Nonviolence is a Way of Life
Statue of Gandhi’s Salt March in Bhujodi, Gujarat, India.
Nonviolence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.
Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948
I am a Presbyterian minister, now retired. I came of age in the 60’s during the turbulent movements of anti-war protests, civil rights struggles, and gender equality. I did not make the pilgrimage to Woodstock, but ever since that three-day festival of peace and music I have traveled there in spirit and camped out with the folks who long for a better world. Long before I experienced a call to Gospel ministry, I was drawn to the radical teachings of Jesus that describe the way to walk toward that new world.
The lives and leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. have helped me understand the teachings and life of Jesus in a more profound and focused way. Gandhi was deeply influenced by Jesus’ teachings, especially the Sermon on the Mount (The Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5, thru 7). It was Gandhi who articulated and named the heart of Jesus’ message—nonviolence. I understand more clearly now that the Prince of Peace taught his followers to live and act in ways that resist violence, injustice, and oppression. To be a follower of Jesus involves being part of communities that are inclusive and practice mutual support, forgiveness, and social engagement.
I am no longer pastoring a congregation, but I am committed to a ministry of promoting nonviolence. Nonviolence is not passivity or avoidance of conflict. Nonviolence approaches conflict with a different attitude and a different set of tools. Nonviolence has two hands. One hand says “Stop—I will not cooperate with your injustice”; the other hand reaches out to say, “I am open to you as a human being.”
At its heart, nonviolence is love. I don’t mean the kind of love that is all sweetness and light, unicorns and rainbows. This love has the courage to confront hate, violence, and injustice, and a willingness to suffer and sacrifice. This love desires to make friends out of enemies. Nonviolence is love in action.
At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life . . . Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20, The Message translation). Nonviolence is a WAY OF LIFE, a way that involves practice and discipline. The practices include dealing with and letting go of anger and refusing to retaliate. At the heart of this life is the experience of the love of the Creator for you, for me, and for everyone (whether we like them or not).
John Blewitt is the founder of Nonviolent Navarro. You can read thoughts and find information of upcoming events on the Nonviolent Navarro Facebook Page. Contact John at jblewitt@bellsouth.net.