Hi Was: I never was a pacifist. JWs are not pacifists, because they believe in righteous war, such as those engaged in by Israel which God directed, and JWs believe in the 'righteous war' at Armageddon.
During the Viet Nam war, I walked through a demonstration of Hippies protesting the war, wearing my suit with Bible in hand, and faced a court trial for my refusal to go into the military.
While on the witness stand, I was asked if I would defend the USA were it attacked. I was not yet a baptized JW, but I answered as one. I said that I would not support any 'worldly' military operation whether offensive or defensive. I was asked if I would defend my wife or children or myself if personally attacked. I said yes. I was asked if I had a weapon, would I use it such in self defense. I said yes. I was asked if I would kill to defend myself or family. I said that I would hope that I would not have to face that, but if I had to kill an attacker as my only option, I would. After the trial, I was granted my Consciencious Objector status and exemption from military duty. I would have been 4-F'd anyway because I had asthma.
If I were 20 years old again today, I would join the military in a heartbeat (likely Navy), get my GI Bill so I could pay for college. I would hope that I would not have to face combat before my 4 years were up. Then get out and continue on to college anyway.
But, if the USA were attacked today, and a citizen militia were needed to help fend off an invading army, I would join in a heartbeat.
I currently own (and purchased while still a JW) a 30-30 Winchester lever-action rifle. It normally fires a 30 cal., 170-200 grain round. It will take down a Bull Mouse. The Society prohibited hand gun ownership years ago, sometime about 1983+/-, but they still allowed JWs to own rifles. I am a current holder of a firearm license. But, I don't own any rounds of ammunition. I have not shot the silly thing since I left Oregon. And when I get around to it, I will sell my rifle.
I am a big believer in self-defense and gun ownership, but I think I will avoid the political debate on this issue. I think the Apostle Peter carried a sword, and Jesus never stopped him during the whole 3 years that Peter walked alongside Christ. Jesus simply spoke up when Peter 'misused' his weapon and cut off the ear of the servant of the High Priest. Jesus healed the ear and told Peter to put the sword away, for those who live by it will die by it. Jesus was not condemning self-defense, and he did not even then stop Peter from carrying a sword, but just the use of the 'sword' as a ""way of life.""
So, that is my over-all view, except to say that Cornelius was a Roman Army Officer and trained combat soldier who remainded in the Army after his conversion to Christianity. Not one word was said to Cornelius about leaving the Army or about pacifism. So, with that, I can say that I am not a pacifist, but I hope that I never have to kill anyone. - Amazing