2 - Pacifism

• Conscientious Objector - A person who refuses to serve in the armed forces because their conscience tells them it is wrong
• Christian Reasons for Pacifism

  • Commandment 6 of the 10 Commandments says 'Do not kill'. This clearly outlaws killing in any situation
  • Some Christians are conscientious objectors
  • The Roman Catholic Church teaches that if you cannot fight, you must offer yourself for non-combatant duties such as ambulance driving
• Jesus on Pacifism -

  • Jesus taught -
  • 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you''
  • 'If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other'
  • Jesus...
  • Told his disciples to put away their swords when he was arrested
  • He was beaten after he was arrested and didn't fight back
  • He asked God to forgive his executioners when on the cross
• Islam on Pacifism -

  • Islam comes from a word meaning 'peace'
  • While Islam is a religion of peace, it doesn't have a strong tradition of pacifism
  • Islam teaches it is acceptable to fight in jihad
  • However, individual Muslims have been pacifists