“How should the ethics of Jesus and our being in Christ shape our view of war? I suggest that they lead to a stance of nonviolence and love for our enemies. Can participating in war contribute to the mission to make disciples of every nation? I think not. To achieve these goals requires envisioning an uncommon sociopolitical presence, a unique (and very different!) set of “responsible” actions committed to a distinct mode of being in the world and for the world that can point the world beyond itself and its self-destructive ways.”—Carroll, War in the Bible and Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century, pages 76-77
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I think that about sums up the pacifist position. We are called to imitate Jesus and to make known to all his love for them. I just don't see how the barrel of a gun can do that...
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2 comments:
I hear you on this, JPS. And I concur, though I don't know a single Christian, I mean one I have contact with, who agrees. No Anabaptists or Mennonites around here. (correction: there is a lady at work who is Mennonite. I'll have to ask her if she concurs!)
But good words, here.
Ted,
The idea runs counter to what our culture tells us—after all, we have rights! But, the only right we have as Christians is the right to live dead to self and alive in Christ Jesus.
James
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