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Christian pacifism Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Christian Pacifism: Historical Perspectives and Key Figures

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Christian Pacifism: Historical Perspectives and Key Figures Study Guide

Core Principles and Biblical Foundations

The theological and ethical position of Christian pacifism asserts that violence is fundamentally incompatible with the core tenets of the Christian faith.

Answer: True

Explanation: Christian pacifism posits that pacifism and non-violence are biblically and rationally supported for Christians, asserting that any form of violence is incompatible with the Christian faith.

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Scholar John A. Wood suggests that the Old Testament exclusively commands human military action for Israel's preservation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Scholar John A. Wood suggests that the Old Testament contains roots of Christian pacifism, implying that Israel's preservation was primarily due to God's direct intervention rather than exclusively human military action.

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Millard C. Lind argues that ancient Israel was directed to trust God and seek peace, rather than emulate the ways of warring nations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Millard C. Lind's interpretation suggests that ancient Israel was instructed to place trust in God and pursue peace, rather than adopting the practices of belligerent nations.

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Jesus' teaching 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth' is cited by Christian pacifists as a teaching that he reinterpreted to prohibit retaliation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christian pacifists cite Jesus' reinterpretation of the 'eye for an eye' principle not as a justification for retaliation, but as a foundation for his teaching on non-resistance and turning the other cheek.

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Jesus' statement to Peter, 'Put your sword back in its place... for all who draw the sword will die by the sword,' is interpreted by Christian pacifists as a prohibition against violence.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement by Jesus to Peter is widely interpreted by Christian pacifists as a direct prohibition against the use of violence and the drawing of the sword.

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What is the central assertion of Christian pacifism regarding violence?

Answer: Any form of violence is incompatible with the Christian faith.

Explanation: The central assertion of Christian pacifism is that any form of violence is fundamentally incompatible with the core tenets and teachings of the Christian faith.

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Scholar John A. Wood's interpretation of the Old Testament roots of Christian pacifism suggests that:

Answer: Israel's preservation was primarily due to God's direct intervention, not human armies.

Explanation: John A. Wood's interpretation suggests that the Old Testament implies Israel's preservation was largely due to God's direct intervention, rather than solely relying on human military efforts.

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Which teaching of Jesus is most directly cited as foundational to Christian pacifism regarding interpersonal conflict?

Answer: Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Explanation: The teaching 'Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also' is most directly cited as foundational to Christian pacifism concerning interpersonal conflict.

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Early Church and Medieval Developments

Tertullian argued that Christians could serve both God and Caesar, even in military roles, positing an agreement between divine and human sacraments.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tertullian argued that Christians could not serve two masters, God and Caesar, stating there was no agreement between the divine and human sacraments, nor between the camps of light and darkness. He questioned how a Christian could war without a sword, which the Lord had taken away.

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Origen believed that the Christian Lawgiver (Jesus) permitted his disciples to offer violence to wicked individuals.

Answer: False

Explanation: Origen believed that the Christian Lawgiver (Jesus) had forbidden his disciples from offering violence to anyone, however wicked.

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The conversion of Emperor Constantine led to a decline in the justification of warfare among Christians.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following Emperor Constantine's conversion, warfare and violence became increasingly justified by influential Christian thinkers, marking a shift from earlier pacifist sentiments.

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Augustine of Hippo's writings contributed significantly to the development of the 'just war' theory, which permits the use of force under specific conditions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine of Hippo's theological and philosophical works laid foundational elements for the 'just war' theory, providing a framework for the justification of warfare under certain ethical and political circumstances.

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Martin of Tours, after converting to Christianity, renounced his military career and ceased fighting in Roman campaigns.

Answer: False

Explanation: Martin of Tours, upon converting to Christianity, declared himself a 'soldier of Christ' and refused further military service, renouncing his career in the Roman army.

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The Peace and Truce of God movements in the Middle Ages aimed to limit endemic violence by protecting specific groups and times.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Peace and Truce of God movements in the Middle Ages sought to limit endemic violence through spiritual sanctions, protecting church property, agricultural resources, and unarmed clerics, rather than increasing violence.

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Thomas Aquinas argued that it was lawful for Christians to kill heretics, a position contrary to pacifist principles.

Answer: False

Explanation: Thomas Aquinas argued that it was lawful to kill heretics, drawing parallels to the use of animals for human benefit, a stance that diverges significantly from pacifist tenets.

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Catharism, a medieval movement, is described by its accusers as having been strictly pacifist, including abjuring war and killing.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical accounts, particularly from inquisitorial sources, describe Catharism as a movement characterized by strict adherence to pacifist principles, including the rejection of war and killing.

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The Twelve Conclusions of the Lollards asserted that Christians should refrain from warfare, particularly condemning religiously justified conflicts like crusades.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Twelve Conclusions of the Lollards asserted that Christians should refrain from warfare, viewing religiously justified conflicts such as crusades as blasphemous.

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Upton Sinclair viewed Emperor Constantine's conversion as corrupting Christianity into a tool of the state, thereby moving it away from its pacifist origins.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upton Sinclair's perspective suggests that Constantine's conversion led to Christianity becoming instrumentalized by the state, deviating from its initial pacifist foundations.

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The phrase 'Kill them. The Lord knows those that are his own' is cited in the context of the Albigensian Crusade, contrasting sharply with Christian pacifist teachings.

Answer: False

Explanation: The phrase 'Kill them. The Lord knows those that are his own,' reportedly spoken during the Albigensian Crusade, is presented as an example antithetical to Christian pacifist ideals, not as an example of pacifist teaching.

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How did early Church Fathers like Justin Martyr and Tatian interpret Jesus' teachings on non-violence?

Answer: They interpreted Jesus' teachings as advocating non-violence and refraining from war.

Explanation: Early Church Fathers such as Justin Martyr and Tatian interpreted Jesus' teachings as advocating non-violence and a complete refraining from participation in war.

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Tertullian's argument against Christians serving in the military was based on the principle that:

Answer: Christians could not serve two masters, God and Caesar.

Explanation: Tertullian's argument against military service for Christians was based on the principle that one cannot serve two masters, God and Caesar, implying a conflict of allegiance.

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What significant shift occurred in Christian attitudes towards warfare following Emperor Constantine's conversion?

Answer: Warfare and violence were increasingly justified by influential Christians.

Explanation: Following Emperor Constantine's conversion, warfare and violence became increasingly justified by influential Christian thinkers, marking a shift from earlier pacifist sentiments.

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Augustine of Hippo's contribution to the discourse on force was the development of:

Answer: The 'just war' theory.

Explanation: Augustine of Hippo's writings laid foundational elements for the 'just war' theory, providing a framework for the ethical justification of warfare under specific conditions.

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The Peace and Truce of God movements in the Middle Ages were primarily aimed at:

Answer: Limiting the endemic violence of feuding through spiritual sanctions.

Explanation: The Peace and Truce of God movements aimed to mitigate the pervasive violence of the Middle Ages by employing spiritual sanctions and protecting certain groups and activities.

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Reformation and Post-Reformation Thinkers

Petr Chelčický believed that Christians should not kill sinners, interpreting the parable of the wheat and the tares to mean that sinners and saints should coexist until the final judgment.

Answer: False

Explanation: Petr Chelčický used the parable of the wheat and the tares to argue that Christians should not kill sinners, asserting that both should coexist until the final harvest, as it is wrong for humans to execute judgment.

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Menno Simons taught that Christ's kingdom is one of peace, contrasting with the prince of strife.

Answer: False

Explanation: Menno Simons taught that Christ's kingdom is characterized by peace, aligning with the concept of Christ as the Prince of Peace, and contrasting with the prince of strife.

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What was the core belief of Petr Chelčický regarding the coexistence of sinners and saints?

Answer: Sinners and saints should coexist until the final judgment, and killing is wrong.

Explanation: Petr Chelčický believed that sinners and saints should coexist until the final judgment, asserting that killing is fundamentally wrong.

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Menno Simons emphasized that Christ's kingdom is characterized by:

Answer: Peace and non-violence.

Explanation: Menno Simons emphasized that Christ's kingdom is fundamentally characterized by peace and non-violence, aligning with the teachings of Christ as the Prince of Peace.

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Historic Peace Churches and Denominational Stances

The Quakers, Mennonites, and Church of the Brethren are historically recognized as 'Peace Churches'.

Answer: True

Explanation: These denominations are historically known as 'Peace Churches' due to their consistent institutional commitment to pacifism and non-violence.

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Traditionally, Anabaptist churches like the Amish and Hutterites have upheld non-violence, rejecting military service.

Answer: False

Explanation: Traditionally, Anabaptist churches, including the Amish and Hutterites, hold firmly to their beliefs in non-violence and reject military service.

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The Christadelphians formally organized as a distinct religious body in 1863, with the American Civil War's conscription policies being a contributing factor.

Answer: True

Explanation: The formation of the Christadelphians in 1863 was influenced by events such as the American Civil War and its conscription policies, highlighting their commitment to Christian pacifism.

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Christadelphians generally refuse all forms of military service, including roles such as medics or stretcher bearers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Christadelphian stance typically involves refusing all military service, often preferring non-uniformed civil hospital service as an alternative to roles within the armed forces.

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The Churches of God (7th day) oppose carnal warfare, believing their spiritual weapons are sufficient.

Answer: False

Explanation: Groups identified as Churches of God (7th day) oppose carnal warfare, citing biblical passages and asserting the sufficiency of their spiritual weapons for spiritual conflict.

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The Doukhobors famously engaged in the 'Burning of the Arms' in 1895, an act symbolizing their profound rejection of violence.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1895, the Doukhobors, a Spiritual Christian denomination known for pacifism, symbolically rejected violence by burning their weapons in an event known as the 'Burning of the Arms'.

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Holiness pacifist denominations view war as incompatible with the Gospel's teachings on benevolence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Holiness pacifist denominations generally hold that war is incompatible with the benevolent aims of Christianity and the teachings of the Gospel.

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The Wesleyan Methodist Church's 1844 Book of Discipline declared that the Gospel is opposed to the practice of war in all its forms.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1844 Book of Discipline of the Wesleyan Methodist Church stated that the Gospel is 'in every way opposed to the practice of War in all its forms'.

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Jehovah's Witnesses refuse military service due to their doctrine of political neutrality.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jehovah's Witnesses refuse military service not due to political engagement, but rather due to their doctrine of strict political neutrality, which prohibits participation in warfare.

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During World War II, Jehovah's Witnesses in Canada were sometimes interned in camps alongside other political dissidents due to their refusal of military service.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jehovah's Witnesses' refusal to serve in the military during World War II led to their persecution and internment in Canada, often alongside other political dissidents.

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The Moravian Church historically adheres to Christian pacifism, not rejects it.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Moravian Church historically adheres to Christian pacifism, as exemplified by the non-resistance of the Lenape Moravians during the Gnadenhutten massacre.

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The Quaker 'Peace Testimony' emphasizes the refusal to participate in war efforts, even when sanctioned by the state.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Quaker 'Peace Testimony' is a core value that guides Friends to refuse participation in war, regardless of state sanction.

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Shakers believe it is unacceptable to harm others, even during wartime.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shakers, emerging from Quakerism, adhere to a strict non-violence principle, believing it is unacceptable to kill or harm others, even in the context of war.

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The Seventh-day Adventist Church's initial stance during the American Civil War was to oppose bearing arms.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shortly after its formation during the American Civil War, the Seventh-day Adventist Church declared its opposition to bearing arms, establishing a conscientious objection stance.

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The current policy of the Seventh-day Adventist Church allows military service in non-combative roles, respecting conscientious objection.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Seventh-day Adventist Church's current policy permits service in non-combative military roles, while also respecting the conscientious objection of individuals.

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The Lutheran Church of Australia recognizes conscientious objection to war as biblically legitimate.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Lutheran Church of Australia acknowledges and recognizes conscientious objection to war as biblically legitimate, allowing individuals to refuse military service based on religious convictions.

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During World War I, Hutterite brothers from South Dakota were imprisoned for refusing to fight or wear military uniforms.

Answer: True

Explanation: Hutterite brothers, adhering to their pacifist beliefs, faced imprisonment during World War I for their refusal to engage in military service or wear uniforms.

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Jehovah's Witnesses were persecuted in Nazi concentration camps primarily for their refusal to support the Nazi regime's military actions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jehovah's Witnesses were persecuted in Nazi concentration camps for their refusal to serve in the military or pledge allegiance to the Nazi regime, not for supporting their military actions.

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Which of the following denominations are historically recognized as 'Peace Churches'?

Answer: Quakers, Mennonites, and Church of the Brethren

Explanation: The Quakers (Religious Society of Friends), Mennonites, and Church of the Brethren are historically recognized as 'Peace Churches' due to their consistent institutional commitment to pacifism.

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The Christadelphians' refusal of military service typically extends to:

Answer: All forms of military service, including medical roles.

Explanation: Christadelphians generally refuse all forms of military service, including non-combatant roles such as medics or stretcher bearers, often opting for civil hospital service instead.

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What symbolic act did the Doukhobors perform in 1895 to demonstrate their rejection of violence?

Answer: The 'Burning of the Arms'.

Explanation: In 1895, the Doukhobors performed the 'Burning of the Arms,' a symbolic act where they destroyed their weapons to demonstrate their profound rejection of violence.

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Jehovah's Witnesses maintain political neutrality, which leads them to refuse:

Answer: Participation in elections and military service.

Explanation: Jehovah's Witnesses' doctrine of political neutrality leads them to refuse participation in elections and military service, among other political involvements.

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The Quaker 'Peace Testimony' is a core value emphasizing:

Answer: The refusal to participate in war and the promotion of peace.

Explanation: The Quaker 'Peace Testimony' is a fundamental value emphasizing the refusal to participate in war and actively promoting peace.

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The Seventh-day Adventist Church's current policy on military service allows for:

Answer: Service in non-combative roles, respecting conscientious objection.

Explanation: The Seventh-day Adventist Church's current policy permits service in non-combative military roles, while also respecting the conscientious objection of individuals.

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Modern Christian Pacifism and Activism

Leo Tolstoy is identified in the provided material as a historical figure who did not associate with Christian pacifism.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source material explicitly mentions Leo Tolstoy as a prominent historical figure associated with Christian pacifism, not as someone who disassociated from it.

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Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for matching opponents' physical force with 'soul force' and the capacity to endure suffering to achieve justice.

Answer: False

Explanation: Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for responding to physical force with 'soul force' and the capacity to endure suffering, rather than matching physical force with greater physical force.

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Ammon Hennacy believed that courage alone, without love and wisdom, was sufficient for societal change.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ammon Hennacy posited that societal change requires a combination of love, courage, and wisdom, stating that courage alone, without the other two, amounts to foolhardiness.

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Dorothy Day suggested that revolutionary figures like Che Guevara were guided by great feelings of love, rather than solely by political ideology.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dorothy Day commented that revolutionary figures like Che Guevara were guided by great feelings of love, linking this to the Christian concept of self-sacrifice.

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The Lambeth Conferences in the mid-20th century affirmed that war is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Lambeth Conferences in the mid-20th century affirmed that war as a method of settling international disputes is incompatible with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.

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Martin Luther King Jr. was significantly inspired by the non-violent activism of which international figure?

Answer: True

Explanation: Martin Luther King Jr. was profoundly influenced by the non-violent activism of Mahatma Gandhi, whose full name is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

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The New England Non-Resistance Society advocated against the use of force in resisting evil and condemned the death penalty.

Answer: False

Explanation: The New England Non-Resistance Society, founded in 1838, condemned the use of force in resisting evil, war, and the death penalty, advocating for allegiance solely to God.

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David Lipscomb argued against Christians supporting warfare or voting, citing that human governments have historically waged wars.

Answer: False

Explanation: David Lipscomb argued against Christians supporting warfare and voting, using the historical fact of governmental warfare as a reason for Christian separation from state affairs.

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The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FoR), founded in Britain in 1915, was an organization supporting Christians who held pacifist views outside the established historic peace churches.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FoR) emerged in 1915 to provide a platform for Christians advocating pacifism who were not affiliated with the traditional historic peace churches.

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Walter Wink's concept of the 'third way' in response to evil is best described as militant nonviolence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Walter Wink described the 'third way' as militant nonviolence, representing Jesus' alternative to passivity or violent opposition in confronting evil.

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Ben Salmon, a Catholic pacifist, criticized just war theory and all war during World War I.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ben Salmon, a Catholic pacifist, criticized just war theory, believing all war to be unjust. He protested against Selective Service induction during World War I.

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André and Magda Trocmé embodied Christian pacifism during World War II by aiding Jewish refugees, not by organizing armed resistance.

Answer: False

Explanation: André and Magda Trocmé, embodying Christian pacifism, helped hide hundreds of Jews fleeing the Nazis in their village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, rather than organizing armed resistance.

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John Middleton Murry's stance on pacifism evolved significantly after witnessing the Holocaust, leading him to advocate for preventative war.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Middleton Murry, initially a pacifist, later recanted his position following the horrors of the Holocaust, subsequently advocating for preventative military action.

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War tax resistance is a form of protest specifically against government spending on military activities and war.

Answer: False

Explanation: War tax resistance is a form of protest against government spending on war and military activities, not social programs.

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Which of the following individuals is NOT listed as a prominent historical Christian pacifist in the provided text?

Answer: Augustine of Hippo

Explanation: While Augustine of Hippo contributed to discussions on warfare, he is not primarily listed among the prominent historical Christian pacifists in the text, unlike Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day, and Leo Tolstoy.

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Martin Luther King Jr.'s approach to conflict resolution involved matching opponents' physical force with:

Answer: Soul force and the capacity to endure suffering.

Explanation: Martin Luther King Jr.'s approach involved matching physical force with 'soul force' and the capacity to endure suffering, a strategy rooted in non-violent resistance.

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Martin Luther King Jr. was significantly inspired by the non-violent activism of which international figure?

Answer: Both A and C

Explanation: Martin Luther King Jr. was significantly inspired by the non-violent activism of Mahatma Gandhi, whose full name is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

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The New England Non-Resistance Society, founded in 1838, advocated for:

Answer: Renouncing allegiance to human government and condemning the use of force.

Explanation: The New England Non-Resistance Society advocated for renouncing allegiance to human government and condemning all forms of force, including war and capital punishment.

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David Lipscomb argued against Christians voting because:

Answer: Human governments throughout history have waged wars.

Explanation: David Lipscomb argued against Christians supporting warfare and voting, citing the historical reality that human governments have consistently waged wars, making participation incompatible with Christian principles.

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Walter Wink's concept of the 'third way' in response to evil is best described as:

Answer: Militant nonviolence.

Explanation: Walter Wink described the 'third way' as militant nonviolence, representing Jesus' alternative to passivity or violent opposition in confronting evil.

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Ben Salmon, during World War I, protested against:

Answer: Just war theory and all war.

Explanation: Ben Salmon, a Catholic pacifist, protested against just war theory and all forms of war during World War I.

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