Pacifism vs Just War: Should Christians Ever Fight? Brian Zahnd & Andrew Hronich | Host: John Nelson

Is war ever just? What does Jesus say about violence? And can Christians support military force in today’s world? In this timely and thought-provoking episode of Premier Unbelievable?, host Dr John Nelson moderates a powerful dialogue between two respected Christian thinkers: 🕊️ Brian Zahnd – pastor and author of A Farewell to Mars, who challenges the Church’s historical support for violence and calls believers back to the radical peace ethic of Christ. ⚔️ Andrew Hronich – theologian and author of Once Loved, Always Loved, who defends a version of Just War theory grounded in love of neighbour, natural law, and the teachings of Augustine. Together, they wrestle with one of the most pressing questions of our time: Can Christians support war—and still follow Jesus? 0:00 Intro – Can War Ever Be Just? 0:34 Meet Brian Zahnd & Andrew Hronich 1:45 Brian’s Journey on War & Peace 5:19 Andrew’s Journey to Just War 7:54 What Does the Bible Say on Violence? 11:27 Sermon on the Mount & Enemies 17:27 Did Jesus Reject Violent Liberation? 21:04 Old Testament “Holy War” Texts 30:19 Augustine & the Just War Tradition 35:47 Modern War & Nuclear Weapons 47:00 Freedom, Self-Defence & Patriotism 1:04:55 What Christian Peacemaking Looks Like 1:12:22 Beauty, the Cross & Saving the World 1:12:50 Outro & Recommended Resources 4📚 Books Mentioned:A Farewell to Mars – Brian Zahnd https://amzn.to/4p8OcdN Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God – Brian Zahnd https://amzn.to/4nRsiKT Once Loved, Always Loved – Andrew Hronich https://amzn.to/3LKBWBI Defending Constantine – Peter Leithart https://amzn.to/3XtdyqV The Patient Ferment of the Early Church – Alan Kreider https://amzn.to/4i3OWP4 When War is Unjust – John Howard Yoder https://amzn.to/49g3Zmt 🎧 Listen now, share your thoughts, and join the global conversation. #JustWar #Pacifism #ChristianityAndViolence #BrianZahnd #AndrewHronich #PremierUnbelievable • Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://www.premier.plus/unbelievable • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PremierUnbelievable/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premierunbelievable - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@premierunbelievable - X (Twitter) https://x.com/unbelievablefe - Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/unbelievablefe.bsky.social