OPINION: The cost of war is too high

There is an uneasy truce between pacifists and those who believe in the cause of war, most evident perhaps on Remembrance Day. For pacifists such as Anabaptist groups who consider it a significant tenant of their faith that non-violence under any circumstances is morally wrong, Nov. 11 presents a dilemma. How does one mark the day? On the one hand, most fully recognize that remembering the war-dead—specifically the 65,000 Canadian soldiers who died on battlefields during world wars—is part of not forgetting where our freedom comes from whether one believes that war, even so-called “just war,” is ever the right way to resolve international disputes or not. On the other hand is the nagging thought—by attending ceremonies where the country is praised for its military power and war glorified, am I aligning myself with the idea of war in any form—am I saying war is sometimes justified, and indeed, necessary?

It is safe to say we all agree war is never good—to send young men and women with shining futures into the trenches to be shot at (so to speak)—is a horrific way to deal with a problem, especially when in the end the nation, made up of grieving families, is left with hundreds of body bags while the battle rages on. Everyone longs for peace, but history has shown that war never leads to peace. Yes, there have been times when genocide has been halted, when a brutal leader such as Hitler has been stopped before more lives are lost to the cruelty of his crazed philosophy, and yet in the saving of some lives, others are taken. Is one life more valuable than another? History shows “peaceful” periods have in reality simply been times when tribes and nations prepare for the next war.

Firm ground

It is therefore safe to say pacifists have firm ground to stand on. While some have called the practice of non-violence archaic, unpragmatic and entirely unworkable when it comes to war, it is a legitimate view and one that has rarely been tested in international dispute, surprising when the cost of war is so high. While Anabaptists—who base their non-violent stand on the teachings of Jesus such as “love your enemy” and the direct command “do not kill”—are often thought of as uncourageous and not appreciative of war efforts in the past, it should never be forgotten that thousands have lost their lives for their firm beliefs. Many showed remarkable courage in the face of death.

There is a history of killing in one way or another stretching back to the beginning of time. It’s a symptom of the fallen world which will never be totally righted until the Prince of Peace reigns. And yet, it is always in order to remember those who have given their lives to achieve freedom, and thus pacifists need to give honour when Remembrance Day ceremonies come around. However, to truly remember is to work for peace.