Christianity and War
SIR,—Christians should do their utmost by prayer and sacrifice for peace. But when it is suggested (after mentioning the name of, G. K. Chesterton of all peopfe) that unilateral disarmament would be carrying out the Way of the Cross, it is-time to vindicate the sense of the Way of the Cross Our Lord's counsel-of perfection to " turn the other cheek" has always been practised by the martyrs, and is being practised by them in Communist-dominated countries today. This is indeed "dying for the people," and "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." But when the Rev. Martin Cooper suggests that we should allow this happy state of affairs to come to England, he is confusing a counsel of perfection for the individual with the duty of a Government.
If I am attacked by a murderer, I may indeed permit him to kill me— though, as a counsel is not a commandment, I have every right to avoid being killed, if necessary by shooting him first. The commandment not to kill does not apply to self-defence. "Cer animal cat tres mechant. Quand on cdfttaque. il se defend." But if the murderer is going to attack some,children who are in my care ? Then I have the positive duty to stop him, and may have to buy a revolver for the purpose. That is the position of a Government. It would fail in its essential duty if it did not protect its subjects. This is recognised by the honourable place of soldiers in the New Testament, and by 1 Peter ii, 14.
I am not suggesting that Christians should urge a crusade. But they should not allow themselves to be confused with pacifists, and they should be ready to accept the strengthening in armed forces which is necessary for security against aggression. There is evidence that pacifist movements are springing up, and it is to be expected that the Com- munists will have an active interest in promoting them. How this will be done should be studied in Mr. Douglas Hyde's recently published book, 1 Believed. We shall thus be put upon our guard against the crypto- Communist, and against the use of good sentiments and enthusiasms for sinister ends. But let us be quite clear about Christianity. We should indeed at last give it a try, and give our lives in the process. But not the lives of other people for whom we are responsible! That is not
"the Way of the Cross."—Yours faithfully. RALPH RUSSELL. Downside Abbey. Nr. Bath.
Previous page
