New Review: Christian Pacifism

[Michael Snow]

When kingdoms collide | In Search of the City

... It is the most well-balanced, deeply challenging presentation of pacifism I have yet to read. The first thing to note about Mr. Snow’s writing on pacifism is his exceedingly gracious attitude toward those who may disagree with his stand."

Please share the review on any other Anabaptist sites you may know of.

 

[KingdomCitizenship]

But doesn't Pacifism, by its vary notion and existence, ensconce violence and war as the thesis of the world we live in? And IF "the world" can achieve peace, won't Pacifism fail to have a message or be a message?

 

[Michael Snow]

Christian pacifism is not a utopian vision as some other brands pacifism.

It is being faithful to follow Christ's example in showing God's grace to the world.

Read the piece on Romans '13' and quotes from the early church, here:
Christian Pacifism | Fruit of the Narrow Way

 

[KingdomCitizenship]

Michael, I am not arguing that a follower of Christ isn't to be peaceable or kind. To me, pacifism is just another extreme view that takes some off of what the scriptures say and makes an absolute view out of it. Folks do this by denying various other texts, though they don't mean anything by this. Their heart is to do the best for God.

There is a time for EVERY THING...a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up...

My point is that IF we are concentrated on "not" doing the things that "the world does" then we are no different than Moslems, Mormons and whoever that cessates various things for religious reasons. And if we are merely cessating for religious reasons, which view or ideal is any better (or correcter) than the other?

Anybody can stop doing one thing or another... This does not make them holy or godly or right.

In my mind, pacifism only has a message on a backdrop of where fighting and war are the evidence of man's existence. But what do you do when you go to Costa Rica where they don't have a military, they don't fight wars and they are peaceable people? They feel justified in your view, but they are no more justified in God's eyes than the devil. The gospel isn't about being peaceful.

I understand the whole notion of pacifism, but it seems to me an over focus on a non-essential. We can't find anywhere where Christ or Paul went around saying "I'm a pacifist" and "pacifism" is The Way... Thus, if we can't then what are we focused on it for?

 

[Michael Snow]

No one was more clear in preaching the Gospel than Spurgeon. And following his clear presentation of the essentials, he also warned that, " it is a dangerous state of things if doctrine is made to drive out precept..."
A Call to Holy Living, Spurgeon | Charles Spurgeon: On War and Christians

No one would accuse Moody or Spurgeon of saying "Pacifism is the way..."
Jeus is. And being a disciple includes following his precepts, as Paul did:
Romans “13″ In Context « TextsInContext

 

[Michael Snow]

Just to note the reference to Moody, above. Here is a quote from him: Pacifist Quotes | Christian Pacifism

 

[SwordofPeace]

one reason Satan hates Christians is because they are peaceful. They don't make good imperial stormtroopers, kill slaves