Keeping in Step with the God of Peace: The Biblical Theology of Pacifism

by Arden Thiessen

The author is convinced that believers who confess loyalty to Jesus Christ should hold to the principles of peace and nonviolence. He basically accepts the Holy Scriptures as they have come down to us. He does a careful study of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, paying special attention to the lethal violence that is ascribed to God in the Old Testament. However, ultimately, the conclusions of the book are based upon the personal life and teachings of Jesus. The book is scholarly, using resources from across the theological spectrum. However, it is quite accessible and readable. The title for this book popped into the author’s mind one day while taking a walk, but then it seemed to be endorsed by the reading of Micah 4:5, “For all the peoples walk, each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and forever.” The title seems appropriate when we consider that we have to learn, grow in understanding, and move ahead. The Christian life is like going for a walk with God. The apostle Paul makes use of the same concept when he admonishes us to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16). The title also suggests that God is on the move. He is moving, with his people, toward a future of peace. We should not stay back there where God once was; we should keep in step with him and go forward. This book will inform the readers and challenge them to be true to their allegiance to Jesus Christ and walk with him into their personal future of peace.