Pacifism

What is the belief of Pacifism?

Pacifism is the belief that war and the use of violence are unjustified and therefore, morally wrong, and peace can be brought about through non-violent means.

What types of Christians believe this?

Quakers and Christians in any other denomination may be pacifists

What are some key quotes in argument for Pacifism? + sources

• “To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also” - Luke

• “Put your sword back into it’s place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword” - Matthew (at the arrest of Jesus)

• “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” - Matthew

What are some more key quotes/ teachings in favour of Pacifism? + sources

• There is never a ‘just’ war, therefore, pacifism is the only morally acceptable option. - Pope Francis expressed this view in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti

• The sanctity of life: all humans are made in Gods image (Genesis) therefore it is always wrong to kill someone

• “If you want peace, work for Justice” - Pope Paul VI, meaning to prevent war, Christians should work to ensure that all people have their rights met.

What is the view against Pacifism?

Christians are called to help the oppressed and fight against injustice

What are some more key quotes/ teachings against Pacifism? + sources

• “Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphans, plead for the widow” - Isaiah

• “If you want peace work for justice” - Pope Paul VI

What is another argument statement against pacifism?

To fail to act, is to allow evil to triumph

What are some quotes/ teachings to support the argument against pacifism?

• “We must always take sides. Neutrality always helps the oppressor, never the victim and silence encourages the tormentor never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere” - Wiesel (holocaust survivor + nobel peace prize winner)

• “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing” - John Stuart Mill (British philosopher)

Name some other argument AGAINST pacifism

• Sometimes violent protests does achieve good aims: Nelson Mandela’s use of violence in South Africa which helped end Apartheid

• Christians have a duty to give their lives if necessary; they cannot stand back and let others die in a war and not play their part