Pacifism, My Take
(Living midst a mixed multitude)
“War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the
same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today.”
(John F. Kennedy, American president, 1917-1963)
Pacifism doesn’t equal passiveness, nor weakness, it’s a responsible stance,
A critical one — and where we all should begin — besides, peace doesn’t come by chance.
Pacifism should underscore all attempts to bring an end to violence and war,
For let’s face it, only a pacifist can truly be a peace ambassador.
Otherwise, there’s a certain hypocrisy — yes, something that just doesn’t ring true,
For how can violence be an option if we don’t believe such we should pursue?
Thus, there’s really no alternative but to approach things from a pacifist stance,
That is, if the case for peace is something that we genuinely wish to advance.
Marriage begun with divorce as an option is marriage in trouble right from the start,
So too, peace talks with violence as an option, guns cocked, “Fire!” in the mind or heart.
We should practice what we preach, and very much more so when it comes to seeking peace,
Hence only a pacifist stance has any real chance of seeing violence cease.
Yes, every human on this planet, each race and faith, should have a hatred of war,
A desire to prevent such at all costs, and better ways of solving things explore.
For war solves nothing, there’s simply a winner and loser, a hollow victory,
One that leaves the loser resentful, wishing they could even the score, undoubtedly.
That is why pacifists denounce war, want no part of such, and stand on principle,
A decision dictated by their conscience, even faith, belief one shouldn’t kill.
Pacifists certainly aren’t weak, for it takes courage to make such a stand, speak out,
And the voices of the slaughtered demand such, heard via the pacifist’s damning shout.
Wars have often begun too quickly, and many have proven unnecessary,
By that I mean, they could’ve been prevented, and should’ve been, but weren’t, shamefully.
And history attests, and evidence suggests, some wars have been hatched intentionally,
The work of those with a cunning worldwide plan, or something to gain personally.
But in this world in which we live, nations can be attacked, and hence their armies —
Defence forces? — however, such are often misused, hence those illegal wars one sees,
And why many soldiers die pointlessly, even desert, appalled by such villainy,
Siding with pacifists perhaps, having served in such wars, seen the criminality.
Unjustified wars and dreadful war crimes have unfortunately been commonplace,
Both showing the true colours of some power, or its soldiers, or those who so disgrace.
Yes, the raping and degrading of women, the killing of innocent citizens,
The torturing of prisoners of war, and many other unspeakable sins.
And as for the Geneva Convention and the likes, such are merely window dressing,
For in wartime, what goes on behind the scenes, doesn’t take any second guessing.
War is no respecter of rights, and soldiers are only as good as their conscience,
And when it comes to accountability, who puts their washing out for a rinse?
Yes, there are those who choose a non-combatant role, a medical one, possibly,
Attending to the wounded, even under fire, acting just as courageously.
But as for killing, as for violence, they want no part, just cannot in their heart,
Believing that a change must begin within oneself — always the best place to start!
Pacifists denounce all forms of violence — and some, even that used in self defence,
Though here, one surely needs to have a reality based approach, use common sense.
By that I mean, one may have to defend them self, repel an attacker quickly,
In order to save their own life, or someone else’s, behaving heroically.
The pacifist’s stance is a very noble stance, a stance that all should aspire to,
Besides, great things have to start somewhere — thus, peace-wise, pacifism all should pursue.
Without a stand, such as the pacifist’s stance, there’s very little hope of success,
And at the end of the day, only the pacifist way rings true, makes sense, can address.
Is God a pacifist? Well, one thing’s for certain — He hates violence intensely,
And via His Word, the Bible, He condemns the use of violence consistently.
Certain acts He instructed — that many point to — were His dealings with fallen man,
Acts foreign to His nature, that were never a part of His original plan.
And in Heaven, and on the earth made new, violence and war will not play a part,
For after all, it was only Satan who the Great Controversy sought to start.
Yes, Satan’s the one to point the finger at, not God, for God is a God of peace,
A God who clearly embraces a pacifist stance, for under Him, wars will cease.
Meantime, aggression and enemies abound — hence, defence forces loom necessary,
And likewise, we too may have to defend ourselves, thwart some suburban enemy.
Or we may have to run to the aid of another who’s being attacked viciously,
Caring and wise enough to know there’s a time and place to act intentionally.
Such is my take on pacifism, for though Jesus says, “Turn the other cheek,”
Surely we’re still to defend ourselves, aid others, and where needed, stand up and speak.
It’s one thing not to retaliate, quite another to be a fool, arguably,
For pacifism’s a stance, not an invitation for those acting criminally.
Good Samaritans don’t just mop up, but put their life on the line instinctively,
For there’s no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another, unselfishly.
Or to run to the defence of another at risk to yourself (yet feeling fear),
The acts, behaviour and traits of those who value life, who truly love and care.
No, pacifism doesn’t equal passiveness, nor weakness, but rather, bravery,
The courage of one’s convictions, courage under fire, strength to act differently,
For pacifists have their opponents, but none as visionary, solid morally,
As only pacifism can seek world peace transparently and honourably.
Frankly, I don’t believe the day will come when this world (as we know it) will be at peace,
But one should still work towards that goal, simply because war and violence should cease.
And meantime, a nation without a defence force is vulnerable, easy prey,
For earth isn’t Heaven, nor all its inhabitants saints, and evil has its way.
Only God’s kingdom will put an end to violence and war, not the plans of men,
Thus, the reality is, that pacifism won’t truly succeed until then.
And meantime, there’ll no doubt be soldiers supplied by the State, which is there to protect,
For in such affairs, the Church is only to enlighten, witness, never to direct.
The makeup of God’s kingdom won’t be a mixed multitude, a Christian/pagan mix,
But rather, a Holy people under His lordship, free of earthly politics.
A kingdom where the converted work together for the good of all, and God’s glory,
A kingdom completely free of weapons — their protector, the Lord God Almighty.
And that is the day I’m looking forward to, whilst working with others towards world peace,
Knowing that only with our Lord’s return, will wars and rumors of wars truly cease.
And then forever to remain in the safety of His arms, no longer plagued by war,
Enjoying a pacifist’s paradise with other pacifists, God as guarantor.
But until that time, each Christian having seriously studied, reflected, prayed,
Must choose the path that their conscience tells them is right, having questioned, researched,
and weighed,
And should bear in mind that a response of the moment differs from the premeditated,
And that there are some things from which the Christian should always remain separated.
Plus, one who doesn’t eat meat — surely would — if meat was the only food available,
That is, in order to live, and surely that’s so with defence, attackers we repel.
But the bearing of arms in order to kill, is quite another category,
And midst a mixed multitude, (not a God ordained theocracy), surely folly.
Me? No, I wouldn’t choose to bear arms, for such hardly gels with Christianity,
Nor with the non-violent life of Christ, whose example preceded Calvary.
And how could I love my enemies, and yet line them up in the sights of a gun,
Repaying evil with bullets, then asking forgiveness in the name of the Son?
Who told Peter to put his sword away, restored the Roman soldier’s severed ear,
Who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” called out, “Forgive them, Father,” for all to hear?
Who wants our hearts to be as tender as His, and desires our sanctification,
Who offers the ‘undeserving’ grace, and who’s the God of reconciliation?
No, I wouldn’t choose to bear arms, nor to fire a Judas bullet, effectively,
Knowing Christ died for all humanity, knowing they’ve loved ones at home, family.
Knowing they’re just following orders, and possibly doing so ignorantly,
Given the propaganda so often a part of such crimes against humanity.
No, I must tread my own path, do what God’s telling me, midst walking biblically,
Hence why I wouldn’t choose to bear arms, but believe in pacifism, wholeheartedly.
Plus, in the world but not of it — as what’s right to them isn’t always right for me,
For I’m a child of a heavenly King, who’ll soon bring an end to weaponry.
So often Christians are caught in the crossfire, or two worlds invariably collide,
But given the mixed multitude on earth, there’ll always be division, some divide.
For were it to be otherwise, there would have to be an awful lot of compromise,
Something that I have never known the God of the Christian Bible to authorize.
Yes, their ways, our ways — no, God’s ways — lines He has drawn in the sand, lines we
shouldn’t cross,
For should we be so foolish, ungrateful, we could discover an eternal loss.
Better to be misunderstood, a fool in the eyes of man, out of step, peculiar,
And a more faithful and true reflection of the wonderful Bright and Morning Star.
Come, Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, that war and violence may cease!
By Lance Landall
“...do violence to no man…” (Luke 3:14, KJV).
“...and His [Christ’s] soul [nature] hates the lover of violence” (Ps 11:5).
“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world…’ ” (John 18:36, KJV).
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