Pacifism in Religion and Politics

The subject of pacifism has been a long argued controversy. There is no simple answer to the many moral and ethical questions this issue raises. We find writings on pacifism in many of the worlds prominent religions. Although pacifistic views can seem to contradict themselves, the basic pacifist belief itself is multifaceted. Pacifism, however unpopular it may be, has deep-rooted connections with the religious, political, and moral dilemmas that seem to be developing everyday.

To call oneself a pacifist today does not clearly define the personal beliefs or opinions of the individual. There are many different types of pacifists; however, the majority falls into the category of religious pacifists, grounding their beliefs against violence in the sacredness of life and the approval of a higher power. The idea of pacifism can range from an absolutist point of view to strictly conditional interpretations. For example, an absolute pacifist confronted with an aggressive attacker would rather forfeit his life than morally corrupt himself by using violence. This view is seen most often in belief systems that hold little value to this life. On the opposite end of the pacifist spectrum, there are many individuals that consider

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King had a dream, so did Gandhi and Immanuel Kant. Kant recognizes that it is only through the combined effort of nations, if they are lead by rational men, that a league be formed. King fought against the injustices the African American community were facing everyday. Immanuel Kant saw pacifism as a duty to all intelligent individuals. These men saw what the world was and what it could be, they spoke out in an attempt to better their world. One of the most notable individuals in the cause of pacifism is Mahatma Gandhi, a one-time simple Indian lawyer. King’s dream was for his children to live in a desegregated world, although this has still not been realized, his dream lives on.

Another peaceful visionary was Martin Luther King Jr. As rational beings, Kant felt it was our duty to instill a state of peace; he wrote the blueprints for such a society in hopes that others would come to the same belief. was assassinated for his beliefs and the courage to carry out his dreams. Unlike a treaty, which ends one war, Kant’s league would and all wars forever. He sees the nature of man and his potential for greatness in peace, and his dark latent possibility for evil. Christianity has always been based on peace, even if at times it has become the source of war.

Approximate Word count = 969
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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