For as far back as there are written records of civilization, people have been fed the myth of “justified violence” from earliest childhood. The classic presentation of this myth is the story of the reluctant hero who resists his sacred duty, established by the gods, to defend the defenceless and protect the weak. In this tale, the unmitigated evil and villainy of those who do not respect life eventually compels the hero to come to his senses, avenge innocent victims and slay the evildoers. And at that point the gods intervene to right every wrong and bring forth a new age of peace and prosperity.Some of us gave up on the gods of Babylon 2,000 years ago.

Our eyes have been opened, the brainwashing of this evil age no longer works with us. And for those who continue as before, we feel only sorrow and compassion.

http://www.themennonite.org/php/magazine.cover.story.php?mag_id=148