"With reference to the absolute pacifists, or conscientious objectors to
war; their attitude, judged from the Baha'i standpoint is quite
anti-social and due to its exaltation of the individual conscience leads
inevitably to disorder and chaos in society. Extreme pacifists are thus
very close to the anarchists, in the sense that both of these groups lay
an undue emphasis on the rights and merits of the individual. The Baha'i
conception of social life is essentially based on the subordination of the
individual will to that of society. It neither suppresses the individual
nor does it exalt him to the point of making him an anti-social creature,
a menace to society. As in everything, it follows the 'golden mean'. The
only way that society can function is for the minority to follow the will
of the majority.
"The other main objection to the conscientious objectors is that their
method of establishing peace is too negative. Non-cooperation is too
passive a philosophy to become an effective way for social reconstruction.
Their refusal to bear arms can never establish peace. There should first
be a spiritual revitalization which nothing, except the Cause of God, can
effectively bring to every man's heart."