The main thrust of the document seems to be that neither individual nor nation has the right not only to engage in offensive violence (fair enough), but also (problematically) not to defend ourselves from any sort of attack, no matter who the attacker might be. The Bible is used to make this argument but the references in this declaration are not well balanced by other words of scripture; specifically “act justly”, “look after orphans and widows in their distress”. This Declaration also leads us to never have the right to physically defend anyone, ever, under any circumstance. Also, if we can’t defend ourselves physically in deference to other’s rights how can we choose any persons rights over another? That would require a choosing of sides, which this document seems to have a problem with. This would ultimately result in no rescue for victims of violence or oppression and ultimately a choice to support the oppressor. This is a problem.
As much as it is scriptural that “he who lives by the sword, dies by the sword” and “vengeance is mine, says the Lord”, the Bible speaks often of justice, and coming to the aid of the defenseless and vulnerable. The Book of James speaks of a religion that pleases God by coming to the aid of the widow and the orphan. James also speaks of a faith that acts to relieve the suffering of hunger or nakedness, not just acknowledging it. The reality of these things is to be met with action. So, if someone is being violently oppressed, or forced into a life of pain and abuse, how can we as people who have been told to “act justly” (Micah 6:8) simply speak of the tragedy, and not act against it? Of course every effort should be made through advocacy and education, but there will come a point where public sympathy is not enough and physical intervention is required.
An example of this might be one of the 1 million children who are kidnapped and sold into a life of forced prostitution every year. This document suggests that they have no right to attempt freedom on their own and that it would somehow honour God to do nothing about their own situation. “That if a nation has no right to defend itself… no individual possesses that right in his own case.” My own declaration would shout loudly that they are in need of our intervention. Can we just print flyers and have preachers preach, but never send law enforcement to set them free? Their very lives are crying out, and I believe God would have us respond through well trained men and women. At the same time as speaking and publishing on their behalf, faith shown by works would result in a need to act physically against their oppressors, to stop the oppression and to gain freedom for the victims. To stop short of that would be empty words and useless faith.
