History of Pacifism: From Veteran to Peacemaker with Nicholas Harrelson

The Bad Roman

Combat-wounded veteran-turned-pacifist Nicholas Harrelson returns to the show to discuss his paper comparing the expressed pacifism of Martin Luther King Jr and Leo Tolstoy. Nicholas is a Transitional Deacon in the Anglican Church, currently pursuing a PhD in Political Theology and Christian Ethics. While studying, he learned that there is a historical connection between Tolstoy and MLK. Nicholas wanted to compare the non-violent stance of Tolstoy and Martin Luther King Jr. Through Gandhi, MLK learned about Tolstoy’s pacifism. However, MLK’s pacifist stance and thoughts became more like Tolstoy’s and less like Gandhi’s with time, arguably because of his understanding of the Sermon on the Mount and its practical applications. Perhaps this is why both men sought to break vicious cycles of violence.

Nicholas elaborates on the practical application of Tolstoy and MLK’s understandings of the Sermon on the Mount, revealing how they are still applicable to Christians today. As Tolstoy said, the sermon on the mount is always relevant in every situation. Although we may not be able to see into the future, when we act in ways congruent with Jesus and the sermon on the mount, God can use it to change the world profoundly. We can see this in the saying, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” As Christians, we should always seek to be self-reflective and see where we can make changes to better aspire to live out Jesus’ teachings and the Sermon on the Mount.

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