Key Points on the Position of the Christian Churches in the United States on the War
Pacifism is a philosophical and political principle or ethic that opposes war and violence as a means of settling disputes or gaining advantage. Pacifism can be based on moral, religious, or pragmatic grounds. In the context of Christianity, it is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, which emphasize love, forgiveness, and nonretaliation, among others.
Christian pacifism is interpreted and practiced in several ways, depending on the denomination or individual. Here are three common perspectives:
- Absolute Pacifism: This viewpoint maintains that violence or war is never justified, regardless of the circumstances. Absolute pacifists hold that humans should not inflict harm on each other, even in self-defense. They often cite the commandment “Thou shall not kill” and Jesus’ teaching to “turn the other cheek” as scriptural basis for their beliefs.
- Conditional Pacifism: Conditional pacifists are generally against war and violence, but accept that there may be circumstances when war could be preferable to allowing certain kinds of harm to continue, such as genocide or ongoing severe human rights abuses. However, they often argue that most wars do not meet these conditions and that nonviolent means of resolving disputes should always be sought first.
- Active Nonviolence or Nonviolent Resistance: Some Christian pacifists believe in taking active, but nonviolent, steps to resist evil and injustice. This approach was used effectively by Mahatma Gandhi in India’s struggle for independence and by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Both were influenced by their respective religious traditions, which emphasized love and nonviolence.
Certain Christian denominations are known for their commitment to pacifism, including the Quakers (Religious Society of Friends), Mennonites, and some factions of the Church of the Brethren. Members of these groups have been known to refuse military service, and in some cases, any participation in government, due to their pacifist beliefs.
It’s important to note that pacifism is not synonymous with passivity or withdrawal from the world. Many pacifists are actively involved in efforts to promote peace and justice, such as diplomacy, conflict resolution, and social reform.