IndexDefinitionTheological basis for understanding the pacifism of JesusRelationship between the pacifism of Jesus and non-violent protests in historyNon-violence and non-retaliation in modern ptotests in KenyaHow Can the church exploit Jesus? DefinitionPacifism is opposition to war or violence as a means of resolving disputes; specifically: refusal to bear arms for moral or religious reasons. Therefore, we can further describe the pacifism of Jesus as one who taught peace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, non-retaliation, and love for enemies, and lives his life according to these principles. He is a warrior figure, leading an invincible army and determined to exact violent and ruthless revenge on his enemies. He led a teaching and healing mission in Galilee, died voluntarily on a cross in Jerusalem, and ultimately had an unshakable trust in the goodness and justice of God. He says no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Theological foundations for understanding the pacifism of Jesus"Do not repay evil with evil nor insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, for to this you were called so that you might inherit a blessing. " (1 Peter 3:9)For Christians, revenge is never the right choice. Period. Peter echoes the teaching of Jesus, as well as that of Paul, in making it perfectly clear that those who are in Christ – those who are set apart for a new purpose – are not permitted to “sell accounts.” Peter is writing to believers who were likely suffering both physical harm and “indignities” (or insults) for their faith in Christ. The way of the world and our normal human impulse is to fight back with the same abusive treatment we receive. Peter commands us to reject this instinct completely. Instead of repaying evil with evil or insult with insult, Peter commands those in Christ to "bless," or give a blessing. A blessing is a positive statement. For a Christian, it is a request that God help another person to succeed in some way, that he or she may experience God's favor. Why would we ever do such a thing for someone who has hurt or insulted us? Peter answered this question in 1 Peter 2:21–25. We respond with a blessing when harm is given to us, because this is what Jesus did for us, and it is He who we follow. We are walking in His footsteps. Peter adds two ideas here. First, as Christians, we are called to this work of giving blessings in exchange for evil and insults. This is part of our purpose as God's set apart people on earth. This is a powerful tool for social change, as only forgiveness can break the cycle of revenge. Relationship of Jesus' Pacifism to Nonviolent Protests in History An example of pacifism in relation to nonviolent protests in history is clearly highlighted in the life experience of Martin Luther King Jr., an American Baptist minister and activist who became the spokesman and leader more visible than the civil rights movement. Having grown up in Atlanta and witnessed segregation and racism every day, King was “fascinated by the idea of ​​refusing to cooperate with an evil system” (King 1958). While intellectually committed to nonviolence, King experienced the power of nonviolent direct action during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, where he personally implemented Gandhi's principles. He did not use armed bodyguards despite death threats and responded to violent experiences, such as the bombing of his home, with compassion.Through practical experience leading nonviolent protest, King came to understand how nonviolence could become a way of life, applicable to all situations. King called the principle of nonviolent resistance “the guiding light of our movement. Christ provided the spirit and motivation while Gandhi provided the method” (King 1960) PRINCIPLE ONE: Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. PRINCIPLE TWO: Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding.PRINCIPLE THREE: Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice, not people.PRINCIPLE FOUR: Nonviolence holds that suffering can educate and transform.PRINCIPLE FIVE: Nonviolence chooses love instead of hatred.PRINCIPLE SIX: Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for equality in a time of hate, pain and discrimination. Unlike many during that time, he fought with a weapon, that weapon was love. Like Jesus, MLK received hate from every angle, yet he still fought with love. He wanted the world to be peaceful. He didn't hold a grudge against the people who persecuted him, he just wanted them to feel the love that would be possible if there was no more discrimination and hatred. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." -Martin Luther King Jr. Non-violence and non-retaliation in modern ptotests in Kenya On August 5, 2010, Kenyans adopted a new constitution with the participation of almost 70% of voters. This happened thanks to the involvement of the non-violent struggle for constitutional reform that lasted up to two decades. The principle of non-violence has been applied to some extent in the context of Kenya's constitutional reform process, where civil society organizations have called for mass action accompanied by civil disobedience, specifically discouraging violence. Thus, for example, mass action began in Kenya on 3 May 1997 and ended on 20 October 1997 (mutunga 1999). This mass action took forms such as rallies, demonstrations, processions, strikes, sit-ins, vigils and prayers. . The mass action challenged the legitimacy of the existing legal system by attempting to use non-violent means of protest. Mass action in this sense was used as an alternative to armed struggle. . However, this mass action also has its negative consequences, resulting in the deaths of some at the hands of the police and even some individuals involved in looting. Violence is not the only way to bring about dramatic social change and eliminate unjust relationships in society. (Jeong,2017) (A vital goal of nonviolent action is the preservation of human life.) Elections can also be considered as a non-violent event. violent means to achieve necessary social change. Supporters of nonviolence argue that violent action by one party to the conflict does not justify retaliation in terms of violence. The goal of nonviolent struggle is not victory over the other side but mutual gain through the realization of an intrinsically good goal. In fact, the non-violent resister does not seek to defeat the opponent but to win his friendship and understanding. (Washington. 1986) How can the church exploit Jesus? A number of Kenyans, however, are clearly aware of the structural conflict situation in which they find themselves living. Evidence for this claim is the growing role that members of the public play in criticizing government conduct. Their participation in debates in the media also shows some awareness of the conflict issues they face. It will be argued that it is not.