Pacifism in Contemporary Conflict

The task I have before me is to articulate a Christian pacifist perspective on nonviolent approaches to contemporary conflict. I have elected to do that through several mechanisms. First, I will delineate briefly what I understand to be the nature and characteristics of contemporary conflict which provides the parameters of my reflections on what should be done in response and why nonviolence is more suited than military intervention. Second, while there are many potential avenues of response, I will concentrate on outlining three initial areas where I think active pacifism must proactively strategize and respond. Third, in each of these areas I will develop both the theological base for activity from a Christian standpoint, and more specifically from an Anabaptist/Mennonite frame of reference, and make some concrete suggestions about action. The reader should be forewarned that by training and trade I am a sociologist and mediator. So I come to the theological discussion from the standpoint of experience and practice more than from the framework and tools of biblical exegesis…