Should Complementarian Theology Lead to Pacifism?

Saluting Pacifist, or
Head Scratching Theologian?

What do famous complementarian John Piper and hardened pacifist Greg Boyd have in common? No, it's not that they're both Minnesota Vikings fans. And I'm not talking about their teaching stint at Bethel University.

David over at the Christians for Biblical Equality blog suggests it might be how they read the Bible.

In his post, "Why (Most) Complementarians Should Be Pacifists" David lays out two passages of scripture:

A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. (1 Timothy 2:11-15, NIV)

And:

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:17-19, NIV)

Arguing that the plain read of the first, which is often cited as defense for Complementarian read of Scripture. It's David's reasoning that those who take a plain read of 1 Timothy 2 have good reason to take a plain read of Romans 12 and end up a pacifist.

Here's the part I like:

...Why this disparity? Here’s one possibility: The non-pacifist complementarian is from a cultural context in which having Christians in the military (or other potentially violent occupations, such as the police force) is simply so normal that he (or she) could not imagine Scripture possibly teaching something contrary. At the same time, he is in a church context in which certain gender-based roles are so normal that Scripture couldn’t possibly teach something contrary to that either.

So what do you think? Read his whole argument, then leave a comment below. Should Complementarian logic lead those same folks to Pacifism?