A better pacifist....

Just read an article, a speech really, given as a commencement address at Goshen College in 1992. I'm challenged by the speaker/author's description of pacifism in the speech. He, rightly I think, removes pacifism from being pigeon-holed to a discussion on physical violence/war and makes it broader. His description encompasses that, but includes a lifestyle, an ethic built around reconciliation and forgiveness. This too, is what it means to be a pacifist...how we relate to others on a practical, daily level.

- Do we do violence to someone with how we describe them to others?
- Do we do violence to someone when we hold grudges or withhold forgiveness out of anger?
- Do we do violence to someone with how we treat them?

While this might seem common sense to some, I find myself examining my life and finding examples of great violence on how I've acted and behaved. A lifestyle of reconciliation has not matched what I have inked on my back.

Ther great challenge of the speech is that it not only spurs on reflection...but almost necessitates some kind of action, confession. This is where the perverbial rubber meets the road. Its easy to be a pacifist when my description includes only a refusal to kill/maim another...i dont have many opportunities to even do that. Its a different situation all together when it involves the way in which I live my discipleship out within the diversity of relationships I have been placed in.

I've got some great brothers and sisters who are probably better, fuller pacifists than I. I would love to hear your reflections.