2.23.2009
I had never heard the arguments for or against pacifism or just-war before reading this assignment. I will have to read more about the just-war argument before I decide what I believe because it is not an easy decision. It is debated and debated everywhere and sadly in a fallen world war will be present. In deciding what to believe a person also needs to look really hard at the Old and New Testament. God uses war, it seems, in the Old Testament to bring justice and to punish. Jesus directs Christians towards non-violence and God in the Old Testament does not want His people to go to war but to just trust in Him. I believe if everyone believed in God this would be an easy decision, because a nation that trusts God would never need violence such as shown in the prophets, God will provide. If everyone believed in God there would be no war and I think that this is the best argument for pacifism.
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Deciding my belief for pacifism is not easy, and as we all saw from the discussion in class today everyone has different view points and opinions. I completely agree that we should put in our trust in God and he will provide. In today's society it seems hardly anyone would agree, because we are all about self-defense. Sadly, not everyone will believe in God, so I believe there is always going to be an on-going war between someone until God makes his decision.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I think everyone does believe in God or a god (obviously, not literally everyone, but I would guess well over the majority). Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, Taoists, and the rest of the major world religions all teach peace, the issue is people believe in a god but do not put their full trust in this god. Its so sad; America has millions of Christians, yet we spend billions of dollars on defense and military pursuits. I don't think everyone needs to trust in God, but rather, those who do need to stand up. Not everyone trusting in God (or even a god) is an excuse for turning to violence.
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