Do Quakers need soldiers?

My appreciation for Philip Larkin notwithstanding, I’m actually feeling rather hopeful at the moment. My “achieve financial solvency” plan is actually working, which I’m rather proud of (and also grateful to have a steady income in this crappy economy when so many people don’t.) I’ve started cooking again, which I haven’t done in at least four years. I’ve discovered a previously undiscovered knack for sculpting with clay, and I’m attempting – rather unsuccessfully this far – to grow my own herbs. I think I can – finally – see the light at the end of the therapy tunnel. This is cause for amen and hallelujah, because while some people seem to enjoy therapy, for me it usually feels like going to the dentist.

 Blogging is a good spiritual discipline for me, and right now, I’m contemplating forgiveness and whether or not I really believe in non-violence. This is an interesting question for me, given the fact that I've been in the pacifist camp since 1994. I’m still organizing my thoughts, so in the meantime, discuss amongst yourselves: Is a life of non-violence even possible? Should we even try for that? In a violent world, is pacifism just a way of outsourcing coercion? Do Quakers need soldiers?

Comments

[sonja]

Are you talking pacifism or are you talking doormat?

Because being a doormat I guess would be a way (as you say it) of outsourcing coercion. However non-violence and pacifism are active and require us to engage in ways that are distinctly not coercive, so that we become decidedly not part of the problem.

It requires stepping into the middle and finding a non-violent solution where both sides are required to cooperate and give something.

While I don't think a perfect life of non-violence is possible, I do think we have to try ... that's a little part of how we share who and what God is in the here and now.

[Susan]

I won't take the time to articulate this fully myself, but the shorthand for my beliefs re:pacifism is to reference C.S.Lewis (and JRR Tolkien) for an image of a noble soldier.

In a more personal vein, the most relevant experience I have is in the context of church politics. I hope this isn't terribly cynical, (but even if it is), I believe there are a lot of people who are hesitant to "go to battle" because they are more interested in preserving an image of themselves as a kind, loving, non-judgmental person than they are in stepping into painful situations that open them up to making excruciatingly difficult decisions, being unpopular, taking flack, etc., . . . even when doing so is an honest attempt to BE loving (rather than merely appearing loving).

So, without making sweeping generalizations about pacifists, and while acknowledging the terrible danger of starting "holy wars", I would say yes, some pacifists sit passively on the sidelines, protecting their lily-white hands and reputations, and leave it to others to descend into the bitterness of battle to protect/defend people left in their charge.

I respect those who submit at personal cost to their pacifist convictions. I have no respect for those who see damage being done to people but simply "opt out" of tough decisions and painful actions.

[Christy]

Hey Sonja -

I'm all for active peace-making, but sometimes a little coercion is impossible to avoid. I'm going to try and flesh that out a bit and figure out what I'm thinking.

Susan -

I think you're on to something with this: protecting their lily-white hands and reputations, and leave it to others to descend into the bitterness of battle to protect/defend people left in their charge.

I think part of what I'm thinking about is letting go of the need to be a pacifist...anyway, like I said, I need to flesh it out a bit more and figure out what I'm thinking.

[Jenn]

I really liked this post because it's drawing out similar questions in me.

However, what I really want to say is in regard to a post you wrote years ago about recycling old cell phones. (I can't find the post, and I can't find your email address, either.) Do you still have the info n that organisation you highlighted, many moons ago?

[Christy]

Hey Jenn

Here's the link to the organization that I mentioned - although it might be easier just to head to your nearest Office Depot or Office Max and recycle cell phones there.

http://www.rbrc.org/start.php