Principles of Nonviolence

[Joe Brummer]

I did a series on the six principles of nonviolence as explained in the "pilgrimage to nonviolence" by Martin Luther King. This is the part I did on the Fourth Principle. I thought it would be a good discussion for people.

The fourth principle of nonviolence reads:

"A fourth point that characterizes nonviolent resistance is a willingness to accept suffering without retaliation, to accept blows from the opponent without striking back. ‘Rivers of blood may have to flow before we gain our freedom, but it must be our blood,’ Gandhi said to his countrymen. The nonviolent resister … does not seek to dodge jail. If going to jail is necessary, he enters it ‘as a bridegroom enters the bride’s chamber…’

This principle has been personal lately for me. I have read some stuff on the web from other bloggers that have some colorful things to say about me. I am not much bothered by it, but once in a great while they will write something that makes my heart sink when I read it. It does in fact hurt me. What I have notice about it is that for the most part, their snappy little comments are not based on me. It is really about them. They don't really know me, so their comments about me (I know) are unfounded and usually not true. There is a basis for me telling you all this.

This principle is really about removing yourself from the conflict. When someone calls you names, like "faggot" or "dike", "Nigger" or "towelhead". It isn't really about you. It is about the person who said it, it is all about them. When you suddenly realize the comments are not really about you, they don't really hurt anymore. Instead I tend to feel sorry for those who use those terms so violently. What pain lies in them that makes them so violent?

It is at this point we must decide for ourselves how to respond to these blows, with love or with more hate? It becomes so much easier to take the "blows" when you know they are not really about you. By not striking back, this facts becomes shame for the one who has lashed out in the first place. When they realize you are not going to be violence to them, they realize that the violence doesn't work. What they intended to do was hurt you, and it didn't work. Even when the draw blood, they see that they have not hurt you. Why on earth would anyone take blows like that you ask? For the goal of the beloved community would be my answer. At some point the violence whether it be of speech or action, it needs to stop. Hate doesn't stop hate. Love stops hate. Violence doesn't get stopped by more violence, it is stopped by love.

Christ said in the Sermon on the Mount:
You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth."
But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.
Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

So many people have mistaken the "turn the other cheek" thing to mean walk away. It does not mean that at all. It means to literally "offer the other side of your face" to be hit. Nonviolence is not about being inactive. As King said it is "love in action". It is about pointing out to your adversary that because you love them and the world you are willing to suffer if will put an end to the conflict. You are willing to take whatever they are willing to dish out for the sake of the cause. In the Civil Rights Movement this meant being arrested, being beaten, being harassed. We have all seen the picture Rosa Parks being arrested. It makes it look so peaceful. Do you really think for a minute that it was that peaceful when she refused to give up her seat? I can imagine the names she was called as she sat there waiting to be arrested. I can imagine the insults tossed her way. It only shows the amazing courage she had to suffer for the greater cause.

Going back to what I was saying earlier, it is so much easier to take the name calling and the blows when you do not see it as suffering. When you see it as a small price to pay in the scope of a better world. Think of the thoughts that must have gone through Rosa Parks head at the moment she said "I am not getting up". Think about the thoughts when the next thing she heard was "Get to the back of the bus, Nigger". Did she smile to herself and say call me what you want, I don't care. It isn't about me, it is about Justice


You can read the other principles here. I have not done the last one yet.

[Hearts&Minds]

It is about pointing out to your adversary that because you love them and the world you are willing to suffer if will put an end to the conflict. You are willing to take whatever they are willing to dish out for the sake of the cause. In the Civil Rights Movement this meant being arrested, being beaten, being harassed. We have all seen the picture Rosa Parks being arrested. It makes it look so peaceful. Do you really think for a minute that it was that peaceful when she refused to give up her seat? I can imagine the names she was called as she sat there waiting to be arrested. I can imagine the insults tossed her way. It only shows the amazing courage she had to suffer for the greater cause.

Thank you for writing that, this section in particular really rang true to me. I guess the struggle is in discerning what does indeed best serve that greater cause of nonviolence and compassion.
Amen and thank you!

(heh f1rst post)

[Joe Brummer]

Thanks and welcome to the Soulforce web board!