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Violent Activism, Peaceful Activism

jeopardized this plan of God and have thus prevented them
from playing the role required of them by their Creator. This
attempt by the terrorists is undoubtedly the greatest crime, and
criminals who perpetrate it can never earn God’s forgiveness.
If a study of history is undertaken, it will be seen that
human history is full of instances of war. In all cases, war has
only led to the loss of life and the destruction of property. It
can be said, then, that the first individuals who engaged in war
could be forgiven, as they were unaware of its ill consequences.
But those who continue in this way, even after realizing the
negative experience of war, cannot be absolved of guilt.
As far as the modern age is concerned, war has become
entirely irrelevant. This age is one of an explosion of
opportunities—opportunities have increased to such a great
extent today that everything one wants can be achieved by
treading the path of peace. It would be true to say that, under
the present circumstances, war and violence are no longer
an option. What one failed to achieve in the past through
confrontation can be successfully achieved in the present day
and age solely by making use of peaceful means.
Following the peaceful method today is like letting a tree
grow, while choosing the violent method is like cutting it down.
Our task, then, is to grow a tree and not to cut it down – an
indisputable axiom which is applicable not just to gardening
but also in a highly significant way to human society.

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