Arguing that war is philosophically irreconcilable with Christianity, Daniel Dombrowski contradicts just war theorists, whose position can be traced to Church figures—notably Tomas Acquinas. While the roots of pacifism lie in the teachings of Jesus, Dombrowski relies as much on philosophical argument as on theological exegesis or speculation. Classical sources (the Bible, Saint Augustine, Saint Thomas Aquinas) are treated along with several contemporary scholars and pacifists, among them: Elizabeth Anscombe, Paul Ramsey, James Turner Johnson, Michael Walzer, Richard Wasserstrom, Douglas Lackey, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, Jenny Teichman, Charles Hartshorne, George Weigel, and Finnis-Boyle Grisez. His intent is to provide a concentrated defense of pacifism that will be useful for scholars who are interested in strengthening the intellectual rigor of their views or to just war theorists who are bewildered by pacifism as an intellectual stance.
Never a popular position, the concept of pacifism has been diluted, if not circumvented, by both philosophers and artists. Dombrowski responds to its unfavorable position during most of the history of Christianity through a Platonic analysis of the negative effect art has had on Christian pacifism. He shows how both visual art and dance have created significant obstacles to the portrayal of Jesus the peacemaker. The author also considers the connection between philosophy of religion and pacifism.
Christian Pacifism offers a clear overview of most of the major differences among pacifists, just war theorists, and "war is hell" theorists. The book avoids parochialism throughout, so it is of interest not only for Christians. Author note:
Daniel A. Dombrowshi, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Seattle University, has written numerous articles and five other books, including Hartshorne and the Metaphysics of Animal Rights.