Pacifism again...

I am still wondering about pacifism. I think I agree with Richard Hays and Stanley Hauerwas that pacifism and overcoming evil with good is the Christian ideal, but I'm wondering if this can actually work in our fallen world? It might on a personal level, but how about on a social level? If good people do not resist, will not evil triumph?

Hays describes this fear as a lack of trust in God, and maybe it is. But doesn't God use US as his hands and feet in the world? If Christians do not defend the helpless, doesn't that make us part of the problem?

There is also the issue of abrogating responsibility. If we want laws enforced, rights upheld and innocent people protected, shouldn't we take some steps towards doing those things, rather than leaving all the work to others so we don't get our hands dirty? It is all very well to want to live in an orderly, law-abiding society, but how is that compatible with not wanting to be part of the army or police force? That smacks of hypocrisy.

If all Christians leave from the army/police force or whatever insitution we disapprove of, doesn't that just mean it will be entirely run by non-Christians? Is this an improvement?

I think as a social policy, pacifism might have a few bugs in it that need working out...