a/k

The Question of Method

Note: This is part 2 of a 3 part series. Read Part 1.

Assuming that peace is only a method toward establishing equity and justice, as suggested in an earlier post, the question is begged, "Is violence ever an acceptable method towards this same idealistic end goal?"

Historically

Christendom has long moved past evaluating the ethics of violence—the question now is how violence is justified. Violence can only be justified by the church on the behalf of liberating oppression or inequality.

The case for nonviolence usually rests on the tri-fold pillar of suffering love, Jesus' example, and the example of the early church. Fine and good. I'm not suggesting that we attempt to subvert or sabotage the perfectly beautiful historic lifestyle of nonviolence.

But I do suggest a cautious new (or not so new) understanding of the way nonviolence facilitates justice in our world.

How should the church bring justice?

We must realize that radical systematic structure modification is necessary for justice to occur. (Drawing from the example in the earlier post: The slaves will never be free until the system of slavery is substantially modified and abolished; or until the slaves manage to subvert the system.)

We have, of course, the option to attempt change in a system by prescribed existing channels (i.e. government involvement). This approach is ineffective for a number of reasons, some of which might trickle into a future post(s).

The other option calls for nonviolent people to identify with disadvantaged people and work to change their living conditions and structures which are handicapping them. It is only then that our faith will become a suffering faith that truly wants and works for change in the world—and is seen as being serious about transformation and justice.

Otherwise we Mennonites, Quakers, Brethren, and "peace freaks" will continue to spiral down the slippery tube of American consumerism and any number of other plagues. And along the way we'll continue to be known as supporting a western luxury—peace. And we'll wonder why we're not taken seriously.