Pacifism

PACIFISM = belief that war and violence are wrong and problems can be solved in other ways

Absolute pacifism = violence is always wrong in every situation

Conditional/Selective pacifism = Violence is wrong but may be justified or necessary in extreme circumstances

reasons why some christians are pacifist:

  • Jesus teaches that violence is wrong

  • against the commandment ā€œthou shall not killā€

  • every life is worthy and a part of God

  • violence = more violence and vicious cycle

  • waste of money, better use of money for poor

  • non-violent protest is very effective

reasons why some christians are not pacifist:

  • itā€™s their duty to protect others from harm/evil

  • Jesus sacrificed himself for others so we should do the same

  • itā€™s not loving to ignore those suffering injustice

  • listen to higher authorities like government

  • Defending their country

  • just war theory, sometimes war is right

  • war is practical to preventing/stopping greater evil