3.1 Pacifism

What is Pacifism?

The belief that any violence, including war, is completely unacceptable and should be settled peacefully.

What is absolute/total Pacifism?

always wrong wherever whenever for someone to use force against another

What is nuclear pacifism?

nuclear weapons can never be justified

What is active pacifism?

actively engaging in political activity and promoting peace

What is selective pacifism?

• NO MASS DESTRUCTION WARS

What is relative pacifism?

war is wrong, may be exceptions though

What does an anti-pacifist believe?

Violence is okay, war is just

What story promotes pacifism in the bible?

Sermon on the mount

• ‘turn the other cheek’

• ‘love their enemies’

How does Jesus promote pacifism?

• doesn’t resist arrest

• warns his disciples for taking up a sword at his arrest

• prayed and forgave his persecutors on the cross

What is R. Neibuhr’s view on Pacifism?

• thinks people are too naïve

• thinks people ignore ruthlessness of God and important principles of justice

• pacifists can be seen as guilty for accepting sins - don’t strive for justice

Christianity view on Pacifism (quote)

‘blessed are the peacemakers’

What are the Christian pacifist groups ideas?

• quakers - completely reject violence

• Mennonites - love your enemies

Good quote from Matthew for Pacifism?

• ‘Love your enemies’

Implications of pacifism?

1. makes countries vulnerable to attack

2. European union formed to stop acts of terror

3. Unrealistic

4. self defence = human rights