MDMD context for Dixon's non-violent action

[Terrance]

Doug Millison wrote:

Walter Wink [....]...


Very interesting book(s), like to read more, but Dixon is not an
advocate for non-violence or a pacifist.  The context for his actions?
We might look into M&D and then at  what was going on in America at the
time.  If we go to M&D we discover that Dixon's actions are not
non-violent. Moreover,  he never says he is a non-violent man or that he
would like to be (he does ask God to bring the hand of justice down upon
men he believes have committed great sins, should be punished by God,
since, given the circumstances, he can't (not would not given the
opportunity) punish them himself. He is a hot headed man and he has
trouble controlling his temper and his other passions as well. I wonder
if he's a red head? The point is, the character in M&D, named Dixon is
not a pacifist and he doesn't act like one. 

Dixon and Mason are not Saints by a long shot. Why do they lie to the
Harlands?