BotherLaurence, you place a great deal of emphasis on the interpretation of scripture, and I have no scriptural axes to grind. But I have asked this same question of Christians and gotten a variety of answers. Most who feel that Christ condoned righteous violence refer to his expulsion of moneylenders from the Temple and his statement in Matthew: "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the Earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." I would point to that passage as one that commends violence to achieve the cause of Christ.

Hmmm.. this is one question you didn't ask of me, yet.

I haven't visited the pacifist thread lately, perhaps I will, and your question might be there...and I might have opportunity to answer it.  Anyways, your question and answer is kind of ....oh, whats the right word?

G.