Is pacifism morally bankrupt?

Question

Are pacifists and those who adhere to pacifist religions morally bankrupt? The way I see it is that if (e.g.) Hitler was on the other side of the Channel, preparing to invade, I would be immoral to refuse to take up arms to prevent this - and the resultant genocide that would occur.
One can be vicariously responsible for the evil deeds of others if one refuses to do anything to prevent them.

At least, that's one way of looking at it. What do YOU think?

Answer 1

That's where the concept of stopping people from causing real harm and suffering comes in (note I didn't say things people simply PERCEIVE as "harmful" or "suffering" like when their ego gets dinged, but actual harm and suffering). You can be compassionate and altruistic, but if you're not stopping the harm... then you're not really compassionate and altruistic.

_()_

Answer 2

I think that everyone has a choice whether to pick up arms or not. No one person is the same as another, and last time I checked America is a free country which gives the right to bear arms (which inherently also gives one the right not to).

Myself I would never use a gun, I would never go into the military and had advice not to from someone who had been in the military (my father). However, I would never condemn another for fighting for what they believe to be correct. How can one judge another's conscience?

Answer 3

I disagree. Hitler only had any power because people went along with him. If we lived in harmony and unity another Hitler would be impossible. So what happens when he says Jews wear yellow stars? Every man woman and child wears a yellow star. What about when he invades another country? Nothing works in that country until he is removed. Only by the fear of the death of ego and its implicit assent to evil can any evil act be done to a humankind living in unity! What is bankrupt about that then?

Answer 4

an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind
i love that quote
another one
the pen is mightier than the sword

but as a pascifist , i dont need to go up in arms about something to make a difference to the world
if everyone became pascifist , if this was taught instead of fighting ... the world would be beautiful
this does not mean i will not defend people

Answer 5

I do not see murder as justifiable. Those who commit it without regret deserve not the mind God gave them. This is not to say that pacifism is the best choice for keeping physical order, rather that it is the best choice for upholding moral conviction.

Answer 6

if pacifism was taken up globally then there would be no hitlers. this is very unlikely to happen human nature being what it is

Answer 7

I agree w/ you.