Pacifism in action Over the past few years, we've heard a lot about the notion of pacifism in the context of war. It's an exercise in abstract thinking, for the most part -- a philosophical discussion similar to discussions of "just war." But among the Amish in the Pennsylvania community where a nutjob loaded to the gills with guns and ammo killed five of their own, a more personal form of pacifism is being put to the test.
If you have Jesus in your heart and he has forgiven you … [how] can you not forgive other people? - Midwife Rhita Rhoads, who was present for the births of two of the five girls who were killed.
This is the kind of pacifism that rests on the teachings of Proverbs, repeated in Romans:
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. - Romans 12:17-19
Said 17-year-old Dorothy King: "We think it's all in God's hand. If this wouldn't have happened, something still would have happened ... because their time was up. God's hand was in control."