A FEW WORDS FOR MY PACIFIST FRIENDS

I have noticed in the last few years that I can meet Mennonites, Amish, and Quakers and other pacifists—even while in military uniform—and exchange pleasant conversation. I am also aware that some pacifists are very aggressive in their promotion of the pacifist cause. In some cases, I expect, exchanges might be less than pleasant. But they need not be.

General Douglass MacArthur was in his retirement years when he returned to the U.S. Military Academy at Westpoint to speak to the cadets there. One of his remarks was that “the soldier above all prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” Some will add that MacArthur could only have uttered those words in his latter years because, at the peak of his military career, he was far too arrogant. In any case, his words remain.

It is a shame we can not have diligent dialogue between pacifists and military leaders. After all, the solution to the global conflicts we experience can not possibly be reached by people whose service pits them continuously against each other. In other words, if we can not resolve our own differences, how do we expect political and military leaders around the world to resolve theirs?

As a military Chaplain with some experience in the combat zone, I can say that I witness many service members in prayer, and listen to them describe how they are tired of war. Bear in mind that many who have served in the military have thought long and hard about real solutions. We are not exactly disinterested in what pacifists have to say. In some cases, we need humility to listen to opposing viewpoints. In others, we need the courage to engage in the discussion. Engage we must if we truly desire peace at any cost; and the initial sacrifice required is often our pride. I hope this dialogue is alive and well.