Regarding pacifism, an interesting take on it that might surprise people is C.S. Lewis's essay "Why I'm Not a Pacifist." In my opinion, he provides some clarity on the issue, especially on when it is appropriate to not be pacifist, and why.

Here is a decent summary, although I recommend reading the entire (brief) essay: http://booksbycslewis.blogspot.com/2012/10/why-im-not-pacifi...