Christian Pacifism: Fruit of the Narrow Way [Kindle Edition]

Michael Snow (Author)

Book Description

30th Anniversary Ediition

"Beautifully Written with Truth and Grace."--Watchman

“From young boy playing army, to young man being a marine lieutenant, to young man following the narrow way, [Michael] weaves his life’s tapestry, unfolding it so we might understand his position. He takes us from the saccharine-sweet Jesus of many moderns to the mighty Lord of Love who leads the way to discipleship…”--Friends Journal

Product Details

• File Size: 234 KB
• Print Length: 99 pages
• Publisher: mikesnow.org; 2 edition (October 1, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005RIKH62
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #531,832 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Written and a Very Succinct View of Pacifism April 16, 2012

By G. Dill

Format:Kindle Edition

Beautifully written. One of the best books I've read on pacifism.

We can justify many of our actions from the Old Testament, including the support for war and violence. But, a closer examination of the OT will reveal that God does not accept or condone violence. I was surprised to learn that King David was not given the opportunity to build the Jewish temple because of all the blood he had shed in time of war. Mr. Snow provides many other examples taken from Scripture that supports pacifism. These passages are most prevalent in the New Testament for any disciple of Jesus Christ to follow. But, clearly pacifism is the way of the disciple. Violence, war, and military force is only the easy way out. Nevertheless, pacifism must always be lived with the Spirit of Christ, otherwise it is done in vain.

As a 10-year military veteran who struggled with this issue while serving in the Armed Forces, ultimately leading to my departure from the service; it was refreshing to hear the testimony of Mr. Snow who also struggled with this issue as well during his time in service. I am glad to see more fellow Christians examine their hearts and prayerfully reconsider the charge Jesus gives us to "turn the other cheek" and to "love our enemies". No disciple of Christ should kill anther human being, especially in light of the fact that there is not a single instance in all of Scripture where a follower of Jesus took up a sword to fight against another man.

Some of my favorite quotes from this book are:

"War's worst legacy is the pride and self-conceit found flourishing among the victors."

"Evil is wrought by the hands of both sides in war...."

"Doctrines, political philosophies, and material possessions come to be ends in themselves, promoting our superiority, rather than means by which we serve persons valued by God."

"If occupied with the call of the Gospel, our full hands have no room to grasp a sword."

"Pacifism is not passive. The Christian refusal to participate in any warfare knows nothing of inactivity. Ours is a positive pacifism, combating the very roots of war through the display of God's love and concern for every person in this alienated world."

"In many ways, we remain wanderers on the beach rather than swimmers in the ocean of faith. We love to frolic near the shore but hardly dare get past our knees in depth."

"Christian pacifism is a great and needed witness, but whenever it is separated from the love of Christ it seems inevitably to become cruel and bitter." Read more ›

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for every Christian! November 27, 2011

By Indueseason

Format:Kindle Edition

I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand Christian pacifism.The author's use of both the Old and New Testament, really helps clarify how God views war and the shedding of blood.The experience the author had in the military, and his God given insight, makes this book an easy and enjoyable read.If Christianity could grasp the truths in this book, the world would be a better place.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good but not Excellent June 17, 2013

By Craig S.

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

In general I would say this book was good but not excellent. It was worth a read but did not fully meet my every expectation.

If a person has already decided that Christians shoudl be pacifists, this book may enlarge their thinking or support the belief. If the reader is genuinely interested in exploring the belief and its validity, there are likely better books or options (that's me). It would not likely persuade many militaristic readers.

Many of the arguments are based on opinions of well known people. The scriptural arguments are neither very strong nor outrageous. It left me wanting more depth.

4.0 out of 5 stars When kingdoms collide February 2, 2013

By JLawson

Format:Kindle Edition

Mahatma Gandhi has been attributed with saying, "The only people on earth who don't see Jesus and his teachings as non-violent are Christians!" But Michael Snow is one Christian to whom these words do not apply. Mr. Snow is a former Marine officer and author of the book Christian Pacifism: Fruit of the Narrow Way.

What? A former military man who advocates pacifism? Yes, you heard me right. In case you're wondering how one goes from participating in the largest military industrial complex in the history of the world to following Christ in the way of non-violent resistance to the powers of this age, you will want to check out Michael's story. It is the most well-balanced, deeply challenging presentation of pacifism I have yet to read.

The first thing to note about Mr. Snow's writing on pacifism is his exceedingly gracious attitude toward those who may disagree with his stand. Nowhere does the reader find any tone of elitism. On the contrary, the author is quick to admit that pacifism is not the one-and-only way to know Christ as Lord and follow him in life. That said, however, he goes on to offer a passionate and convincing plea for the superiority of the pacifist position. And he offers no apologies in doing so.

While more could be said in regards to the many arguments made against non-violence, Mr. Snow is not afraid to engage any potential detractors. The reader will quickly come to respect his refusal to dodge any question in regards to the practical implications of his position.

Christian Pacifism is a short read. I completed it in four relatively brief sittings. The tone of the book is conversational, which adds to its unique personal touch.... Michael begins by recounting his own story from childhood to his involvement in the military and subsequent struggle with the harsh and unforgiving realities of war. The reader will be intrigued to hear this engaging perspective from one on the inside who came to see the falsehood of his own position as a Christian bearing arms.

Recounting his experience in chapel services the author says the following:

"I attended chapel where a contemporary service fed my hungry soul. The week was lived looking forward to that hour. However, something about the physical structure left me uneasy. It was those striking, etched glass windows: each depicted a scene from military history and was captioned by a verse of scripture.

"Surrounded by these scenes of men bearing arms, tanks and artillery, helicopters and jets, my mind wondered who was really worshipped. Malaise set in at the sight of such distortions as a Marine marksman standing over Paul's words to Timothy: 'Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.' The depiction of a drill instructor indoctrinating a recruit brought to mind the obscenities and the constant disrespect for the Lord's name. Then there was the window 'dedicated to the campaigns which were waged by Marines as an instrument of United States policy short of war,' portraying a resolute Marine, rifle with attached bayonet in hand, inscribed, 'Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, be strong' (1 Cor. 6:13). The bayonet troubled me most. Remembering the gleeful cries of 'Kill... blood and guts... Arrrraah!' during training forced me to try to ignore this surrounding graphic panorama each Sunday."

From personal experience Mr. Snow goes on to answer the objections of critics to the pacifist position, both as to scripture and everyday life. While allowing for every possible argument and maintaining a graceful dispostion toward those who hold differing opinions, he does not relent in holding forth a standard of conduct often unmatched in our day of rampant nationalism bordering often on idolatry. I wish I could get this book into the hands of every person I know who likes to wax eloquent about his or her devotion to "God and country," for when the kingdom of God collides with the kingdom of man, the sword must be relinquished for the cross.

More than anything else I was impressed with the stunning Christ-centeredness of Michael's call to non-violence. His is not a pacifism based upon blind sentimentality or some vaugely defined notion of brotherhood. It is crisp, clear, and born out of loving obedience to the example and teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In short, Christian Pacifism is worth your attention. It will surely challenge you in some way.

"To believe the promise of Jesus that his followers shall possess the earth, and at the same time to face our enemies unarmed and defenseless, preferring to incur injustice rather than to do wrong ourselves, is indeed a narrow way." (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship) Read more ›

3.0 out of 5 stars Lots of passion for pacifism, a little weak on Biblical scholarship March 20, 2012

By Brian

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This was an interesting and good read. Part biography, part plea for the Christian ideal of pacifism.

Pros:
easy read,

Cons:
Chapter 3 was the weak point of the book. The Old Testament propensity for war is one of the most difficult attributes of God in the Hebrew texts especially in light of Jesus' life of peace and self sacrifice. Has God's nature changed? Is God schizophrenic? or Did the Ancient Near Eastern culture influence the Old Testament writers understanding of God?

These questions addressed would've been very helpful instead of side stepping the issue.

Worth reading but supplement it with some historical critical reading of these difficult OT passages as well.

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