PACIFISM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 5, 6 January 1940, Page 6

PACIFISM

Sir. I read that a Young Mens Bible Class conference passed a resolution asking the Government to oppose conscription. Those young men and all others supporting them arc traitors to their country and »n Christianity. God’s wish is that peace should reign on earth. But if we fight those who seek to destroy that peace surely we tight for a just cause. So young Christian men should lead the fight, not oppose it. Ninety per cent, of the Special Force are Torys. Why? Because they think of others besides themselves, of their children's future and xxhat it would be like under Nazi rule.- i am, etc., * E.J.H.” Sir, What a deplorable state of affairs. Our nation engaged in a desperate struggle to safeguard the independence of small Slates; and jet certain persons are actually endeavouring by tongue and pen to defeat her efforts. There is no other xx ay ol looking at the thing, for Britain can't tight without men. How would Christ act were He here in the body to-day? Would wu find Him on a soap-box, or slinging ink about? No. we would find Him in the forefront of the hottest batt;? being fought in the cause of freedom, grasping in His hand something a thousand times more potent than tne scourge of small cords with which He once cleared the greedy traffickers from the Temple. And in the la.-t orders He issued to His followers before His arrest by the priests. He enjoined upon them the necessity of purchasing weapons of defence. Let him sell his garment and buy one. Luke 22.36. 1 am, etc., “FREEDOM." i Sir. Pacifism as friend or foe can be the forerunner of good or ill. When friend it seeks “Peace to men of Goodwill." As foe it develops through others unpreparedness or weakness, strife and war by tempting the jungle mood aggressors to enslave or destroy their prey. Within perfection full pacifism holds pride of place, yet midst imperfection it becomes relatively error. Pacifism is at times the “wolf in sheeps clothing" seeking to mislead or weaken the foolish or unwise. Pasifism is strong nr weak, safe or unsafe, as conditioned by the good or evil spirit that impels. True pacifism is not the fruits of shallow emotional sentimentality, but of deep brave sentiment, tolerant, peace loving, yet fearless when roused, when innocency or righteousnes.* are assailed by evil’s “might and power.” The British Empire must ever fix the flag of freedom and pacifism, but not at any price that would surrender i freedom, or at a price that within these “latter days” xvould aid those who seek again to crucify Ihe Christ spirit, of increasing “measure” manifesting as a “rising tide” within responsive men.—l am, etc., “SEVENS.’