Questions about attaining conscientious objector status

[DerekG]

Hello. I'm 22 years old, and after roughly a year's study (Tolstoy, the Berrigans, King, Dear, Gregg, among others) and introspection, I have arrived at the point where I can call myself a Christian pacifist. My aim now is to seek CO status, but I have several questions:

1. It is because of the Gospels--the witness to Jesus Christ--that I have accepted the principles of non-violence. Though I am planning on mailing a printed copy of the CCW's worksheet (Form 22 of the Selective Service Document) to the aforementioned CCW, there is also an option of mailing it to "a religious body." Unfortunately, my Lutheran church is apolitical and somewhat conservative--belonging to the Missouri Synod. Would it hurt my case--one rooted in religiosity--if I avoided my chuch? Switching denominations may appear desparate, no? What course should I take?

2. Though I have attended several protests over the past two years and signed several petitions, I have long since erased the e-mail messages and confirmations that have accrued in response. I have little tangible proof of my anti-war activities save for a photograph of me with an anti-Bush sign (dated thanks to a digital camera), several check receipts that were made out to the Kucinich campaign, a long list of library material dealing with matters of war and peace (but can I request that such a list be printed out?) and membership to a few websites. Should I start signing petitions now, or is this going to look insincere and transparent, as if I turned into a pacifist overnight? Again, what course should I take?

Replies would be appreciated. Thank you.

[yardwork]

1. My understanding is that it is very difficult to prove CO status

I've only known three in my life who succeeded in being officially designated conscientious objectors when they were drafted. Each of them was born and raised in a religion with a long history of being CO. Two of the men I know were Quakers and one was Amish.

I suggest doing research into what is required to prove CO status. My guess is that it would involve joining and becoming a committed, active member of a religious organization that has long-time commitment to being CO.

People designated as CO do not avoid the draft. They fulfill their active duty by doing alternative work for the government.

[bluestateguy]

2. You need to find people who could testify at a CO hearing or write letters

People who can vouch for the sincerity of your beliefs and would be willing to say so, either in a letter to your draft board or even better, a committment from him/her to testify at your draft board's CO hearing.

Where do you live? If you live in a conservative communitty, getting CO status might be difficult. On the other hand, the fact that your opposition to war is rooted in Christianity may be taken more seriously in such a communitty than it would be if you were a non-religious pacifist.

[DrDebug]

3. Do as much research as possible, but try to remain honest

I think that you should use your faith to your advantage. Don't change churches because of it, since that would probably only make it sound suspicious.

As far as the evidence goes, use what you have and don't try to make things of a later date.

Being honest will help you, because if you are honest then it is a lot harder for things to be used against you.

In the meantime try to do as much research as possible. There is a special forum on this board and try to talk to as many objecters as you can and learn from their experience.

[eleonora]

4. you need to prove you are anti-war, period

Not *just* anti-Iraq war! It's very difficult to prove and is a long drawn out process going way up the chain of command.
But it can be done. I don't know much else. Wish I could help with more info.

[Purple Clematis]

5. To what exactly are you objecting?

As a fellow Christian, I try to turn the other cheek. But as it is written, I will defend myself & my family & my country.

Check out these following passages to help interpret your role as a Christian pacifist ...

"If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him,", Exodus 22:2. Next, "If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft."

Samuel 25:13: "And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff."

Judges 5:8 tells what happens to a nation that chooses to disarm: "They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?"

...The answer to this rhetorical question is obviously, NO. The people rebelled against God and put away weapons of self-defense.

"Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight," David in Psalms 144:1.

And so says Jesus in Luke 22:36: "Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."

Pacifism is our first option, and according to the Bible, it's not the only one.

Will you change your church to fulfill a bureaucratic requirement, or are you doing so for your spiritual needs?

Yeah, I think I know the answer. So I will pray for you.

Last I checked, I could be a Democrat & a faithful Christian, too. .

[DerekG]

9. My response

Thank you for words. I confess it's difficult to be dogmatic in respect to self-defense, I would only say that even if I were to employ violence to defend myself or my loved ones, there exists the possibility that I am betraying the principles Christ lived by and died for. I would be a failed Christian, though I believe I'd be forgiven for it. Still, if I could not appeal to the assailant's humanity, than I would do everything in my power not to seriously maim or kill him. Again, this is what I hope.

The Luke passage you recalled appears indeed to insinuate that self-defense is sometimes warranted, yet it nonetheless seems an oddity when one considers the framework of Christ's life and ethos (as it is revealed to us in the four gospels).

I reject the demands of the Exodus quote, for I believe Christ overturned Mosaic law. Yes, I am aware of Matthew 5: 17, yet consider Jesus' repudiation of the "eye for an eye" credo: "But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." Matthew 5: 38-39
Mosaic law is centered on justice (and one could make a case that this is feasible, and even laudable). Yet to Christ, anger is no virtue--it is murder itself (Matthew 5: 22). In its stead, He offers the only sane alternative--mercy.

While the Judges quote points to the notion that a disarmed state is an ungodly one, the following passages suggest that such an endeavor is actually the ultimate aim of Christ. Remember, He was not to be the warrior Messiah the Jews longed for; rather, He would be an agent, the agent, for the dismantling of the military state and the arrival of the kingdom of God, as is foretold in the prophetic books:

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Shout, daughter of Jerusalem. Behold, your king comes to you righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding a donkey, on a colt the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth." Zech 9: 9-10

"For every boot of the trampling warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulders, and his name will be called: Wonderful, counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, sovereign of peace." Is 9:5-6.



While King David possessed the martial spirit (underscored by the Pslams), it is nigh impossible to think Jesus would recognize its virtue. After all, He does give a stark, cryptic warning to his disciple during his arrest, who eagerly wields the gauntlet:

“Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” Matt 26:51-52.

[murielm99]

6. Stop saying that you are anti-war, and start saying that you are

a pacifist. Do not use the term anti-war at all.

I knew TWO Missouri Synod Lutherans who were COs. (That is probably because I was raised in the church, and attended Valpo).

The first one was very thoughtful and articulate. He had had a life threatening illness shortly after graduating from college. During his recovery, he thought and read a great of philosophy. He pondered the afterlife. Because his own life had been spared, he had no desire to kill others. That is exactly what he told the draft board: he did not want to kill other people. Although it was not his original intention, he became a minister after the Vietnam war ended.

The second one was a pastor's kid. He married immediately after his college graduation. He was also a smart one, but he was a politician. He minored in theology, and told his draft board that he had considered the ministry. And, maybe he had. He expressed a great willingness to do alternative service, and he had researched it. He did his alternative service on an Indian reservation.

Do not leave your church. Become active in it, and familiarize yourself with the powers that be in the Missouri Synod. They can work on your behalf, if you know each other. Volunteer with the youth group in your church, even if it only involves chaperoning a few events. Join some groups outside your church. You could start with a subscription to Sojourners.

The Church of the Brethren, Quakers, Mennonites and other traditional peace churches used to counsel young men on how to obtain CO status. Find some of their old literature. The Brethren college that my husband attended has a major for ministerial students called Peace Studies. Find out about what they study and learn what they learn.

Also, if your area gets a draft board, find out who is on it. Find out something about their backgrounds, and what might cause them to be sympathetic.

Are you a real Christian pacifist, or an opportunist? How will they know the difference? What will your words, actions and reputation tell them?

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[murielm99]

13. Excuse me?

What is all this YOU YOU YOU?

I related a young man's story exactly as it was told to me.

I related no theories -- only the experience of someone I knew. I assume nothing, other than the the idea that your words mark you as a crackpot.

Where do you get off making such idiotic statements? What do you know about me and mine? How do have the right to accuse me or anyone else here of traitorousness because we express an opinion you do not like?

You are on the wrong board. And you owe me an apology.

Wait! Don't bother. We have alert and ignore features here that I will glady use.

[JohnnyRingo]

11. Solid well thought out advice.

Some people don't realize that not everyone has kill in them..... And others have too much.

[izzie]

7. Used to be a house in Portland Maine where they lived and---

worked in the local hospital but did not have to go into the service. This was back in the 70's so I am not sure if it is still going on. Without the draft I would say it would not be around any more.

[JohnnyRingo]

10. Educate yourself now...It's the best strategy you can follow at your age

Start here:
http://www.nisbco.org/

There will always be a "loop hole" in the draft. That is what keeps the "fortunate sons" out of harms way.

Knowing the legal ins and outs of the privileged is a huge advantage.

[Tace]

12. The Quakers Provide Information And Counseling On Avoiding The Military

I registered as conscientious objector to the Vietnam conflict. However, the draft was ended just before I had to appear before the draft board to argue my case. I attended a Quaker high school. I have since become a Quaker, along with my wife and kids.

Here's a site for the part of the American Friends Service Committee that deals with your issue. They have a lot of great resources to help you.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to fight in a war is yours. Good luck. Cheers.

http://www.afsc.org/youthmil/Default.htm