Discussion: Evaluating Nonresistance Pacifism
Nonresistance pacifism is the most convincing. It is about not retaliating, or employing violence even against one who wrongs, guided by the teachings of Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount regarding such directions as that a person should turn his other cheek (New International Version, 2011, Matt. 5:39). Nonresistance pacifists believe that God wants Christians to imitate the example of Christ as suffering love and putting their trust in God instead of taking vengeance, or trying to protect themselves using violence.
The idea of nonviolent pacifism resonates with me because of its embodiment of the message of loving and forgiving one’s enemies, as exemplified by Christ. It criticizes the human approach to combat violence using violence and proposes alternative actions for believers to testify to the kingdom of God by refusing to engage in harm. This pacifism is similar to the early Christian religion, in which most believers would not use weapons even when faced with persecution (Allman, 2008).
I believe the notion that Christians are meant to be the bearers of peace in a violent world and that the love of one’s enemy is a fundamental element of Jesus’ message is correct. Nonresistance pacifism presents to the world a highly countercultural, yet morally influential ethic—one that values the kind of obedience to Christ based not on consequences, but rather on obedience to Christ alone. Nevertheless, I am what most people would describe as action-starved in cases of injustice. Although it is admirable not to take revenge, I wonder how nonresistance takes over when others are assaulted, especially the weak. I am sure that there might be a conflict between a refusal to commit violence and the desire to protect the innocent, which cannot be fully compensated by nonresistance.
References
Allman, M. (2008). Who would Jesus kill?: War, peace, and the Christian tradition. Saint Mary’s Press.
The Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV). (2011). Biblica, Inc. (Original work published 1973).
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Question 
Discussion: Evaluating Nonresistance Pacifism
While you may or may not be pacifist yourself, it’s important to be able to evaluate the kinds of arguments pacifists make. In this discussion, you should think through both the strengths and weaknesses of particular kinds of pacifism.
Evaluating Nonresistance Pacifism
For your initial post, return to Allman’s description of the various types of pacifism on pages 63-67(WHO WOULD JESUS KILL? WAR, PEACE, AND THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION). Pick the approach to pacifism that you think would be the most persuasive, briefly summarize it, and then explain what is convincing about it. What do you agree with about this argument, and what do you disagree about?