CoC tradition as a "peace church"

[hogwildark]

When i was in the military it came to my attention that in the past Churches of Christ exposed non-violence especially against war. Its still on record as a "denomination" that one can get Conscensious Objector status with if there was a reinstatement of the draft. When did this stop getting Preached on in Mainline CoC's? I am curious..

[kensington]

You do know that you can't just claim objector and say you are CoC to avoid war, right?  You do have to present testimony and papers that you have been established for a time in that church.  Your elders would have to present testimony not only that you are member but that you live and believe without question the bylaws of that claim. 

[marc]

I believe the widespread preaching of this diminished around the time of WWII, for obvious reasons.


Back in the seventies I went to church with a guy who joined, then got out as a conscientious objecter with a letter from the elders.  They were skeptical, since he was a member before he joined as well, and basically wrote a letter saying, "yes, he is a member of our church in good standing."

[blituri]

If Edward Fudge rings a bell, as I remember it the major push against CARNAL WARFARE grew along with the draft.  His father, Bennie Lee Fudge was a major promoter of the view.  I still can see him in his little CCC uniform.  A lot of people flocked to Bible Colleges to become preachers.

My mother called them Jack-legged preachers so I looked it up:

Jack-leg:  Self taught, especially in reference to automobile mechanics and clergy-men. "He's just a jack-leg preacher, but he sure knows how to put out the hellfire and brimstone."

I am not sure that Mother was so charitable. My sister--dating age--refused to date any man who did not join the military.  She had to wait for a uniform to come home but they must be doing about 65 years.

However, that had nothing to do with the Church of Christ.

The Carnal Warfare goes way back.

[Snargles]

I am too lazy to look this up so I will go on memory (which isn't what it used to be). Richard Hughes discussed pacifism in the CoC in Reviving the Ancient Faith. During the Civil War members of the church on both sides (Lipscomb, Fanning, Franklin) said Christians should not serve in the army. During WWI the Gospel Advocate was printing anti-war articles. The government told them if they didn't stop it would not allow it to use bulk rate mailing and the publisher was threatened with arrest. The Advocate caved.
During WWI Cordel Christian College in OK had a lot of pacifist profs and students. The local selective service threatened them and they closed up shop and moved eventually turning into Harding College.
After WWI the church continued its drift from sect to denomination and conformed more to the world. By the time of WWII we had such obviously evil enemies that pacifism in the church disappeared.
During Vietnam we had one guy in my congregation who became a medic so he wouldn't have to carry a gun but I have never heard any sermons on the subject. Whenever I express my pacifist views here on Grace Centered I come away feeling like Elijah ("woe is me, I'm the only one holding on to the faith").
 

[James.]

I believe the widespread preaching of this diminished around the time of WWII, for obvious reasons.

That's my impression as well.  Istm there is actually a resurgence of pacifism in the CofC right now, though I'm not sure how widespread being out here on CofC Pluto.

In the instrumental "Ottumwa Brethren" Churches of Christ pacifism and conscientious objection is still a significant pov.

[Jaime]

Snargles, I am a pacifist until someone kicks my teeth in, then I am their worst nightmare. If I am left alone, I can pacify with the best of them. My desire is no confrontation personally and nationally. But if we are messed with, confront until the mess is fixed.

Left alone, I am Ron Paul. Messed with, I am Dirty Harry. (Make my day!)

[James.]

I am too lazy to look this up so I will go on memory (which isn't what it used to be). Richard Hughes discussed pacifism in the CoC in Reviving the Ancient Faith.

reference on Google books

[James.]

Snargles, I am a pacifist until someone kicks my teeth in, then I am their worst nightmare. If I am left alone, I can pacify with the best of them. My desire is no confrontation personally and nationally. But if we are messed with, confront until the mess is fixed.

Left alone, I am Ron Paul. Messed with, I am Dirty Harry. (Make my day!)

Talk about your Jekyl & Hyde!

[Jaime]

Snargles, I am a pacifist until someone kicks my teeth in, then I am their worst nightmare. If I am left alone, I can pacify with the best of them. My desire is no confrontation personally and nationally. But if we are messed with, confront until the mess is fixed.

Left alone, I am Ron Paul. Messed with, I am Dirty Harry. (Make my day!)

Talk about your Jekyl & Hyde!

My wife says I have a Hekyl and Jekyl personality

[James.]

From The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement

[Johnb]

I have a friend that was a CoC preacher and of this belief.  He was sent to prison in the early 60s for refusing induction into the army.  He would not take even a non combative role like medic.  He wrote a book about this experience.  The title was the last words his father said to him before he went to prison.  "Be A Man Son"  by William K Moser.  There were several professors at Freed in the 30s 40s and 50s that taught the non violent role.

PS I was trained to set up a draft board if it is needed in the future.  While some religions are traditional COs one does not have to be a member of a certain denomination to claim CO it is based on evidence and even an atheist can claim and win if they have the evidence.

[Johnb]

jmg
Is correct that it stems from Campbells teaching on the subject.  My friend that went to prison for his belief later changed his mind and told me he was wrong.  I told him that was his conscience at the time so he was right in his stance.

[hogwildark]

Interesting..I was just curious. Am a veteran and wouldnt dream of ever dodging. I figured it was around the time of WW2 that the sentiment changed. If every Christian held this few wouldnt evil always dominate?

[fanuvmxpx]

Interesting..I was just curious. Am a veteran and wouldnt dream of ever dodging. I figured it was around the time of WW2 that the sentiment changed. If every Christian held this few wouldnt evil always dominate?

Nopers. God wins still