Robert,
Having now read much about the Mennonites and many related sects, I am so impressed that their pacifism seems to me, as one who admires the writings about the New Testament Jesus, that they best represent my concept of the direction such a figure would guide us.
Critical is the unlinking the power connection between religion and state.
To the State that’s a dilemma as the point of organized religion is to be the main cost-saving power instrument of the State.
After all, with one State-supported Priest in each village, nurturing the fear of God in folk, what needs soldiers for that village to “keep the peace”?
Asher