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:
Don't Shoot the Messenger
Don't Shoot the Messenger
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: