Once was it said: Ideae regunt mundum (it is ideas that rule the world). Ideas do dictate cultures and peoples' mores.
Hence, the question: Whence come all the violence in the world? It is from the devil who is "a murderer and the father of lies"(Jn.8:44) It is most important then that we become sincere seekers of the truth. "It is the truth that shall set you free"(Jn.8:32).
Some cultures of the world strongly emphasize and justify "retaliation", as a matter of justice. Yet maybe there is underlying hatred there. Jesus asks us to purify our intentions by loving even our enemies (Mt.5:38-48). St.Paul too, an avid follower of Jesus Christ, asks us not to let our anger reach sundown so we may not give the devil a chance to work on us (Eph.4:26-27). "Love does no harm to the neighbour because love is the fulfillment of the law" (Rom.13:10).
No wonder the cultures in the world that espouse retaliation never enjoy peace, nor prosperity even. Certainly Jesus alone has that solution that leads to peace. See how St. Paul quotes the essence of that. "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves; leave that to God's wrath, for it is written :'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.' But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; by doing this you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good." (Rom.12:19-21). Christianity is deeply rooted not in violence but in a God of peace and love. Unchristian civilizations tend to self-destruct. Just consider past history.
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