Importance of Nonviolent Resistance

In the history of humanity the vast majority of impositions and aggressions have been answered with equally aggressive reactions. It could be said that violence has been and is the natural reaction to terror. Although the use of force is the most widespread criterion, the alternative of nonviolent resistance has proven its effectiveness.

Jesus Christ, Gandhi and Luther King practiced this powerful alternative

In the Holy Scriptures, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, reference is made to a famous idea transmitted by Jesus of Nazareth: one must not oppose evil with an evil action. To exemplify this idea, Jesus proposed "turning the other cheek" when we are victims of aggression.

This attitude it is logically exceptional and difficult to apply. However, with this message we are reminded of an important idea: to combat evil we must not react in the same way.

The apostles followers of Jesus were consistent with the teachings of their teacher and when they were persecuted by the Roman authorities did not react with violent messages and remained firm in their convictions

During Gandhi's lifetime, India was subject to the British Empire. To weaken the strength of the empire and achieve the independence of his country Gandhi led a motion of peaceful resistance. Those who followed him achieved their ultimate goal, as India achieved independence in 1948.

Following Gandhi's teachings, American leader Martin Luther King opposed the racial segregation of his country. Instead of proposing confrontation or any other formula, he defended nonviolent resistance and his This example was decisive for the laws that maintained the system of racial segregation to be abolished.

the quaker movement

Quakers are Christians and the official term for their doctrine is Society Religious of Friends. Those who are part of this group defend radical pacifism and strict honesty.

They were persecuted for their convictions but at no time did they react with violent acts. Quakers in the United States were very combative against slavery and ran into legal trouble when they refused to bear arms during the Civil War.

A firm and courageous attitude with which it is possible to fight enemies

The examples of Jesus, Gandhi and Luther King have the same message in common: it is possible not to resort to violence as the only weapon of defense.

This attitude also expresses moral strength and courage. In this sense, there are various methods used by supporters of non-violence: denouncing the attacks, social mobilization, non-collaboration with any violent proposal, boycott those who legitimize or justify some form of intimidation or disobedience civil.

Image: Fotolia – Blattwerkstatt