Arguments in favour of pacifism
Why Christians might not fight
Many Christians would argue that the Just War Theory ignores the essential pacifist stance
taken by Jesus and maintain that war is always wrong.
Many pacifists believe in the ‘sanctity’ of life.
Pacifists believe that war and violence are inhumane, impractical, immoral, unjust and wasteful.
If we apply the Golden Rule we have to ask if we would like to be shot or gassed, if we would
like to see our parents bombed, or our children burned to death.
The money spent on making weapons and wars could feed the poor and starving people of the
world.
Men and women of peace are remembered and admired such as Martin Luther King and
Mahatma Gandhi.
Violence leads to violence. Many Christians would argue that Jesus was a pacifist and they
should follow his example and teachings. When Jesus was arrested and Peter attacked on his
behalf Jesus said: “those who live by the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26: 52).
Jesus also stated: ‘turn the other cheek’ (Matthew 5: 38-42), ‘Blessed are the peacemakers”
(Matthew 5: 9) and “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’ (Matthew
5:44). These all indicate a non-violent approach is preferred.
Jesus didn’t resist capture, suffered torture, death and yet still forgave those who executed
Him stating: ‘Forgive them father, they know not what they do”. (Luke 23:34)
The Old Testament is full of the message that God wants to see a world full of peace and
justice. The Old Testament prophets often see the future Kingdom of God as a kingdom of
peace. “ Turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it” . (Psalm 34:14)
The Prophet Isaiah said that the Messiah would bring peace and justice to the world. Isaiah
calls him “The Prince of Peace”: “And he will be called a Wonderful Counsellor, mighty God,
everlasting father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be
no end.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
The Prophet Micah looks forward to a time when God’s rule is established. God’s kingdom will
be one of peace. “They will beat their swords into plough shares, and their spears into pruning
hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
(Micah 4:3)
Christians could use various Biblical verses to show that violence is never acceptable, such as:
“You shall not murder.” (Exodus 10:13). Peace is a feature of the Kingdom of God, and God
wants all people to live in peace and justice.
The Quaker movement is an example
Strengths as a theory
Pacifism is clear cut – it opposed all forms of violence
Pacifism follows the teachings of Jesus, which pacifists may see as ignored by the Just War
Theory
It follows the historical position of early Christians
It promotes the absolute value of human life
Why Christians might not fight
Many Christians would argue that the Just War Theory ignores the essential pacifist stance
taken by Jesus and maintain that war is always wrong.
Many pacifists believe in the ‘sanctity’ of life.
Pacifists believe that war and violence are inhumane, impractical, immoral, unjust and wasteful.
If we apply the Golden Rule we have to ask if we would like to be shot or gassed, if we would
like to see our parents bombed, or our children burned to death.
The money spent on making weapons and wars could feed the poor and starving people of the
world.
Men and women of peace are remembered and admired such as Martin Luther King and
Mahatma Gandhi.
Violence leads to violence. Many Christians would argue that Jesus was a pacifist and they
should follow his example and teachings. When Jesus was arrested and Peter attacked on his
behalf Jesus said: “those who live by the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26: 52).
Jesus also stated: ‘turn the other cheek’ (Matthew 5: 38-42), ‘Blessed are the peacemakers”
(Matthew 5: 9) and “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’ (Matthew
5:44). These all indicate a non-violent approach is preferred.
Jesus didn’t resist capture, suffered torture, death and yet still forgave those who executed
Him stating: ‘Forgive them father, they know not what they do”. (Luke 23:34)
The Old Testament is full of the message that God wants to see a world full of peace and
justice. The Old Testament prophets often see the future Kingdom of God as a kingdom of
peace. “ Turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it” . (Psalm 34:14)
The Prophet Isaiah said that the Messiah would bring peace and justice to the world. Isaiah
calls him “The Prince of Peace”: “And he will be called a Wonderful Counsellor, mighty God,
everlasting father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be
no end.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
The Prophet Micah looks forward to a time when God’s rule is established. God’s kingdom will
be one of peace. “They will beat their swords into plough shares, and their spears into pruning
hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
(Micah 4:3)
Christians could use various Biblical verses to show that violence is never acceptable, such as:
“You shall not murder.” (Exodus 10:13). Peace is a feature of the Kingdom of God, and God
wants all people to live in peace and justice.
The Quaker movement is an example
Strengths as a theory
Pacifism is clear cut – it opposed all forms of violence
Pacifism follows the teachings of Jesus, which pacifists may see as ignored by the Just War
Theory
It follows the historical position of early Christians
It promotes the absolute value of human life
