Why We Do Not Take Up the Sword Conversation

There are moments when taking up the sword feels justified, even righteous. This Via Negativa episode explores why refusing violence is not weakness, retreat, or denial of harm, but a disciplined spiritual stance shaped by trust, formation, and long memory. We sit with the tension between power that coerces and power that protects, and ask what it means to resist without becoming what we oppose.Read the full article here:Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.Thank you for Tips / Donations: * https://ko-fi.com/cedorsett * https://patreon.com/cedorsett * https://cash.app/$CreationsPaths* Substack: https://www.creationspaths.com/New to The Seraphic Grove learn more For Educational Resource: https://wisdomscry.com Creation’s Paths: A Creation Spirituality Primer Social Connections: * BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/creationspaths.com * Threads https://www.threads.net/@creationspaths * Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creationspaths/#ViaNegativa #CreationSpirituality #ChristianNonviolence #SpiritualResistance #FaithAndJustice #MysticalTheology #ContemplativePracticeChapters:00:00 Introduction: Responding to Violence02:08 The Challenge of Accepting Anger03:37 Understanding Anger as Fire06:42 The Forge: Making Tools, Not Weapons10:18 Systemic Change & Historical Accountability13:01 Discipline & Keeping the Fire Alive18:24 Searing the Fire: Sustainable Practice22:03 From Reaction to Intentional Action22:59 Building Sustainable Energy for Change25:21 Closing Reflection & Personal Discoveries27:48 Closing Prayer Get full access to Creation's Paths at www.creationspaths.com/subscribe