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What is a Pacifist? Explain the support which such a person might find in the life and teachings of Jesus.

A pacifist is person who believes that if there is a conflict then there are better ways of solving it than merely trying to kill your enemy and so they believe that there are other and better alternatives to violence such as Jesus.

                Along with others one of the major reasons the Jews among others wanted to have Jesus crucified was that they realised that Jesus was the kind of messiah that would lead people to salvation by making them love one another. Rather than the kind of messiah that would free Israel from the Romans and be a Great War hero. This in its self indicated that Jesus would have a non-violent man and so there must be much evidence in his life to support pacifism.

            The first piece of teaching that I believe supports pacifists is when Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan. Although this story does not directly say do not be violent. It indicates how we should love our enemies and not be violent towards them as it shows how our enemies love us, in this context a Samaritan this is shown where it says:

“…then he put the man on his donkey

and took him to the nearest inn

where he could be taken care of…”

                                   (Luke 10:34)

This is significant because as well as showing how the Samaritan who was expected to probably to kill the Jew actually helped the Jew it also shows how a traditional enemy gave up his own money and transport. Another case where normally contempt and hatred would be shown to a traditional enemy which may escalate to violence, where Jesus once again shows love is when he heals the ten lepers in Samaria. Then when the one Samaritan comes back to thank Jesus he says to him that his faith has healed him.

            Also he makes direct comments on peace when he says:

“Blessed be the peace makers for they

will be called the sons of God”

                    (Matthew 9:5)

This quote is important as is openly shows how Jesus opposed violence and blessed those who aimed to end violence by making peace. Also it showed many people the kind of messiah Jesus would be.

            Another section of Jesus’ teaching of pacifism is how Jesus explains that we should not aim to seek retribution but to strive to make friend of our enemies. This is expressed in the following statement: -

“But I tell you if, Do not resist

an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right

cheek turn to him the other cheek”

                                (Matthew 5:39)

This is important as it shows how we should not attack our attackers but let them see your love. I believe that Jesus is not saying that we should let evil doer carry on but we should oppose them with love.

            The strongest teaching of Jesus’ life about pacifism is undoubtedly through his actions at his arrest and crucifixion. When he is arrested many of his disciples drew their swords in rage and one of the disciples chops of the ear of the high priest’s servants ear.

Jesus then said: -

“No more of this, he touched

 his ear and healed it”

                  (Luke 24:49,50)

He then said: -

“He who lives by the sword dies by the sword”

                                    (Luke 23)

These two quotes are important because it shows that even though the people who have come to arrest and in due course kill Jesus are hurt he stops the violence and cares for his enemy. However even more powerful than this is when he has been hung on the cross and is dying he says: -

“Father forgive them for

they do not know what they

are doing…”

                     (Luke 23:34)

            This shows that even though the very same men who had killed him and were still mocking him he prayed for them and begged for their forgiveness. This is important because it shows how even though these men persecuted him he did not use God’s power to rebel but loved them and prayed for them.

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