Richard Hollerman

We wonder about the issues of peace and war. As we look into this matter, we are aware that certain countries are known for their “peace” stance. We refer to the so-called “Historic Peace” churches—Mennonites, Quakers, Church of the Brethren—and those like them. (google.com). There are also nations known for their peace stance, even though this would not at all be in the same category as that above. We refer to (in the order of their positons, from the highest to the lowest):

Ireland

Denmark

Australia

Portugal

Slovenia

The Czech Republic

Singapore

Japan

However, this would be somewhat different than that of the “Historic Peace Churches” we have mentioned. What do we mean? Ireland is known for radical Catholicism, Denmark is known for Lutheranism, and Australia comes from England, but is now liberal. Portugal (known also for its Catholic stance), Japan (known for its radical militarism, especially in the past). So this is not what we are seeking, even though these would be listed for their peace-loving ways. What then do we mean? And how does this relate to pacifism? (We might also refer to non-resistance, a modern term.)

If a government would require you to fight in a war, or want you to engage in some sort of carnal battle, or defeat the enemy of the (opposing country), what would you do? If the government were to want you to engage in some sort of carnal conflict what would you do? If this government were to want you to become a soldier in their army, carry a rifle, or use a cannon, or a fighter plane, what would you do? If this government were to require some participation in their fighting “machine,” what would you do? You see, these kind of questions are something that thousands of people had to answer in the past and we assume that this could happen again.

Down through the years, many have had to say “No” to this involvement, for Christ’s sake. They looked at the requirements and did what they knew God would want. They chose to follow Jesus regardless of consequences. Will you do the same?

In fact, numerous countries have outlawed the issue of objecting to military service and warfare. This has been the common stance down through the years. This would include centuries, as well as the past 50 or 100 years. The thought is that if enough persons were to object to killing, then the remaining ones could not sustain a nation. Even if the number were one or two percent of the population, generally those who object to the military would be thrown into prison, or in some way incarcerated, or even slain!

In the past 20 or 30 years, this has changed and it has been commonplace in dozens of countries to allow for either objection to the military or the nation itself has no draft and thus will accommodate objectors. A few countries still may oppose this practice and even kill those who object to it.

Let’s notice a few countries and what their practice may be. From what we read, about 100 countries, “only 30 have Legal provisions” for objection. Not of these are in Europe (but 25 of them are). Perhaps there are a few who have problematic ways of dealing with objectors (such as Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Finland, and Russia). Outside of Europe, a few counties do punish objectors severely (such as the Democratic Republic of Congo) where there may be something of a “severe” punishment!

Notice now a few of the individual nations and their practice. (See further at en.wickipedia.org/wick/Conscientious_objector#History.)

Some countries totally disallow any opposition to their position regarding warfare. Instead of looking at the opposition to this position, we know that there are varied responses. Belgium—the objectors would not be permitted to be full participants in society. Some 10,700 people in Canada have been part of the agriculture, education, and education areas. Many of the ones drafted were Mennonites, a non-resistant sect, but with some negatives factors involved.

Czechoslovakia and Slovakia are somewhat more lenient, especially since 2006. Young men in Eritrea are imprisoned, with a preponderance being those from the cult, “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Sadly, this cult, that holds to many aberrant doctrines, would be involved in this.  Finland, while holding to some allowance to war, permits this opposition. France, used to be harsh in their treatment, but recently has allowed more leniencies. Germany, while harsh in treatment over the years, has more recently permitted opposition to mandatory warfare. In Israel, we find that women are exempt but there is a question about men. Since 2004, Italy has been more lenient and they now have a volunteer military. In New Zealand in 1940, about 5,000 men applied for exemption but 800 were imprisoned.

Romania, voted to abolish the draft in 2005.  As for Russia, apparently we find that, through legislation, men are able to have freedom from the draft, but the result would be that “healthcare, construction, forestry and post industries would be the result) (serving for 18 to 21 months).

South Korea has one of the most repressive regimes. Thousands of opponents were imprisoned in the past as criminals. Each year, about 500 men are now imprisoned (mostly Jehovah’s Witnesses). From 2000 to 2008 about 4,958 men opposed war. And since 1950, 16,000 Witnesses have been sentenced. Each year, about 500 to 900 men are criminalized. Spain ended the draft in 2001 and before that time prison was the place consigned for those who opposed war. The United Kingdom has been somewhat mixed. 6,000 were sent to prison, and about 16,000 were registered as opponents, which included the aforementioned number. Now, there is an “all volunteer” army.

In the United States, we find civilian work provided. Perhaps in Greece, Switzerland, and Austria, there is a draft with men required to work longer by years than others.

We can see by this summery (and the original article was much longer) that there are mixed results of an opposition to the military and war. Some such as Congo and Turkey and others are somewhat restrictive and oppressive, and others are more lenient and allow opposition to occur. Some permit opposition, while others seem to kill or imprison those who would oppose. Yes, it may be a small number, perhaps one or two percent of the population, but apparently certain nations would radically oppose this stance.

What will you do? Will you oppose the evils of war or will you agree to this wickedness? Will you participate in this carnage, or will you side with Jesus, the “Prince of Peace”? Are you for this or against it?

Now for a final few words before we close. Again using Wikipedia, (which is not the best of sources, we know), we find an article entitled “Religious Motives” under the larger article we have cited. In this insightful excerpt, we find that “The Reformed Free Methodist” church is quoted. Apparently they are totally again warfare, and say, “Militarism is contrary to the spirit of the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus.” The article then refers to the Adventist Church that has opposed militarism but allows “non-combatant” membership.  From what we have read, some of this number have been killed or executed by their respective governments. Some 2,200 of them have volunteered to undergo medical experiments.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses cult and the Christatelphians also oppose the military. Sadly, we know that such cults are degenerate and will be cast off by God in the Great Judgment. They “have often faced imprisonment or other penalties.” In Greece hundreds of members of this cult were imprisoned, some for three years, and more (sometimes) for their refusal to become participants. In Korea, many were imprisoned. The conservative Mennonites worked in hospitals, in farming, in Road construction, and similar work. Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Finland, and Russia have been more restrictive than others. In the Congo, these objectors were “punished severely” over the years.

This gives a very brief survey of those who object to participation in the military and war. Some were treated humanely. Others were imprisoned. And occasionally they were slain by the government.  (See www.Wikipedia,org).