Will the pacifist doctrines of Christianty inevitably spell doom for the west?

Question

Nietzsche thought so, and in todays struggle against global Jihad, Nietzsche's words appear very prophetic.

Most of us in the west grew up with this moral code and thought it beautiful. While I still have a reverence for them, I now clearly see their limitations.

I understand this appears very provocative, but I simply dont know how to serve this bitter truth any more gingerly (or lack the skill).

Pacifism:

Mat 3:59 "But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."

Romans 12:20 - On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink."

Mat 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."

Mat 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God"

These doctrines would be beautiful if the world were a place where pacifism didnt ring as a dinner bell to the cavepeople. People, lets be real, they dont work!

Answer 1

You are right. The US and Britain have a duty to guard against militant Islam, but it does so while holding itself back in order not to look imperialistic. So instead of winning (e.g. Rumsfeld sent us into Iraq with too few troops) we just blood let until we are spent. We can neither win nor loose, because we care about the eyes of the world.

Answer 2

When you return hate with love love always wins in the long run. It may appear to lose a battle but the one who loves is at peace in the situation and the one who hates has an empty victory.

If Christians and Jews are erraticated from the earth The second comming will occur and the world will be replaced. As one who is saved I do not fear this but look forward to the new Jerusalem.

Answer 3

I'm afraid it's very difficult to remain a perfect Christian, Sir.

We are, after all human and it's human to err.

The "global Jihad" will certainly end up with us "erring", as a result of the instinct of self preservation and then the rest will be History.

Fortunately, God will Forgive us, for our Repentance after the event.

Have a nice day.

Answer 4

Pacifism in its purest form isn't ascribed to by many (especially those in positions of power). So no, I do not think it spells doom for the West because you will be hard pressed to find a country that will adopt a truly pacifist doctrine.

Answer 5

Maybe I misunderstand you, but I don't see the American soldiers turning the other cheek or feeding and watering their enemies. They are fighting. Pacifism? Where? The American government wasn't striving to be peacemakers when they occupied Iraq.

As far as the scriptures, they were directives to individuals, not to armies. (There were wars back then too.)

SO ... are you saying we shouldn't be merciful to one another, or what?

Answer 6

uhhh.... We have a Christian president who is probably the most trigger-happy man to hold the office in 150 years. The USA spends more than most of the remainder of the world (COMBINED) on defense.

I long for more pacifism. I'm not sure you're reading the same newspapers I'm reading.

Answer 7

They spell doom for everyone. You see, the west has a nasty habit of over-reacting. Especially if some one burst their bubble. If people don't calm down and leave the westerners alone, they are going to throw a nuclear tantrum.

Answer 8

I don't see Christian countries laying down for the enemies to come marching in to take over....whatever are you talking about? These verses aren't talking about fighting for your country in times of war, if that's what you're implying.

Answer 9

Hmm I wonder what would have happend if food was dropped on Afghanistan when the taliban had it by the neck? How would a terror attack look if all you gave them was food and love each time they did it.

OH we cant there dead and in heaven.....

Answer 10

Bush is a christian. Tell that to him the next time he drops a few hundred tomahawk missiles on Iraq.