Israel Centeno

The neo-atheist critique of the Bible, particularly regarding violence and nationalism, suffers from a fundamental methodological flaw: it extracts passages from their historical, literary, and theological contexts to construct a narrative that equates Christianity with religious fanaticism and political oppression. However, when we rigorously examine the message of the Gospel and the mission of the Church, it becomes clear that Christianity is not only incompatible with supremacist violence but radically contradicts it.

Furthermore, it is crucial to emphasize this today, at a time when certain sectors of the far right are attempting to shield themselves behind Christianity to promote their political agenda. Similarly, certain elements of the far left instrumentalize religion for ideological purposes, distorting its universal message to fit their narratives. Christianity, however, cannot be reduced to a political tool—it transcends partisan conflicts and calls for the salvation and dignity of all people.

1. The Bible in Context: History, Revelation, and Divine Pedagogy

The Bible is a collection of inspired texts that span different literary genres and historical periods. It is not an ahistorical code of conduct but a progressive revelation in which God educates humanity through His relationship with Israel and, ultimately, through the fullness of His message in Christ.

The Old Testament recounts the history of a people who, like any ancient civilization, lived in a world of wars and tribal conflicts. In this context, some divine commands may seem to justify violence, but it is a mistake to read them as universal and timeless mandates. The Church teaches that these accounts must be interpreted in light of the complete revelation in Christ, who transcends Mosaic law with the fullness of love and mercy.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

“The economy of the Old Testament was primarily directed toward preparing for the coming of Christ, the Redeemer of all men” (CCC, 122).

Therefore, any interpretation that ignores this progression in revelation and reads the Old Testament as a justification for violence falls into a fundamental anachronism.

2. Jesus’ Rejection of Religious Nationalism

Neo-atheists often accuse Christianity of having fostered wars and religious nationalism, but this accusation ignores the very core of Jesus’ message. Christ not only rejected violence as a means of establishing the Kingdom of God but explicitly disavowed any form of exclusionary nationalism.

When Pilate asked Him if He was a king, Jesus replied:

“My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, my kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36).

This declaration dismantles any notion of political messianism. Jesus did not come to establish a theocratic state or to conquer territories by force. His Kingdom is spiritual, open to all peoples, and based on the transformation of the heart, not external imposition.

Moreover, the great mission He entrusted to His disciples is universal:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

The key word here is all. Christianity is neither a tribal cult nor a nationalist religion. Its message is addressed to all humanity, without distinction of race, culture, or nation.

3. The Catholic Church: Universality vs. Supremacism

The term Catholic means “universal,” reflecting the Church’s vocation to integrate all peoples into one body. This stands in direct opposition to any supremacist ideology, whether racial, national, or religious.

Saint Paul expresses this clearly:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

This principle dismantles any vision that exalts one nation or group above another. Christianity is not tied to a specific culture but can be inculturated in any society without losing its essence.

The Second Vatican Council reaffirmed this truth:

“All men are called to this catholic unity of the People of God, which foreshadows and promotes universal peace” (Lumen Gentium, 13).

A Christian, therefore, cannot be a supremacist or an exclusionary nationalist. If someone promotes racial hatred or exclusion in the name of faith, they are not following Christ but betraying His message.

At the same time, Christianity is not a vehicle for the ideological struggles of the far left, which sometimes seeks to redefine Christian doctrine to fit its political goals. The Gospel calls for true justice, not partisan manipulation.

4. Christianity’s Response to Violence and Evil in the World

Critics of Christianity often point to violent episodes in Church history, such as the Crusades, to argue that faith inevitably leads to fanaticism. However, this criticism is superficial because:

1. It fails to distinguish between doctrine and historical actions – The fact that there have been abuses in the name of Christianity does not mean they are consistent with the Gospel. The Church itself has acknowledged and sought forgiveness for these historical errors.

2. It does not contextualize historical events – Violence is not exclusive to Christianity. All civilizations have engaged in conflicts, but what sets Christianity apart is that it contains within itself the principles for self-correction and purification.

Pope Saint John Paul II, during the Jubilee of 2000, publicly apologized for past mistakes, acknowledging that the Church must always remain faithful to its mission of peace.

By contrast, militant atheism in the 20th century—in regimes such as Soviet communism and Nazism—demonstrated that the absence of God does not eliminate violence but can justify it in even more radical forms.

5. The Case of Pius XII and Nazism: Debunking a Historical Myth

One of the recurrent attacks against the Church is the claim that Pope Pius XII supported the Nazis. However, this assertion is, at best, a demonstration of historical ignorance and, at worst, a deliberate falsification.

• Diplomacy does not mean complicity – Pius XII adopted a diplomatic strategy to protect the persecuted, particularly the Jews. The Vatican became a refuge for thousands of them, and its network of monasteries and convents sheltered those fleeing the Nazis.

• Active resistance against Nazism – Historical records show that Pius XII was in contact with the German resistance and supported attempts to overthrow Hitler. His encyclical Mit Brennender Sorge (1937), written in German rather than Latin so it would reach the people directly, was a clear denunciation of the Nazi regime.

• Politically motivated accusations – Pius XII is likely accused not only because of his firm stance against Hitler but also because he strongly opposed communism. After World War II, Soviet propaganda sought to discredit him in an attempt to undermine the Church’s moral authority in the struggle against communism.

History shows that the Church was not complicit with Nazism but actively resisted it in various ways, even at the risk of many priests’ and laypeople’s lives.

Christianity as the Antidote to Nationalism and Violence

The central message of Christianity is incompatible with supremacism, violence, and exclusionary nationalism.

• Jesus made it clear that His Kingdom is not of this world.

• The Church is Catholic, meaning universal, open to all peoples.

• The Gospel calls for love even of enemies and rejects violence as a means of evangelization.

• History shows that when Christianity is distorted for political interests, it betrays its essence.

Today, both the far right and the far left attempt to co-opt Christianity for their own purposes. The far right uses it as a shield for nationalist and exclusionary agendas, while the far left seeks to manipulate Christian teaching to fit ideological narratives. Both distort the faith.

Neo-atheists, in criticizing Christianity through a decontextualized lens, ignore these fundamental truths. Instead of rigorously analyzing the evolution of revelation and Church teaching, they reduce religion to a caricature.

Far from being a source of violence, Christianity remains the only true foundation for peace, justice, and universal human dignity. In a world fractured by hatred and ideologies, it is still the only answer capable of healing humanity’s wounds.