UNIT 2
Another Way – Nonviolence
Lesson Aim:
•	Know what nonviolence is.
•	Understand the power of nonviolence and evaluate it as a viable alternative to using violence.
Nonviolence is not only a negative state of harmlessness, but it is a positive state of love, of doing good even to the evildoer. But it does not mean helping the evildoer to continue the wrong or tolerating it by passive acquiescence.
     
Critical Awareness Task:
Principles of  Mahatma Gandhi (resource disk: Biopic Gandhi, Quotes from Gandhi)
1. All life is one.
2. We each have a piece of the truth and the un-truth.
3. Human being are more than the evil they sometimes commit.
4. The means must be consistent with the ends.
5. We are called to celebrate both our differences and our fundamental unity with others.
6. We reaffirm our unity with others when we transform ‘’us’’ versus ‘’them’’ thinking and doing.
7. Our oneness calls us to want, and to work for, the well-being of all.
8. The nonviolent journey is a process of becoming increasingly free from fear. 
After the last principle has been read, ask the class to share a word or phrase that has come up for them as they have listened to these principles and then discuss

Nonviolence, not passivity
Nonviolence is a much better term for the way of Jesus than pacifism, which is often confused with ‘’passive-ism.’’ Nonviolence is active, not passive. Nonviolence has been defined in many ways. Here are some of the major characteristics:

•	Nonviolence actively works for peace and justice
•	Nonviolence seeks to change the status quo without the use of coercive force
•	Nonviolence uses peaceful and just means
•	Nonviolence resists evil without becoming evil
•	Nonviolence understands that the ends and the means are one
Can we/should we/must we take Jesus seriously? 
Try to engage the class in interacting with some of these points.

Gospel story:
Matthew 5:38-46 (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 [violently] resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your shirt as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  (resource disk: W Wink “NonViolence for the Violent”)

Life narrative:
What would you do if someone was going to attack you or someone you loved? – Real-life story showing alternative to violent tendencies. (resource disk:  excerpts from John Yoder)

Prayer/Meditation: 
Light a candle symbolizing the light of non violent love in a world darkened by violent suffering. A series of candles can be lit to symbolize how this flame shares its light and multiplies giving more light.
Other Resources:  Seven starting points for nonviolence.