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Christian Pacifism
Comments by James Hall - 18 Jan 2002 - 1349

Frank,

Yes, I would certainly hope that physically restraining would be sufficient.  And in most cases it would be.  But there are times when it is not enough to protect an innocent. 

An example:  As I understand it, a group of students who saw the man in Virginia shooting innocent people at the law school tackled him and knocked him to the ground to prevent further bloodshed.  I am sure this caused at least minor injuries to the shooter and what they did would have to be characterized as a "violent act."

I do believe that the vast majority of military actions are not necessary, but the "just war" concept has been viable in some cases ( I use the example of Hitler).

You know what is interesting to me?  Over the years, I have been involved in visible and public protesting at abortion clinics.   NOT ONCE have I met a fellow protestor who identified himself or herself as EITHER a pacifist or a Christian vegetarian.

It seems that Christian pacifists and Christian vegetarians are often very selective about the innocent life they claim to want to protect.

Blessings,

Jim Hall

Isaiah writes about the Messiah as being "The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).  Jesus calls upon all believers to become peacemakers, and says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God" (Matthew 5:9).  Paul writes, "For the anxious longings of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons [children] of God" (Romans 8:19).

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