This subject was explored in literature in a book titled " The Time Machine". (spoiler alert) Author H.G. Wells hypothesized that if trends continued for thousands of years, one part of Humanity would become rabbit-like passive, helpless, infantile creatures incapable of defending themselves with any sort of violence or weapon. While another, much stronger, predatory branch of Humanity (Morlocks) follows a different path - preying upon the Eloi for food.
There is no way to live a good life in this world without having a rational attitude about violence. Unfortunately, with hoplophbes rationality goes out the window in the first place - they did not arrive at their beliefs through a rational process, and so may not be convinced to change their opinion through rational debate.
