Pacifism

What is pacifism?

It is the belief that violence is always wrong and can never be justified 

OR  

It is the commitment to peace and peaceful means of living  

Absolute pacifism

The belief that violence is always wrong and can never be justified in any situation.

Conditional/Selective pacifism

The belief that violence is wrong, but can be justified or deemed necessary in extreme circumstances.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

A German Lutheran church minister and theologian who was a committed pacifist but was involved in a plot to assassinate Hitler.

Quakers

A Christian denomination committed to pacifism and peace, known for their peace testimony which includes the phrase ‘Pledge to meet violence with weapons of love’.

Conscientious objectors

Individuals who refuse to fight or support war due to personal beliefs, often related to pacifism.

Reasons for Christians to be pacifist

1. Follow Jesus’ teaching

2. Following 'Do not kill' commandment

3. Respect for sacred life

4. God is within everyone

5. Pacifism can bring reconciliation

6. Funds may be better spent elsewhere

7. Use non-violence instead.

Reasons for Christians not to be pacifist

1. Duty to protect life

2. Sacrificing for justice like Jesus

3. Addressing injustice and suffering

4. Defending country and security

5. Supporting governmental war efforts

6. Possible necessity of war for love and justice

7. War as the lesser of two evils

8. Jesus's use of violence to stand for righteousness.