Is the use of physical force ever allowed to a follower of Christ? The answer does not settle the question of the lawfulness of war. There are certainly forms of force that have not the un-Christian features that belong to war, and it is not fair to treat the two words “war” and “force” as if they were synonymous. One may reasonably hold that some forms of force are inconsistent with the Christian faith, while holding that others are consistent with it.
There are two extreme theories regarding the use of force. The pacifist view (to use an ugly but convenient term) is that force is never to be used for moral or spiritual ends. The militarist view is that force is the only effective weapon, and is to be used for all purposes without scruple. Let us look at these two theories.
