Like yourself possibly, I'm a pacifist, and for me, it's even more total because of the instruction from Christ (below).
I'm perhaps like that finding that 80% of troops in large wars historically that would not actually shoot to kill the enemy, but would intentionally shoot nearby at the ground or into the air, so to seem as if they are shooting at the enemy, but intentionally trying not to kill.
I agree -- and
that's actually a key thing the New Testament says.
(though in a different wording).
We learn that we cannot succeed in avoiding sin by will power. Here's the famous chapter saying that:
Romans 7 NIV
(of course the way doesn't stop here in just 1 chapter, but the solution comes next)
I know what you mean!
That idea is just the opposite of what is in the actual text it turns out(!). We have to show fruits of real and true change or we will go to the 'second death', the text tells us in many ways, many places. It's even more emphasized than the fact we are only saved by Grace(!).
Here is the kind of thing Christ said:
Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
See, what you are thinking of where Christ removes responsibility is
not actually the teaching of Christ, but instead is one of a variety of
U.S. popular (altered) versions of 'Christianity', a widespread one though.
You are entirely right to reject
that version of Christianity. All should. I do.
The idea we can be unreformed, hurt others,
not become kind and loving towards others....and still make it to Life is a similar in a way to another popular in the U.S. false gospel called the 'prosperity gospel' -- an idea invented in recent decades (or becoming more widespread) that because of Christ they aren't held to account. People ignoring such commands as
Matthew 7:12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.
will die in the "second death" for not doing as Christ says to us to do. (just read the full chapter to see that)
More on how we fairly will get what we deserve ultimately:
6God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” a 7To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11For God does not show favoritism.
12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
Romans 2 NIV
And this is why we most of us need help, a redeemer to change us, to give us a new heart --
Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
