I would die for you.
This statement I believe represents the misunderstanding about Pacifism. Many people do believed that Pacifism is cowardice. This can actually be true in a sense-one can be "petrified" in a situation were they could or should try to defend oneself. Gandhi said in this situation a person should be violent because fear is not the correct motive for peace. Submission is often a result of fear. I do not believe submission is always a bad thing even out of fear-spiritually submission can be beneficial. However there is a difference between submission and compromise. Certain things must not be open to compromise. The New Testament viewed thru the words of Jesus shows us a beautiful and profound balance of submission and lack of compromise. Jesus gave to Caesar what was Caesar's and yet stood defiantly quiet before Pilot. So when do we submit and when do we rebel? When do we say you can kill me but I will obey God not man? When do we pray for our leaders (God is in control ALWAYS) and when do we say humbly kill me if you must but I will not submit. Dr.Martin Luther King did not die knowing that his cause was going to be somewhat successful but he did have faith and hope that it would. He welcomed his death not because it assured his political goals, although it did not hurt those. He was willing to die because that is the victory for a Christian (or any person potentially especially if one's earthly life is hell). I believe that the time to submit (to other humans even "evil" ones) is often when self preservation would tell us not to, and conversely the time to partake in civil disobedience or rebellion or righteous indignation or defiance is in order to protect others. Not thru violence but with self sacrifice. This is sticky. Americans are taught to fight fire with fire like the Torah we think in terms of "eye for an eye" but Jesus and all the Apostles taught a higher path. Mercy! Acts 7:51-60 is a perfect example. Before verse 51 in the story Stephen gives a rational explanation as to why is not guilty of the charges he is accused of, but at the end of this verbal, calm "self defense" Stephen becomes impassioned and indignant and charges (and seemingly condemns) his accusers with a list of evil deeds. Yet with his last breath Stephen asks God to forgive them. I believe it is possible that God granted Stephen this wish. Much like the story of Jonah God really only wants us to understand how little we deserve mercy and how possible it is that those we would NEVER give mercy to may receive it!
Please study Jesus first and foremost. His life and his words, deeply. Then understand that the flawed people of the rest of the Bible were chosen to tell HIs story.
Matthew 5:39
New International Version (NIV)
39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
