Don't Shoot the Messenger
People get quite angry with me when I tell them I’m a theoretical pacifist. I’ve been cussed out by professing Christians and even been called a heretic by some. Allow me to give a very brief defense of my position. I believe that it is the role of all believers to represent and share the good news of the Kingdom of God to the world at all times and through every action (though we often fail). I cannot see solid Scriptural justification for violence as a representation of the Kingdom of God, nor clear commands to commit violence for the Kingdom of God, so I believe I should refrain from violence. Were I in a situation where my own family or someone innocent was being harmed, I believe I would likely act in their defense even without good justification and trust in God’s forgiveness if it's a sin. I don’t judge those whose conscience is clear, but mine is not. From the perspective of nations waging war, I certainly don't trust our national leaders to engage in just and ethical wars though I repsect the sacrifices of the many men and women who have had that faith in our leaders and served in that way. How about a poem: The Kingdom of Heaven is Like The Kingdom of Heaven is like The wheat and the tares Together will grow many But only the wheat is spared The Kingdom of Heaven is like The mustard seed planted small But watered and growing Grows to something mighty and tall The Kingdom of Heaven is like Yeast in a large amount of dough Once it has taken hold It will change you all the way through The Kingdom of Heaven is like A hidden treasure in a field Worth every sacrifice we make Once we've seen it revealed The Kingdom of Heaven is like A completely unique and priceless pearl That when you find it is clearly Worth everything you own in this world The Kingdom of Heaven is like A net so full the fisherman's glad To keep the good fish in baskets And toss away the ones that are bad And a prayer: Heavenly Father, form us so firmly into the image of your Son, our Savior, that all desires for worldy powers and means fade and we see only the ways to serve you and your kingdom. Amen.