Christians are adherents of Constantine Militarization: Not Yeshua Pacifism

Introduction

In the aftermath of the crucifixion of Yeshua—known today as Jesus—one might have expected a violent backlash from his followers, especially given the role of the Judaic councils in lobbying the Roman authorities to execute him. However, the historical record shows that early followers of Yeshua did not respond with violence, despite their awareness that the Sanhedrin had manipulated the Roman government by accusing Yeshua of claiming to be the "King of the Jews." This article examines the reasons behind this lack of violent retaliation, the methods used by the Judaic councils to secure Yeshua's execution, and the eventual transformation of what became known as Christianity from a pacifist movement to a militarized force under Emperor Constantine. Additionally, it explores how Christianity, as we understand it today, was not immediately formed after the crucifixion and how even the name "Jesus" reflects a departure from the original identity of Yeshua.

Christianity’s Emergence and the Name of Yeshua

It is essential to understand that the movement following Yeshua's teachings was not immediately recognized as "Christianity" after his crucifixion. The early followers of Yeshua were primarily Jewish and viewed their belief in him as a continuation or fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, not as the foundation of a new religion. The term "Christianity" and the establishment of it as a distinct religion emerged gradually over time, particularly as the teachings spread beyond Jewish communities and into the broader Roman world.

Moreover, the name "Jesus" is an Anglicized version of the Hebrew name "Yeshua." The early followers of Yeshua would have known him by his Hebrew name, which means "salvation." The name "Jesus," as it became known in the Greco-Roman world, reflects the linguistic and cultural shifts that occurred as his teachings spread. This change in name signifies more than just a translation; it marks the beginning of a transformation in how Yeshua's message was understood and practiced, ultimately leading to the formation of what we now call Christianity.

The Accusation and Execution of Yeshua

The Judaic councils, particularly the Sanhedrin, were instrumental in convincing Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, to authorize the crucifixion of Yeshua. Their primary argument was that Yeshua claimed to be the "King of the Jews," a title that could be seen as a direct challenge to Roman authority and the established order. This accusation was strategically designed to provoke Roman leadership, implying that Yeshua posed a threat to the Roman-backed King Herod and to the stability of the region.

The Sanhedrin’s argument was more of a propaganda effort than a genuine concern about Yeshua's political ambitions. Yeshua had consistently taught that his kingdom was "not of this world" (John 18:36), indicating that his mission was spiritual rather than political. Nevertheless, the Jewish authorities exploited Roman fears of insurrection and rebellion, portraying Yeshua as a potential leader of a Jewish uprising, which ultimately led to his execution.

The Pacifism of Early Followers of Yeshua

Despite their knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Yeshua's death, early followers did not retaliate with violence. This non-violent response can be attributed largely to the teachings of Yeshua himself, who preached a message of peace, forgiveness, and love for one’s enemies. In the Sermon on the Mount, Yeshua instructed his followers to "turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39) and to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). These teachings became the cornerstone of the community’s behavior in the years following his crucifixion.

For nearly three centuries, the followers of Yeshua remained largely pacifistic, spreading his teachings through peaceful means. They endured persecution, martyrdom, and social ostracism without resorting to violence. The early Yeshua movement believed that their mission was to spread his message, not to engage in armed conflict. This period of history is marked by a commitment to non-violence and a focus on spiritual rather than political power.

The Militarization of Christianity Under Constantine

The transformation of the Yeshua movement from a pacifist community to a militarized religion began with the conversion of Emperor Constantine in the early 4th century. According to historical accounts, Constantine experienced a vision of the cross before the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, in which he saw the words "In this sign, conquer." Interpreting this as a divine command, Constantine fought under the banner of the cross and emerged victorious, leading to his conversion to Christianity.

Constantine's adoption of Christianity marked a turning point in the religion's history. No longer a persecuted minority, Christians suddenly found themselves aligned with the power of the Roman Empire. Under Constantine, Christianity became increasingly associated with the state and its military ambitions. The once-pacifistic faith was now wielded as a tool of imperial power, used to justify wars and conquests in the name of the cross.

The Legacy of Constantine and the Shift in Christian Identity

The militarization of Christianity under Constantine had profound and lasting effects on the religion. The Christian Church, which had once preached a message of peace and non-violence, now found itself in a position of power, often supporting or even initiating military campaigns. The Crusades, for example, were launched in the name of Christ, with the Church promising spiritual rewards for those who fought to reclaim the Holy Land.

This shift from pacifism to militarism represents a fundamental departure from the teachings of Yeshua. The Christianity that emerged after Constantine bears little resemblance to the early movement that followed Yeshua's teachings of peace and forgiveness. Instead, it became a religion closely tied to political power and military conquest.

Conclusion

The history of Christianity reveals a dramatic transformation from a pacifist movement following the crucifixion of Yeshua to a militarized religion under Constantine. Early followers, influenced by the teachings of Yeshua, did not respond with violence to the injustices they faced, even when they knew the Judaic councils had manipulated the Roman authorities to execute their leader. Moreover, Christianity, as we know it today, was not immediately formed after the crucifixion, and the name "Jesus" itself reflects the evolution of Yeshua's identity within the Greco-Roman world.

With Constantine's conversion and the subsequent alignment of Christianity with the Roman Empire, the religion took on a new identity—one that embraced military power and conquest. Today, the militarized form of Christianity that began with Constantine continues to shape the religion's identity. Yet, this version of Christianity is far removed from the original teachings of Yeshua, which emphasized peace, forgiveness, and non-violence. Understanding this historical transformation challenges us to reconsider what it means to follow the teachings of Yeshua in the modern world and whether the Church's current identity truly reflects the message of its founder.

References

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• Stark, R. (1996). The Rise of Christianity: How the Obscure, Marginal Jesus Movement Became the Dominant Religious Force in the Western World in a Few Centuries. HarperOne.
• MacMullen, R. (1984). Christianizing the Roman Empire: (A.D. 100-400). Yale University Press.
• Grant, M. (1993). Constantine the Great: The Man and His Times. Simon & Schuster.
• Carroll, J. (2002). Constantine's Sword: The Church and the Jews. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.