Conscentious Objector, or Coward??

Question

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071016/ts_nm/usa_soldier_beliefs_dc

According to the attached story, this man was given an Honorable Discharge after claiming that his faith (Christianity) made it impossible for the man to kill an enemy...

I have no issues with that statement.

Im just wondering why anyone who refuses to KILL another person would bother to join the military and even attend Westpoint in the first place??

If Defending the country doesnt mean fighting the enemy that is attacking us, then what does it mean?

PRaise Him - good points. But, doesnt that mean then that the military is doing itself a disservice by promoting the Bible and Christianity?? If this guy is let go, you have to let anyone who claims the same CO status go as well...who is left in the military then??

Slo Motion Snail - I AM one of your COntacts!! Email me man!!!

Slo Motion Snail - I AM one of your COntacts!! Email me man!!!

Answer 1

Anybody who signs up to any branch of military service knows that they may be required to serve in a combat environment.
That's part of what they sign up for.
Some however just want to screw the system.

Answer 2

Conscientious... or Coward.
Interesting question. Let me sidestep it a moment with a couple of thoughts. I am absolutely sure there is more to the tale than a cursory reading or even the space printed allowed.
Two things I noted... which frankly seem contradictory.

He began seminary correspondance courses during his first tour... (which means a change likely had begun at that point).
He made use of the ACLU to fight for his co status. (which in some Christian circles is a bit like asking an atheist to give this Sunday's sermon.)

I do not doubt there must have been a profound revolution in his thinking regarding war and killing, and as a sister in Christ to him I do not wish to point fingers at him. I think it took a great deal of soul searching to make this decision. And I am not the one to judge.
Curiously my objection lies less with the decision to put down the deadly weapons of warfare.... as it does with the decision to use the ACLU to fight for his right to be called CO. Perhaps the purpose is higher than the desire to be called CO for his discharge papers? See that is what I want to know is why was it so important to have that Conscientious Objector status?

Answer 3

Defending your country DOES involve killing people.

When those people are attempting to attack the country you slay them without mercy.

Thats how things are done. Is it cool? No. Is it nice? No. However neither is raping, pillaging, plundering and a variety of other crimes that the world no longer condones as normal practice.

Im going to teach everyone something.

Millitary defense with lethal use.= open ended bargain.

It means "If you do..{...........} We are going to kill you. (such as { ....} is any action that violates or attempts to violate the rights of our citizens or any attack on their property including the government being as the people own that to)"

That is the deffinition of millitary defense.

The other side is

Open and willingful acts of destruction, murder, and other heinous crimes to a nation from an outside group. (or even inside)= closed. It is not a bragain. We do not get to avoid it, side step it, or refuse payment. We could, but in the end we would not be solving anything and we would still be shot or enslaved.

It is

" I want to do bad things to your mother. Kill you slowly after years of agonizing torture. Urinate on your favorite video game system, and then brainwash your child."

That is not open ended. That is closed. Which is why the opposite (millitary defense) is neccesary, rightous, and morale.


I call him either a coward or a weakling. He might get off with a confused young person who was told he didnt have a mind of his own till he was 18. but then he just gets idiot points.

The US government should have given him what he deserved. A dishonorable, or a simple discharge. (Neither honorable, nor dishonorable.)

Or better yet transferred him to a medic unit. Or make him a clerk. or a mess hall attendent.

Answer 4

I would not go - as far as saying a "coward".... But to be "Honorable Discharge"? These day's, month's and or years to which he trained and probably either learned a trade or received a education {college}.... He still was paid by our taxes to receive this and for what ever reason "Christianity or etc." to just walk away?
It's --- As if -- One receives the fruit of others labor and service and this particular person decides that he's finish with it -- and walks away with no problems of receiving a "Free Ride"?
I find that may be a "Dis-Honorable Discharge" would have been a better choice.
Now - that he has received a "Honorable Discharge".. He can still go on receiving his pay - which is - again - furnish to him by our "tax dollars".
What?????

Answer 5

People change. I went into the Army ready to fight. I left home a hung over alcoholic. But, I went to Iraq a sober man. I came home with a new understanding and peaceful. I no longer smoke and my taste in music and television has also changed. When people mature and come to Christ they often do change, spiritually. Not out of guilt, pressure, or cowardice but, because of a new understanding for life.

Answer 6

The military would pay for his schooling and he would have some real marketable skills after leaving the army.
Combat is not always the reason to join the army.
I'm glad he didn't want to be part of the invasion, however we do need defense.

Answer 7

It could be that he was a 'lukewarm' believer before he went in, and the military (which advocates bible reading & Christianity) caused him to be fully devoted Christian, and then he decided that he could not kill.


add- Not everyone is convicted in the same way. One might think like Sgt. York, that he/she is saving lives by taking lives, others might believe that they are upholding 'justice.'
Some people may just not realize what they are getting themselves into when they join the military. Many don't even make it through basic training.

Answer 8

Hello,

Like the old saying goes, it often takes more courage to walk away from a fight than get involved in it. Though this chap did some time in harms way, he still may face a lot of criticism and chastisement for years to come.

I would recommend you go to a big video store like HMV and rent or get a terrific movie on this subject called:

The Four Feathers. Made in 1939 (in color) it is still a terrific movie by today's standards and addresses this issue:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031334/


Cheers,

Michael Kelly

Answer 9

Once he got up close and personal, he changed his mind, and used God as an excuse like so many others do all the time and since 1492. Children live what they learn.
For example,
click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vya5aFki_xk

Answer 10

Let's see if I got this right --- he decided to become a concientious objector AFTER being in Iraq - not while in West Point when he started studying scripture.

COWARD!