In sophisticated theological circles of all religious communions unqualified rejection of war is not even argued against anymore. It is just insulted. The word “pacifists” is apparently never used without the adjective “sentimental,” if not worse.

The reason for this attitude is a little difficult to understand. It would seem that there must be more deserving objects of scorn than people who are so revolted by the shedding of human blood that, sometimes perhaps without lengthy casuistic cogitations, they raise their hands heavenward and swear to abstain from all forms of direct or indirect military action.