Why Im Not A Pacifist

Has any one read The Weight of Glory titled “Why I’m Not a Pacifist,” by C.S. Lewis?

If so what was your opinion?

( I haven't read this article by C.S Lewis but enjoy his more popular known works like Mere Christianity or The Problem with Pain. I heard someone speak on it as very enlightening.)

I am a Christian pacifist because i believe Jesus told me to love my enemies.. You do not love your enemies by shooting them or blowing them to pieces.. Thats not loving.. That's killing..

Is that what the article is about?

No sorry, didnt know cs lewis was into war.
I have read mere christianity but dont think too much of it. Its a bit dated now but as far as I know he was trying to explain christianity to athiests in Oxford which is why he wrote it in such a way that he never mentioned scripture.

Yeah, Mere Christianity was a good read. That is when I started following his works...

He lived through WW2 and saw what true evil was. Which is why from his writings I did get the vibe of how he felt on subjects without good people willing to sacrifice their life to protect against evil.

But haven't read his article yet. Was hoping someone had but I will probably have to buy the article. Cant find it for free.

Yah that is probably his most popular book other than probably Narnia.

Not a pacifist and don't need CS Lewis to tell me why.
There is real evil in the world, and it is incumbent upon the Godly to protect those who can not defend themselves.
God said to Noah, before the levitical law, and before Abraham's covenant;
Surely I will require your lifeblood; from every beast I will require it. And from every man, from every man’s brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man.
Genesis 9:5‭-‬6 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/gen.9.5-6.NASB

Who else should exact God's command here but a Godly man, given authority to do so. Are we not still made in the image of God?

John 15:13 New International Version (NIV)
13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

If we are to be partaken in the judgment of the world one day then we should easily be equipped with knowing good and evil in this current world.

1 Corinthians 6:2 New International Version (NIV)
2 Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?

I'm not a pacifist either and was proud to serve in the US Military which is the strongest in the world. Thank God we have a president who intends to keep it that way for this is an evil world and there are countries and entities that may intend to do us harm.

Thank you for your service good sir.

Thank you for your service. I thank God your not a Pacifist either.

Cos havent read it I cant comment really on CS lewis.


But do you have a defintion on what pacifism is cos it could mean differnent thing to diferent people. Theres conscientious objectors. Being willing to defend and guard ones family is quite diferent situation from going in to a battlefield in order to kill the enemy. Does it depend what your motives are declaring war or invading another nation isnt a good thing to participate in. What if war was declared and nobody showed? What if you spoke and the war just stopped, like Joan of arc did and the entire english army retreated, she didnt even have to brandish her sword.

Simply Christian pacifism is the theological and ethical position that any form of violence is incompatible with the Christian faith.

Pacifism covers a spectrum of views, including the belief that international disputes can and should be peacefully resolved, calls for the abolition of the institutions of the military and war, opposition to any organization of society through governmental force (anarchism or libertarian pacifism), rejection of the use of physical violence to obtain political, economic or social goals, the obliteration of force, and opposition to violence under any circumstance, even defence of self and others.

Basically be completely peaceful in nature regarding any circumstance regardless if life or life of others is at stake.

Of course also the Christian's answer is theologically debated on what is the message from the whole of scripture on this issue and does loving your enemies extends into allowing them to do as they please to you, others, or even your country. Does the Christian faith teach absolute pacifism, moderate, or is it simply a choice of conscience.

Hmm well no theres such a thing as non violent resistance which sounds just about the same thing as pacifism.

As practised by Jesus and in the last century as an notable example Martin Luther King JR.
As far as I know Jesus never killed anybody while he was on earth or harmed them. He did tell demons where to go though. Hes waiting for all to repent I think before the final judgement.

So your a absolute pacifist? No self defense, defense of family, defense of neighbor, or country? Just trying to understand is that the view your taking? Also is the words of Jesus the only part of the Bible we learn from?

Why are you asking me, Im. Just discussing you topic about cs lewis, its not about me. We arent at war are we?

The spiritual warfare Jesus was talking about is fought on his behalf by the angels vs demons. Our weapons arent carnal. Never have been.

I was wanting to understand your thoughts because you seemed to have been leaning towards absolute pacifism. So I was curious if that meant you could justify the questions I asked.

Really just questions to stir the brain. If you can justify those questions to live as a absolute Pacifist that is great but most Christians can not, and will practice self defense, defense of others, or volunteer for police or military.

Like 22:36 in red letters.
I don't believe Jesus meant, or Peter, used his sword to cut apples. Ancient Jerusalem was a dangerous place and Jesus attracted crowds. Besides, what is a more Christian concept as sacrificing self for others, as defenders of self and family constantly do?

Luke 22:36 sorry