The statement "deterrence was solved with Jesus Christ and nuclear bombs" is not a widely referenced or standard phrase in any specific text or historical document. Instead, it combines concepts from two distinct realms of thought—Christian theology and nuclear deterrence theory—in a way that appears to be more metaphorical or interpretive than grounded in any specific reference. However, we can explore references for both elements of the statement separately.
### 1. **Deterrence through Jesus Christ (Moral Deterrence)**:
- **New Testament Teachings**: The core teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly those in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), emphasize love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek. These teachings promote a form of moral and ethical deterrence, encouraging individuals to avoid violence and conflict through adherence to spiritual values.
- **Christian Pacifism**: Throughout history, Christian pacifist movements, such as those led by the Quakers and Mennonites, have cited Jesus' teachings as a foundation for non-violence. This has been interpreted as a form of moral deterrence from violence.
- *Reference*: Matthew 5:39 – "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also."
**Further Reading**:
- John Howard Yoder’s *The Politics of Jesus* and Stanley Hauerwas’ works explore Christian ethics and how Jesus' teachings act as moral frameworks that can deter violent behavior.
### 2. **Nuclear Bombs and Physical Deterrence (Mutually Assured Destruction)**:
- **Nuclear Deterrence Theory**: This theory gained prominence during the Cold War, particularly after the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. The doctrine of "Mutually Assured Destruction" (MAD) states that if two opposing sides possess large nuclear arsenals, the threat of total annihilation will prevent either from launching an attack, thus maintaining peace through fear of destruction.
- *Reference*: The writings of nuclear strategists like Bernard Brodie and Herman Kahn, and the U.S.-Soviet relations during the Cold War, are filled with discussions on how nuclear weapons functioned as tools of deterrence.
**Further Reading**:
- Bernard Brodie’s *The Absolute Weapon* (1946) is one of the foundational texts on nuclear deterrence.
- Thomas Schelling’s *The Strategy of Conflict* (1960) explores game theory in the context of nuclear standoffs and strategic deterrence.
### Interpretation:
The statement might be a contemporary interpretation or a fusion of religious morality with political theory, rather than being drawn directly from a specific text or historical reference. It blends Christian pacifism with the pragmatism of nuclear deterrence, suggesting that humanity has sought peace both through spiritual means (Jesus' teachings) and technological means (nuclear bombs). There are references to each of these components in their respective contexts, but the combination in this way is more metaphorical than traditionally documented.