We Will Not Cease
This book was written by Achibald Baxter about his experiences as a pacifist in the First World War. Baxter refused to serve in the military and was forced on a boat to Europe, where he experienced psychological and physical torture, at the hands of the New Zealand military. He remained faithful to his principles and made it home to NZ eventually, mentally in tatters from the suffering.
A Life of Pacifism
I am fascinated by Archibald Baxter’s life. As a fellow pacifist, it is amazing to see his stance against the organised violence of the New Zealand Government. As an undergraduate theology major, I found myself confused by the inconsistency of those who proclaimed religion, while at the same time promoting the military. There were other theology majors who were paying their way through university by serving in the military and I remember having conversations with a few of these fellows, trying to understand how they reconciled the proposed peaceful aspects of their religion with being part of the war machine. I never heard anything but mental gymnastics in relation to these queries.
Knowing it was Wrong
I became quite desperate at one point in my studies and looked into the chaplain option, but I couldn’t follow through with such inconsistency. One fellow attempted to get me to sign up, asking what I would do if someone was going to kill my mother. These emotive arguments come to the front when their other arguments are not accepted. I got as far as taking a physical exam and then walking out of the building. I was desperate for money for university, but not that desperate. I should say that I THOUGHT I was desperate - things have a way of working out.
A Statement
War is never the right course of action. War is the ultimate failure of civilisation. The “enemy” is always made out to be less than human, while we are in the right. The poor and vulnerable go to war to line the pockets of the wealthy and otherwise powerful. Soldiers are like the animals we keep in cages for food - a means to an end that does not benefit them.
War and other exploitation
As long as we slaughter innocent beings, we will be at war with ourselves and others. Don’t be part of either exploiting our human brothers and sisters or other beings. While you might think it is you doing the exploiting, ultimately it is you being exploited. Open your heart to kindness and compassion.
May all beings know peace!
Gerald Tūruapō Jordan, MBA, MEd, MCouns
31 January 2024