CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION
Donald R. Fox
When I was a very young kid, I remember seeing the 1930 movie “All Quiet On The Western Front." Lew Ayres played the main role as a schoolboy who enlisted in the WW1 German Army. Ayres became a WW2 conscientious objector, however; he served as a medic with honorable service. His acting career was hurt because of his stand concerning warfare. Presently, our government and military are in an overwhelming situation with bloodthirsty Islam. Evil must not hold peace-loving governments and citizens in worldwide disorder.
During one of my trips to Russia to teach the Bible, a Russian man was scheduled via the draft to report for military duty. He did not want to serve in the military because he claimed to be a conscientious objector. A much older Christian Russian man and an ex-military officer explained to the younger Christian in a very simple way, “you better go and serve." The indication was, serve or you might go to jail. I bring this up to show the tolerance here in the U.S.A concerning military service.
DEFINITION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION
“Current military policy has defined conscientious objection as the following: “A firm, fixed, and sincere objection to participation in war in any form or the bearing of arms, by reason of religious training and/or belief.” (DOD 1300.6) This definition has been further clarified by both military policy and our legal system. Here’s what some of the words or phrases found in the above definition really mean: The term “religious” also includes moral and ethical beliefs that have the same force in a person’s life as traditional religious beliefs. The term “religious” does not include essentially political, sociological, or philosophical views.” See more at:
THE CHRISTIAN AND ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
“What right has a Christian to accept a peace and safety bought with other men’s blood? Is his more precious than others in the sight of God? Neither does it help to say, “if all were Christians there would be no war,” as well to say, “if all were angels there would be no sin.” But we are not all Christians anymore than we are all angels; so what! Sin and brutality are on the march and must be stopped. Now is it Christian for the Christian to accept and exercise every benefit and privilege conferred on him by the government, at the constant sacrifice of other men’s lives, in time of peace and war, and not bear his share of the danger as well as expense of the same? I maintain it is his duty to bear the danger as well as pay the taxes. The non-resistant admits the tax, and denies the danger. Both are necessary. For a government that did not maintain itself by force would not be here thirty days to collect taxes.” (Page 298, The Relation of the Christian To Civil Government and War, First Edition, May, 1941, Second Edition, September 1944, by Glenn E. Green, Extracted from The Christian and Government, Copyright 1968 by Foy E. Wallace, Jr.)
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” (Romans 13:1-4 KJV)
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