A Preliminary on Pacifism

I've ordered Meic Pearse's book "The God's Of War" (InterVarsity Press), and I cannot wait to read it. In the mean time, I've been thinking about and studying the topic of the relationship of violent force and conflict to the Christian life. My own thinking had led me to a very caustic argument which thankfully was tempered by a discussion with my roommate Ryan.

So I'm not going to actually detail anything here, this is just a teaser, but the basic thought is that hardline pacifism, as well as (perhaps more obviously) hardline aggression are irreconcilable with the Bible, as well as with more generally accepted moral norms. It's late tonight, but I hope to expound on this soon.

Why I'm Not Participating in the Day of Silence.

The GLBT National Day of Silence is tomorrow. Its stated purpose is commendable. Lifestyle choices are no excuse for bullying or hatred.

However, what many people miss is that these are, in fact, choices. These people have chosen their lifestyle. They are not being persecuted for their color, for their gender, for their physical makeup, or for their country of birth. The challenges of respect for this community are too often equated with the challenges of respect for people who are persecuted for birth, not choice. I do not support their choice, and while I do not wish bullying or hatred on anyone, neither do I respect choices which are abhorrent to the very purpose of mankind, especially when they demand respect for those choices.

Thus, I will not participate, not to condone the hateful actions taken against this community, but to demonstrate how to properly and respectfully oppose their agenda.