
The audience need not be a Caesar fan to recognize Brutus’ fallacy.
Violence never resolves division; it only deepens it.
History is replete with this prescient lesson.
The biblical narrative explains over and over, dating back to Cain and Able, violence only ever dehumanizes and consumes those who wield it.
Jesus warned his friend Peter, “All those who take up the sword will perish by the sword (Matt. 26:52, NASB).”
Those who live by violence will be overtaken by it.
Yet, with the continually heightened nature of America’s political climate, how are we to proceed?
How can we make any legitimate and worthwhile change?
If you’ve followed some of my previous columns, you will remember the importance of civil discourse, reading broadly, including perspectives you disagree with, listening— truly listening to others, interrogating your own biases humbly.
These are all great ways to maintain a sober perspective on the world and to engage in healthy debate with others.
Yet, there is ancient wisdom which should be levied, as well.
The Apostle Paul encouraged his friends in Rome to not repay evil for evil, but to overcome evil with good and to live at peace with everyone, if at all possible (Rom. 12:17-21).
Jesus taught his students to love their enemies (Matt. 5:44-45).
Peter suggested his followers should bless people who curse and insult, which would de-escalate a situation and bring a blessing on themselves. The Psalmist instructed, “Turn from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14, NASB).” As a Christ-follower, I believe these are spiritual lessons that transform us into people who are much more like Christ.
But, there is also a very practical and concrete lesson to be learned here.
These are lessons in peacemaking.
We need more peacemakers in the world today.
In the modern era, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. embodied these biblical truths.
He sought to bring about peace and justice to our whole nation.
He taught that peace was a tool used to bring about the future we all hope for.
He taught that nonviolence brought about true dignity and raised us all.
He believed that real change comes from dignifying others, not destroying them.
Dr. King was eager to see change in the world, but he did not compromise on human dignity, on non-violence and on peacemaking.
MLK mirrors these biblical voices in pointing out the ever-present truth that peacemaking is not passive, nor is it weak; it is active, courageous and transformative.
We must remember that killing an enemy does not end the conflict, it proliferates it.
We need a generation who understands Brutus’ fallacy and recognizes the wisdom of Dr. King.
We need people who will lead with love, bless their enemies, turn from evil, seek peace and de-escalate the heightened tension in our country.
Rome did not need daggers; neither does America.
What we need is peacemakers.
Steve Stanley is a Providence Village resident with a doctorate in ministerial leadership. He can be reached at stevestanleyacoustic@ gmail.com.
OPINION
STEVE STANLEY
