Why I am a pacifist

I am a pacifist--I am opposed to war. Since September 11, I have heard many people say that folks like me are naive, unrealistic, bleeding hearts, blind to the evil in the world. Some would even consider me traitorous.

Those challenges have made me think hard about why I claim to be a pacifist. I have concluded that I am a pacifist simply because of who I am. Here's why.

1. I am a pacifist because I am a Christian.

I am a follower of Jesus. Jesus lived and died committed to peace. He taught his followers to offer creative nonviolent responses to violence inflicted on them. He offered forgiveness to those burdened with sin and guilt. He befriended the outcasts. He …