Conscientious Objectors Or Conscientious Supporters Of Life And Peace
May 15th is International Conscientious Objector Day. Every war has seen protestors and opponents, but a smaller group are those who officially seek conscientious objector status. Conscientious objectors are people who will not kill or serve in combat situations because of deep seated objections. Is “conscientious objector” really the best description of people who feel this way, or are they better recognised as conscientious supporters of life and peace?
Qualifying As A Conscientious Objector
In order to qualify as a conscientious objector, three criteria must be met:
- Opposed to participating personally in any and all war
- Opposition must be based on moral, ethical, or religious beliefs
- Moral, ethical, or religious beliefs must be deeply, previously, and sincerely held
Qualifying as a conscientious objector is a process. It takes work and time. There are still opportunities for conscientious objectors to serve in the military in non-combat role although this is mostly when the draft is in effect. Being a conscientious objector is very different from being an absolute pacifist, and even more different than being a draft dodger.
Treatment of Conscientious Objectors
American society is so strongly caught up in hero worship of those who serve in the military however, that conscientious objectors are mocked and treated similarly to a draft dodger. A conscientious objector’s manhood is questioned. They are treated as weak. All because they believe, deep down, that killing is wrong and so they refuse to kill.
Principle And Pragmatism
Why is it that those who take a stand on deeply held principles are mocked and devalued? Principles used to mean a lot more to a lot more people than they seem to now. People who stand on deeply held principles tend to be seen as extremists who get in the way of practical, pragmatic progress.
People of principle may very well have similar goals as far as what progress they would like to see. However, to them, how we get to that goal matters too. Principled people are a bit like the conscience of a group. They help the group work towards a goal in a way that is more moral and humane, more respectful and mindful even. With that being said, few people, more likely no one is entirely principled or entirely pragmatic. Such absolutes are rare. Instead, what we see is different shades and tendencies.
The Value And Importance Of Conscientious Objectors
Conscientious objectors are similar to anti-war protestors in one way. They help us think, and question. Is this war right? Is this killing worth it? They help us see that perhaps the way to a world at peace isn’t just to kill all your enemies or intimidate them.
Conscientious objectors also show us that there is balance. You don’t have to be either bloodthirsty or a total pacifist. You can support the troops and still be against the war.
Conscientious objectors are few, but the role they play is important. They are an important part of the prosecution of war, and the decision whether to go to war or not. In the past, conscientious objectors have been mocked and derided. Instead, they deserve to be respected and appreciated. Conscientious objectors are really conscientious supporters of life and peace.
Garrett Leeds is the founder of the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Project
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