Howard Zinn, historian and peace activist, says that he avoids the word pacifist. Pacifism, he continues, suggests passivity. "That is, people think of a pacifist as somebody who sits by and does nothing while terrible things go on in the world." Maybe Zinn has a point.

Perhaps in this postmodern era when definitions are assigned by those in power, the term pacifist has lost its zest. I am coming to the conclusion that my appellation as pacifist must now surrender to peacemaker, which denotes the opposite of being idle. Thus, peacemaking by definition is active; it is in effect a force to be reckoned with.

In a day when all who question the status quo are shamed and labeled unpatriotic, maybe it is time to rethink our terms. Or perhaps it may be time to simply reclaim terms in the light of our true citizenship in God's ever present Kingdom.

I have a new proposal. Actually, it's an old idea that portrays more accurately who we are. It is a moniker that encompasses both what it means to be a peacemaker and at the same time offers an identity that challenges the very forces and powers working for destruction in our homes, communities, nation, and the world. Are you ready for this? Let us become Christians once again. To be a Christian is by definition, to be a peacemaker. To be a Christian is to be a, believer, a lover, a forgiver, a reconciler, a transformer. It is to be, well, a Christ follower. Radical, huh? The divine revolution that Jesus initiated is as present today as it ever was. Loving mercy, doing justice, and walking humbly with God is truly counter-cultural. Therefore it is offensive to the powers that be. It is more than just an ideal, a position, or a principle. It is in fact the very way, the truth, and the life.

From those who would do violence in the name of Christ, let us reclaim our legacy. Our brother, the Prince of Peace who calls us friends, the life-giving Lord of creation who calls us beloved, is inviting us to be God's agents, Christians, once again. May we become a force of conscience for our nation and the world. May we thoughtfully speak the truth in love. May we resolve not to live by any other name but Christ, the crucified and risen Lord. May we seek God's peace and completeness together.