The True Liberty to Forget
Nov 10, 2010
Joe Carter
Spend a day with your local military recruiter, and you’ll be encouraged by the number of people who go out of their way to say how much they support our troops and how much they appreciate the service of these young veterans. Then watch as the recruiters casually ask when they’ll be bringing their son or daughter to the recruiting station to learn more about serving their country.
Their spines stiffen, they smile blankly, and a coldness comes over them. If they are quick-witted, they will find a joking way to dismiss the question. More often, though, they will simply blurt out that there is no way they’d let their own child enlist. They’ll support someone else’s children being soldiers, but not their own.
Dealing with hostile parents is just one of the myriad reasons recruiting duty is considered second only to combat on the list of most stressful jobs in the military. Most of the Marines I have known, though, would rather do a tour fighting insurgents in Iraq than a tour recruiting teenagers in America.
During the late 1990s I served a three-year stint as a Marine recruiter in Olympia, Washington. After a typically grueling week in October, a fellow recruiter and I decided to amuse ourselves by taking a trip out to Evergreen State College. Our area of Washington was the recruiting equivalent of Al Anbar province, but that particular school had a reputation for being like Fallujah—a place so unwelcoming that it was rumored that no one from our office had visited in a decade.
Evergreen, considered one of the most liberal colleges in the country, prided itself on being one of the first schools to hold a protest against the first Gulf War. About the only thing my fellow recruiter and I shared in common with the students was that our alma maters both had Latin mottos. (For the Corps: Semper Fidelis, “always faithful”; for the Greeners: Omnia Extares, “let it all hang out.”) As we stepped on campus in our dress blue uniforms we prepared ourselves for what was bound to be a hostile environment.
We were disappointed by the reception we received. There were no spontaneous protests, no name-calling, no confrontations with patchouli-wearing hippie chicks. Instead, we received a cool, almost apathetic reception. Stares and smirks and polite bemusement, but no one went out of their way to be rude or unkind. They simply ignored us, assuming (correctly) that we would soon leave, never to return.
Disappointed, we walked to the student union, ordered lunch, and sat at a corner table by ourselves. Most of the students did their best to avoid making eye contact but one young woman, dressed in Birkenstocks and sporting white-girl dreadlocks, walked up and smiled. “Are you Canadian Mounties?” she asked.
My friend snorted, thinking that she was making fun of our uniforms. But I could tell from her expression that her question was sincere. “Um, no,” I said, “We’re U.S. Marines.”
“Oh,” she said, looking puzzled. “So what do Marines do?”
I invited her to join us and we talked for half an hour. She was in her third year, studied “sustainability,” and had grown up in Aberdeen, the hometown of the alte grunge musician Kurt Cobain. Her lack of understanding about the military turned out to be genuine; she had truly never been exposed to Marines before.
As we drove back to the office, my fellow sergeant was fuming. He couldn’t believe that anyone could make it to college without acquiring a basic familiarity with the military. While I agreed that the girl’s ignorance reflected poorly on the educational system, it had a surprisingly different affect on me: I couldn’t remember ever being more proud to be a Marine.
The encounter reminded me that the reason I served my country was because I loved freedom. I loved it so much that I was willing to sacrifice some of my own freedom, or even my life if necessary, to secure it for myself and for my nation. The young woman had the luxury of being uninformed about the military because my fellow Marines had bought that liberty for her. For over two centuries, American soldiers and sailors had paid the cost necessary to give her to have the freedom to think—or not think—as she chooses. We had provided her with the safety and security needed to forget that people like us existed.
It’s true that freedom is only valued when it’s taken away. But freedom can only be appreciated when it’s taken for granted. When we have to concentrate on each breath, we cannot truly enjoy our health. When we have to remain constantly vigilant, we cannot truly enjoy our liberty.
After 9/11, we lost many of our illusions of security. And after the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, you’re unlikely to find college students—even at Evergreen—who don’t know about the Marines. But it has been nine years since the terrorists attacked us on our own soil; time enough to allow us to relax our guard, if only slightly. We haven’t defeated the enemies that are working to destroy us, and we have many battles ahead. But we should all take pride in the men and women of our military whose constant vigilance keeps our enemies outside our gates.
Tomorrow we’ll celebrate Veterans Day. On their way to the lake and the cookouts, a few of our fellow countrymen will remember to shake our hands and thank us for our service. While I’ll appreciate the generous sentiment, what I really want is to see the day when they can take us for granted again.
Because the world is a dangerous place, that day won’t come any time soon. But because there are U.S. Marines in the world, I know that day will come again.
Semper Fi, Marines, and Happy 235th Birthday.
Joe Carter, a former Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps, is web editor of First Things. His previous articles for “On the Square” can be found here. For his reflection on Veterans Day, see What a Veteran Knows.
Addendum: During the American Revolution a committee of the Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia to draft a resolution calling for two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence at sea and on shore. The resolution was approved on November 10, 1775, officially forming the Continental Marines. Each year, the Marine Corps marks November 10th with a celebration of the brave spirit which compelled these citizens, and thousands since, to defend our country as United States Marines.
Comments:
11.10.2010 | 6:54am
Maria V. says:
Amen to the words posted above @Max !
Ironic that after a recent visit to Israel , a country where all young people have to serve , the thought came into many hearts - how good it would be , to have some such service for our own young people , even if as brief as during the summers but in collaboration with The Church and thus faith issues also dealt with the right priority ...it could even be held right there in Isreal , in collaboration with their expertise and in its history filled lands ...even to include may be even the palestinian youth , to rescue them , if possible , from the poisonous hatred that seems to be getting instilled in them !
Such an army of Christians- Catholics , to be ready , Swiss guard style , to be even called in where Christians are minority and under threat !
If some of the billions spent in Iraq were earmarked for such programs for the youth there ....would the course of events have been very difft ..
and now , since our Holy Father has reminded people of the value of pilgrimages , may be whole families , esp. in even hostile localities , also given such chances , to be there with their young during the training ...including the military people ..
Was disappointing to see the many pages in the flight magazine of a well known carrier being devoted to newage and yoga ..our President and wife endorsing trust in pagan gods by buying their icons ..if one thing Haiti could remind us would be , the danger of surrendering to pagan gods the relationship and privilges granted to Christians , by their baptismal oaths ..
The battles of our times , esp. for the mind and heart of the young are at many levels ...
and God alone knows the battles of the war weary ...or of pains of the deceased ..good thing that The Church has devoted this whole month for prayers for the departed !
In a recent Knights of Columbus drive ( right on Halloween ! ) for donations of blankets etc: for the homeless veterans , small envelops containing St.Benedict medals and divine mercy images also were being donated ..
Hope that we would be able to make the best use of all that God has granted us !
Peace !
Ironic that after a recent visit to Israel , a country where all young people have to serve , the thought came into many hearts - how good it would be , to have some such service for our own young people , even if as brief as during the summers but in collaboration with The Church and thus faith issues also dealt with the right priority ...it could even be held right there in Isreal , in collaboration with their expertise and in its history filled lands ...even to include may be even the palestinian youth , to rescue them , if possible , from the poisonous hatred that seems to be getting instilled in them !
Such an army of Christians- Catholics , to be ready , Swiss guard style , to be even called in where Christians are minority and under threat !
If some of the billions spent in Iraq were earmarked for such programs for the youth there ....would the course of events have been very difft ..
and now , since our Holy Father has reminded people of the value of pilgrimages , may be whole families , esp. in even hostile localities , also given such chances , to be there with their young during the training ...including the military people ..
Was disappointing to see the many pages in the flight magazine of a well known carrier being devoted to newage and yoga ..our President and wife endorsing trust in pagan gods by buying their icons ..if one thing Haiti could remind us would be , the danger of surrendering to pagan gods the relationship and privilges granted to Christians , by their baptismal oaths ..
The battles of our times , esp. for the mind and heart of the young are at many levels ...
and God alone knows the battles of the war weary ...or of pains of the deceased ..good thing that The Church has devoted this whole month for prayers for the departed !
In a recent Knights of Columbus drive ( right on Halloween ! ) for donations of blankets etc: for the homeless veterans , small envelops containing St.Benedict medals and divine mercy images also were being donated ..
Hope that we would be able to make the best use of all that God has granted us !
Peace !
11.10.2010 | 9:21am
Michael says:
It is a traditional maxim of Republican government that no citizen should be denied the right, or relieved of the responsibility, of serving the nation under arms.
This is in stark contrast to the Ancien Régime, where the military formed a separate “Estate” and the sword was everywhere the badge of nobility.
I disagree with Maria V’s proposal for separation on religious lines; if military service is only for some, then in what sense is the Republic one and indivisible?
This is in stark contrast to the Ancien Régime, where the military formed a separate “Estate” and the sword was everywhere the badge of nobility.
I disagree with Maria V’s proposal for separation on religious lines; if military service is only for some, then in what sense is the Republic one and indivisible?
11.10.2010 | 9:36am
pentamom says:
Evidently the days are gone when 1st and 2nd graders would learn to sing "From the Halls of Montezuma" as part of music class. In such a simple thing, which I suppose would now be considered "military indoctrination" or something, we gained the knowledge of what the Marines are, and I suppose our teacher probably even took 30 seconds to explain enough so we understood a bit about what we were singing.
11.10.2010 | 11:58am
kelso says:
I know many marines and they are all good men. I emphasize "men" because it is an outrage that women are serving in the military in any capacity other than medical or clerical. I am patriotic but not nationalistic. The former is a virtue, the latter (my country right or wrong) is a sin. The two wars we are now engaged in are unjust. We are there to protect oil interests not to fight Al Queda. None of the terrorists that executed the 9/11 attacks were from either Afghanistan or Iraq. All but two of the twenty murderers were from Saudi Arabia. Whatever the crimes of Saddam Hussein, he allowed freedom of religion. Catholics had liberty in Iraq to worship. Nor was it a crime there, as it is in Saudi Arabia, for a Moslem to convert. Furthermore, if the USA was so interested in toppling dictatorships, why did we not invade Cuba, where thousands were killed and imprisoned for their anti-Communist beliefs and their Catholic religion? And why is the bloodiest regime in history, China, given a "most favored nation" status by every US president from Carter to Obama (Reagan included)? True Marines will fight for their country if the war is a just one. Who is the enemy in Iraq? Who is Al Queda? What is our long term strategy, or even short term? Have we even considered the culture of the people whom we came to "liberate" and the issues relating to it? And what about the "collateral" damage? More civilians are dying than jihadists. We are now more hated than ever in the Mid-East, even by our so-called ally, Israel. And who are we serving anyway over there if not Israeli interests? Our building up of Israel's war machines (nuclear weapons that they refuse to reveal) has contributed immensely to the American being despised. How is it that we continue to fund Israel when they occupy the land of another nation and terrorize them. And when the Palestinians retaliate, they are called terrorists. It's terror for terror from both sides. But when you kill your enemies civilians, your enemy is going to kill yours. Solution? Get our soldiers out of the Mid-East and cease all funding to Israel.
11.10.2010 | 12:30pm
George says:
I would not consider myself an anti-patriot, but I would certainly hesitate to send my son or daughter into the military.
It seems to me that military service interrupts the moral development of many young men and women during the formative years of early adulthood. The military life-style - alcohol, drugs, and promiscuity - leaves many of them unfit for marriage, family, work and the other disciplines of civilian life.
In addition, the military is a comprehensive welfare state. Food, housing, clothing, and every other necessity of life is provided. There is no need to save, plan, or make decisions about the direction of ones life.
It seems to me that military service interrupts the moral development of many young men and women during the formative years of early adulthood. The military life-style - alcohol, drugs, and promiscuity - leaves many of them unfit for marriage, family, work and the other disciplines of civilian life.
In addition, the military is a comprehensive welfare state. Food, housing, clothing, and every other necessity of life is provided. There is no need to save, plan, or make decisions about the direction of ones life.
11.10.2010 | 12:47pm
Joe Carter says:
@George Good point. Probably best to send them to college where kids are taught to find food for themselves (other than, of course, the cafeteria), and housing (other than the dorms), clothing (not paid for by mom and dad), etc., and where alcohol, drugs, and promiscuity are unknown.
I can only assume that you were either making a sly joke or you have absolutely no clue about the military. For starters, the US military has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs. Your not likely to find more than a handful of people in the entire military who use illegal drugs—and that is only until they are caught.
I can only assume that you were either making a sly joke or you have absolutely no clue about the military. For starters, the US military has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs. Your not likely to find more than a handful of people in the entire military who use illegal drugs—and that is only until they are caught.
11.10.2010 | 1:07pm
TimH says:
>>>I loved it so much that I was willing to sacrifice
>>>some of my own freedom, or even my life if necessary,
>>> to secure it for myself and for my nation
Thank you. I hope God blesses you greatly.
-Tim-
>>>some of my own freedom, or even my life if necessary,
>>> to secure it for myself and for my nation
Thank you. I hope God blesses you greatly.
-Tim-
11.10.2010 | 1:11pm
martin duggan says:
Dear Gunny Carter
After reading your salute to the Corps I am on my way to Marine birthday party in St. Louis. I was a recruiting staff sergeant in World War II. Semper Fi. Can't say I would rather have been on Iwo Jima.
Martin Duggan
After reading your salute to the Corps I am on my way to Marine birthday party in St. Louis. I was a recruiting staff sergeant in World War II. Semper Fi. Can't say I would rather have been on Iwo Jima.
Martin Duggan
11.10.2010 | 1:40pm
Frank Weathers says:
Semper Fidelis Joe! I 'm glad to hear that you are a Marine! Happy second birthday.
A Statement and a Prayer
Frank, USMC Ret.
A Statement and a Prayer
Frank, USMC Ret.
11.10.2010 | 2:51pm
Don Roberto Hill says:
George, any environment can be detrimental to the development of an unprepared individual. But I can tell you I would have been much better off with some guidance than essentially on my own (my dad died when I was 19) in a post-Christian culture. Only by the grace of God, and through the intervention obtain by my mother's prayers, did I not continue on the road to hell.
Joe, thanks for the timely article. I think military or other national service is desperately needed to help maintain the unity of this enormois—and enormoisly diverse—land.
Godspeed,
Joe, thanks for the timely article. I think military or other national service is desperately needed to help maintain the unity of this enormois—and enormoisly diverse—land.
Godspeed,
11.10.2010 | 4:42pm
George says:
Joe -- In you article, you expressed puzzlement at why middle class parents who honor veterans do not want their chidlren to join up. As the parent of three teenaged children, perhaps I can explain.
It is a bad idea to remove 18-year-olds, who are still children in many ways, from the salutary influence of family, church, and community at such a critical time in their lives.
It is true that the environment on many colleges campuses is just as bad as in the military, but that is hardly a good reason to send my children there. At least I can choose their college. As to whether drug use is tolerated or not, I can only judge by what I have heard from friends who have served. And what about drunkeness? Is that just a harmless diversion?
It would be a terrible thing to have a child die for his country, but it would be much easier than seeing him condemned to a life of misery and degradation by the habits he contracted in the military.
Give parents some credit for knowing what is best for their children.
It is a bad idea to remove 18-year-olds, who are still children in many ways, from the salutary influence of family, church, and community at such a critical time in their lives.
It is true that the environment on many colleges campuses is just as bad as in the military, but that is hardly a good reason to send my children there. At least I can choose their college. As to whether drug use is tolerated or not, I can only judge by what I have heard from friends who have served. And what about drunkeness? Is that just a harmless diversion?
It would be a terrible thing to have a child die for his country, but it would be much easier than seeing him condemned to a life of misery and degradation by the habits he contracted in the military.
Give parents some credit for knowing what is best for their children.
11.10.2010 | 4:51pm
Anne B. says:
"More often, though, they will simply blurt out that there is no way they’d let their own child enlist."
Let? There's no "let" involved, once they've turned 18. My two oldest sons (now 25 and 29) didn't ask our permission to enlist in the Marines; they just went out and did it.
Did 'em both good, I might add.
Happy Birthday, USMC.
Let? There's no "let" involved, once they've turned 18. My two oldest sons (now 25 and 29) didn't ask our permission to enlist in the Marines; they just went out and did it.
Did 'em both good, I might add.
Happy Birthday, USMC.
11.10.2010 | 5:01pm
Benighted Savage says:
"It seems to me that military service interrupts the moral development of many young men and women during the formative years of early adulthood. The military life-style - alcohol, drugs, and promiscuity - leaves many of them unfit for marriage, family, work and the other disciplines of civilian life."
Your description of military service reminds me much more of the environment found in many American universities and colleges since the early 1970s.
Your description of military service reminds me much more of the environment found in many American universities and colleges since the early 1970s.
11.10.2010 | 8:46pm
Lori says:
Great piece, Joe. Semper Fi. Thank you for your service to our country, and to that poor ignorant girl. You never know whose lives you touch when you testify, whether about your service or your Savior.
11.10.2010 | 9:00pm
Dana R Pico says:
Well, I'm the proud father of two daughters in the United States Army Reserve, enlistment decisions they took for themselves.
George wrote:
It would be a terrible thing to have a child die for his country, but it would be much easier than seeing him condemned to a life of misery and degradation by the habits he contracted in the military.
Gee, I wonder what terrible habits people contract in the military. Respect for their seniors? Oh, man! that's sure terrible! Having to keep your living quarters neat and clean? How barbaric! Having to do something really radical like pay your bills? Just let your CO get notice that you aren't paying your legally-contracted debts! Keeping yourself in good physical condition? Horrors!
I'm hoping that George was just pulling our collective legs with that comment.
George wrote:
It would be a terrible thing to have a child die for his country, but it would be much easier than seeing him condemned to a life of misery and degradation by the habits he contracted in the military.
Gee, I wonder what terrible habits people contract in the military. Respect for their seniors? Oh, man! that's sure terrible! Having to keep your living quarters neat and clean? How barbaric! Having to do something really radical like pay your bills? Just let your CO get notice that you aren't paying your legally-contracted debts! Keeping yourself in good physical condition? Horrors!
I'm hoping that George was just pulling our collective legs with that comment.
11.10.2010 | 10:29pm
John Abel says:
Joe Carter: Thank you for this fine article. I'm acquainted with the Marines (my family Marines include an uncle (navy cross), brother (WWII Guadalcanal), son (28 years active duty w/ honors). I know the Corps sends only their top personnel to be recruiters. This speaks very highly of you.
Semper Fi.
Semper Fi.
11.10.2010 | 10:44pm
Michael M. says:
Although I respect the men and women who risk and have given their lives in the service of something higher than themselves, I cannot support Christians serving in the military. I don’t believe Christ, Peter, James, Paul, or any of the Apostolic Fathers would have encouraged any Christian to join the army.
I understand how military service can yoke Christianity to noble service in a noble cause, but there are few so-called “just wars,” and brave, self-sacrificing people have participated in many heinous or misguided wars.
There are better, more Christian ways to serve our country and the world.
I understand how military service can yoke Christianity to noble service in a noble cause, but there are few so-called “just wars,” and brave, self-sacrificing people have participated in many heinous or misguided wars.
There are better, more Christian ways to serve our country and the world.
11.10.2010 | 11:34pm
Patrick Butcher says:
First - Thanks for your service....over and over again - when I say 'your' I want to include all of the military men and women, in every role, in every assignment.
Second - Thanks for a well written article; it was a flashback to '68 - '72 (college years) and the memories of objectors fleeing to Canada to avoid serving their country via a draft.
Finally, we may pray for a time when a capable protecting force may not be needed, but the reality is that without men and women willing to put their lives on the line to defend our freedom to object, to dissent, to worship, or any of a dozen taken-for-granted liberties, we would be only a memory of a great experiment.
Second - Thanks for a well written article; it was a flashback to '68 - '72 (college years) and the memories of objectors fleeing to Canada to avoid serving their country via a draft.
Finally, we may pray for a time when a capable protecting force may not be needed, but the reality is that without men and women willing to put their lives on the line to defend our freedom to object, to dissent, to worship, or any of a dozen taken-for-granted liberties, we would be only a memory of a great experiment.
11.11.2010 | 6:32am
Michael says:
Michael M
Remember St. John the Baptist's direction to soldiers: "do not blackmail people; be content with your pay"; and Christ's commendation of the centurion, who compared his authority over his men to Christ's.
A centurion was the first Gentile to be baptized; there is no suggestion in the New Testament that soldiering was regarded as incompatible with Christianity. The martyrology contains many names of soldiers, whose occasion for martyrdom was not any objection to soldiering, but a refusal to perform idolatrous acts.
Remember St. John the Baptist's direction to soldiers: "do not blackmail people; be content with your pay"; and Christ's commendation of the centurion, who compared his authority over his men to Christ's.
A centurion was the first Gentile to be baptized; there is no suggestion in the New Testament that soldiering was regarded as incompatible with Christianity. The martyrology contains many names of soldiers, whose occasion for martyrdom was not any objection to soldiering, but a refusal to perform idolatrous acts.
11.11.2010 | 8:56am
Max says:
@ George:
"What is the moral difference, if any, between the soldier and the civilian? ... The difference ... lies in the field of civic virtue. A soldier accepts personal responsibility for the safety of the body politic of which he is a member, defending it, if need be, with his life. The civilian does not."
- Robert A. Heinlein, Starship Troopers
@ Michael M:
Many Christians have served in the military, from the time of the Roman legions in the first centuries of Christianity, to today. Christian tradition has always recognized the legitimate use of military power by the nation. You want to be a pacifist? No problem, that is your prerogative. But to claim military service is incompatible with Christianity is ahistorical.
"What is the moral difference, if any, between the soldier and the civilian? ... The difference ... lies in the field of civic virtue. A soldier accepts personal responsibility for the safety of the body politic of which he is a member, defending it, if need be, with his life. The civilian does not."
- Robert A. Heinlein, Starship Troopers
@ Michael M:
Many Christians have served in the military, from the time of the Roman legions in the first centuries of Christianity, to today. Christian tradition has always recognized the legitimate use of military power by the nation. You want to be a pacifist? No problem, that is your prerogative. But to claim military service is incompatible with Christianity is ahistorical.
11.11.2010 | 9:40am
dunce says:
If all young men quit volunteering for military service the govt. even with dems holding control of the house, senate ,and oval office would have to institute a draft.With the rules on gender equality that would mean equal numbers of women forced to serve. These coddled youth and their dope smoking parents along with the rest of the would soon lose our liberty and the prosperity that always accompanys it. These ingrates do not realize to who and to what they owe for sustaining our great country.
11.11.2010 | 10:46am
SO Cal Mike says:
Joe,
American soldiers are the greatest humans beings.
In the 20th century there was no greater force and instrument for morality and the single greatest force for good in the world today is the American military.
Doubters can imagine how things would look under a Chinese or Russian security umbrella.
Thank you for you service. Those of us who have never served can never possibly repay the debt we owe to those of you who have.
Mike Villano
American soldiers are the greatest humans beings.
In the 20th century there was no greater force and instrument for morality and the single greatest force for good in the world today is the American military.
Doubters can imagine how things would look under a Chinese or Russian security umbrella.
Thank you for you service. Those of us who have never served can never possibly repay the debt we owe to those of you who have.
Mike Villano
11.11.2010 | 11:41am
Michael M says:
Michael,
Christ’s ministry differed from the Baptist’s. His admiration of a centurion’s command does not necessarily imply that He approved of war or of soldiering.
Yes, a centurion was the first Gentile to be baptized. Jesus also ministered to prostitutes, but I doubt He encouraged them to persist in their sin.
The New Testament is silent on soldiering, so we can’t infer either support or condemnation. Soldiers started appearing in Christian martyrology late, at the end of the second century.
Max,
The idea Christians must be nonviolent is, in fact, historical. Jesus didn’t urge armed revolt against the Romans but treated the occupiers as neighbors. The first Christians left Jerusalem in 70 rather than join the revolt against Roman occupation. The Apostolic Fathers saw military service as un-Christian.
St. Justin Martyr (died 165), “We who formerly used to murder one another do not only now refrain from making war upon our enemies, but also, that we may not lie nor deceive our examiners, willingly die confessing Christ.”
St. Irenaeus (died 202), “The word of God, preached by the apostles (who went forth from Jerusalem) throughout all the earth, caused such a change in the state of things, that these [nations] did form the swords and war-lances into ploughshares, and changed them into pruning-hooks for reaping the corn, [that is], into instruments used for peaceful purposes, and that they are now unaccustomed to fighting, but when smitten, offer also the other cheek.”
St. Clement of Alexandria (died 215), “For it is not in war, but in peace, that we are trained. War needs great preparation, and luxury craves profusion; but peace and love, simple and quiet sisters, require no arms, nor excessive preparation. The Word is their sustenance.”
Tertullian (died 220), “The Lord, in disarming Peter, disarmed every soldier. No uniform is lawful among us, if assigned to any unlawful action.”
St. Hippolytus (died 236), “A soldier of the civil authority must be taught not to kill men and to refuse to do so if he is commanded, and to refuse to take an oath; if he is unwilling to comply, he must be rejected. A military commander or civic magistrate that wears the purple must resign or be rejected. If a catechumen or a believer seeks to become a soldier they must be rejected, for they have despised God.”
Origen (died 254), “For we no longer take up sword against nation, nor do we learn war any more, having become children of peace, for the sake of Jesus, who is our leader, instead of those who our fathers followed, among whom we were strangers to the covenant.”
St. Cyprian (died 258), “Consider the roads blocked up by robbers, the seas beset with pirates, wars scattered all over the earth with the bloody horror of camps. The whole world is wet with mutual blood; and murder, which in the case of an individual is admitted to be a crime, is called a virtue when it is committed wholesale. Impunity is claimed for the wicked deeds, not on the plea that they are guiltless, but because the cruelty is perpetrated on a grand scale.”
Arnobius (died 330), “We have learned from His teaching and His laws that evil ought not to be requited with evil, that it is better to suffer wrong than to inflict it, that we should rather shed our own blood than stain our hands and our conscience with that of another.”
Lactantius (died 320), “Thus it will be neither lawful for a just man to engage in warfare, since his warfare is justice itself, not to accuse any one of a capital charge, because it makes no difference whether you put a man to death by word, or rather by the sword, since it is the act of putting to death itself which is prohibited.”
St. Athanasius (died 373), “When they have come over to the school of Christ, then, strangely enough, as men truly pricked in conscience, they have laid aside the savagery of their murders and no longer mind the things of war: but all is at peace with them, and from henceforth what makes for friendship is to their liking.”
I encourage you to read John Yoder’s “Nonviolence: A Brief History” and Stanley Hauerwas, a former member of the First Things editorial board.
Christ’s ministry differed from the Baptist’s. His admiration of a centurion’s command does not necessarily imply that He approved of war or of soldiering.
Yes, a centurion was the first Gentile to be baptized. Jesus also ministered to prostitutes, but I doubt He encouraged them to persist in their sin.
The New Testament is silent on soldiering, so we can’t infer either support or condemnation. Soldiers started appearing in Christian martyrology late, at the end of the second century.
Max,
The idea Christians must be nonviolent is, in fact, historical. Jesus didn’t urge armed revolt against the Romans but treated the occupiers as neighbors. The first Christians left Jerusalem in 70 rather than join the revolt against Roman occupation. The Apostolic Fathers saw military service as un-Christian.
St. Justin Martyr (died 165), “We who formerly used to murder one another do not only now refrain from making war upon our enemies, but also, that we may not lie nor deceive our examiners, willingly die confessing Christ.”
St. Irenaeus (died 202), “The word of God, preached by the apostles (who went forth from Jerusalem) throughout all the earth, caused such a change in the state of things, that these [nations] did form the swords and war-lances into ploughshares, and changed them into pruning-hooks for reaping the corn, [that is], into instruments used for peaceful purposes, and that they are now unaccustomed to fighting, but when smitten, offer also the other cheek.”
St. Clement of Alexandria (died 215), “For it is not in war, but in peace, that we are trained. War needs great preparation, and luxury craves profusion; but peace and love, simple and quiet sisters, require no arms, nor excessive preparation. The Word is their sustenance.”
Tertullian (died 220), “The Lord, in disarming Peter, disarmed every soldier. No uniform is lawful among us, if assigned to any unlawful action.”
St. Hippolytus (died 236), “A soldier of the civil authority must be taught not to kill men and to refuse to do so if he is commanded, and to refuse to take an oath; if he is unwilling to comply, he must be rejected. A military commander or civic magistrate that wears the purple must resign or be rejected. If a catechumen or a believer seeks to become a soldier they must be rejected, for they have despised God.”
Origen (died 254), “For we no longer take up sword against nation, nor do we learn war any more, having become children of peace, for the sake of Jesus, who is our leader, instead of those who our fathers followed, among whom we were strangers to the covenant.”
St. Cyprian (died 258), “Consider the roads blocked up by robbers, the seas beset with pirates, wars scattered all over the earth with the bloody horror of camps. The whole world is wet with mutual blood; and murder, which in the case of an individual is admitted to be a crime, is called a virtue when it is committed wholesale. Impunity is claimed for the wicked deeds, not on the plea that they are guiltless, but because the cruelty is perpetrated on a grand scale.”
Arnobius (died 330), “We have learned from His teaching and His laws that evil ought not to be requited with evil, that it is better to suffer wrong than to inflict it, that we should rather shed our own blood than stain our hands and our conscience with that of another.”
Lactantius (died 320), “Thus it will be neither lawful for a just man to engage in warfare, since his warfare is justice itself, not to accuse any one of a capital charge, because it makes no difference whether you put a man to death by word, or rather by the sword, since it is the act of putting to death itself which is prohibited.”
St. Athanasius (died 373), “When they have come over to the school of Christ, then, strangely enough, as men truly pricked in conscience, they have laid aside the savagery of their murders and no longer mind the things of war: but all is at peace with them, and from henceforth what makes for friendship is to their liking.”
I encourage you to read John Yoder’s “Nonviolence: A Brief History” and Stanley Hauerwas, a former member of the First Things editorial board.
11.11.2010 | 11:43am
Bruce says:
Joe, great article and thank you for your service. I spent 10 years in the Navy and it was one of the best times of my life.
@George, wow, where to start with your post. When I went in the Navy, I was lost, had dropped out of college and was doing drugs, drinking and I knew I was on my way to jail or an early death. I had quite the police record before I turned 18. My only saving factor was that I had good grades and the smarts to realize that I needed to change my ways. The military was by far the best thing I could have done. I learned discipline, I learned responsibility, I learned respect for others as well as myself. I credit my military service making me the person I am today. I also re-entered college earned my degree which I never would have obtained if I had not join the military.
I have been married for 27 years and have 2 sons, 1 in college and 1 that is a doctor in the Army. He decided he wanted to be in the Army after he spent 2 years in the ROTC program in high school. I could not be prouder of that day when he took the oath and serve his country.
Your view of the military is very distorted and I would would hope you would open yourself up to learn about it. In fact you sound very much like some of the very anti-military professors that I had to deal with in college. They too had strong anti-military views, but then again, most of them never worked in the real world like the rest of us have, but they they sit polluting the minds of the young people of this country.
I have had friends children ask me about my service and what they thought about joining, I always tell them that it's their decision, but, for me, it was the right move, the best decision I ever made and never regretted the decision.
@George, wow, where to start with your post. When I went in the Navy, I was lost, had dropped out of college and was doing drugs, drinking and I knew I was on my way to jail or an early death. I had quite the police record before I turned 18. My only saving factor was that I had good grades and the smarts to realize that I needed to change my ways. The military was by far the best thing I could have done. I learned discipline, I learned responsibility, I learned respect for others as well as myself. I credit my military service making me the person I am today. I also re-entered college earned my degree which I never would have obtained if I had not join the military.
I have been married for 27 years and have 2 sons, 1 in college and 1 that is a doctor in the Army. He decided he wanted to be in the Army after he spent 2 years in the ROTC program in high school. I could not be prouder of that day when he took the oath and serve his country.
Your view of the military is very distorted and I would would hope you would open yourself up to learn about it. In fact you sound very much like some of the very anti-military professors that I had to deal with in college. They too had strong anti-military views, but then again, most of them never worked in the real world like the rest of us have, but they they sit polluting the minds of the young people of this country.
I have had friends children ask me about my service and what they thought about joining, I always tell them that it's their decision, but, for me, it was the right move, the best decision I ever made and never regretted the decision.
11.11.2010 | 12:03pm
Buzz says:
Thanks for all you and the Marines do, Joe. On behalf of the citizens of Washington State I'd like to apologize for Evergreen State College in general-- my tax dollars at work.
I do have a modest proposal for the military, especially the National Guard. A lot of people (self included) do come around eventually and regret decisions we made while younger and dimmer. Life expentancies and health maintenance are far more advanced over the time of the founding fathers. Why not set up a "senior guard" or something similar and give us a belated chance to serve?
Just to make sure motives are pure, waive the bulk of the benefits the young get, etc. Such a program would provide some much-needed augmentation to our present military levels and bring the concept of "citizen soldiers" back to its roots. Yes, I've already written my congressman on the subject and got back the usual clueless form-letter-- he is evidently still in his "evergreen phase."
How about it? It would provide a good example for young people if their parents and, in some cases, great-grandparents, were signing up to serve in their golden years.
I do have a modest proposal for the military, especially the National Guard. A lot of people (self included) do come around eventually and regret decisions we made while younger and dimmer. Life expentancies and health maintenance are far more advanced over the time of the founding fathers. Why not set up a "senior guard" or something similar and give us a belated chance to serve?
Just to make sure motives are pure, waive the bulk of the benefits the young get, etc. Such a program would provide some much-needed augmentation to our present military levels and bring the concept of "citizen soldiers" back to its roots. Yes, I've already written my congressman on the subject and got back the usual clueless form-letter-- he is evidently still in his "evergreen phase."
How about it? It would provide a good example for young people if their parents and, in some cases, great-grandparents, were signing up to serve in their golden years.
11.11.2010 | 1:24pm
MN Stan says:
Joe,
Thank you for your service.
Keep writing, that may be the only way some people get to know a soldier these days.
Thank you for your service.
Keep writing, that may be the only way some people get to know a soldier these days.
11.11.2010 | 3:36pm
TB says:
I seriously considered Catholicism in my 20's (while in the service, I might add). First Things was instrumental in causing that analysis in the first place. Repeated comments like Michael M.'s and George's above from actual catholics were instrumental in finally convincing me to abandon the idea.
11.11.2010 | 5:06pm
Mom says:
My oldest son expressed an interest in joining the Army at a young age. I felt anxious about it for many reasons I had heard people talk about - and I secretly hoped he would change his mind.
When he turned 18, the recruiters came by and I sent them away (he wasn't home - but I was glad, too) The times we talked about it - I was not supportive, and even discouraged his interest and suggested other things. I discouraged my son to join - bottom line.
He is now 20. He has not been able to get a job, I made him move out at 19 - because he was disrespectful and would not help out - among other things.
Have you ever watched your own son deteriorate before your eyes? I have. I wish to God he had joined the Army - or any branch of the military - there are MUCH worse things than having your son die at war - or whatever "nightmare" made you hesitate at the idea of supporting him. If he had enlisted, and served - even died - he would have done so loving himself - and that is a gift a mother cannot wish or will into the heart of a stubborn, wayward son.
When he turned 18, the recruiters came by and I sent them away (he wasn't home - but I was glad, too) The times we talked about it - I was not supportive, and even discouraged his interest and suggested other things. I discouraged my son to join - bottom line.
He is now 20. He has not been able to get a job, I made him move out at 19 - because he was disrespectful and would not help out - among other things.
Have you ever watched your own son deteriorate before your eyes? I have. I wish to God he had joined the Army - or any branch of the military - there are MUCH worse things than having your son die at war - or whatever "nightmare" made you hesitate at the idea of supporting him. If he had enlisted, and served - even died - he would have done so loving himself - and that is a gift a mother cannot wish or will into the heart of a stubborn, wayward son.
11.11.2010 | 6:47pm
Bob says:
My father and my wife's father and all of our uncles served in the US Army in WWII. I attempted to enlist in the military during the Viet Nam conflict but was not accepted. All four of our children have served in the US Military, two in the Army and two in the Air Force. Their total time in the military is over forty years. Most of my mail cousins served in the US Military.
I cannot understand how so many of our citizens can be so anti-military, from the President on down.
I cannot understand how so many of our citizens can be so anti-military, from the President on down.
11.12.2010 | 3:16pm
AJ says:
Great recap. It is a fact that 90%, including myself, have never served, therefore lack a first hand knowledge of our heroic military and why they do what they do. But many of us -- again, like myself and my foreign-born wife-- have taken pride in learning and honoring the most vital people among us. As to the offensively ignorant collegians living lives of splendor and sin due to the freedoms you provide them, some day they'll grow up and appreciate it all. A few will drift away and never provide any help to our nation, but most, hopefully, will come to realize why our nation is the greatest.
11.12.2010 | 4:26pm
Brendan Doran says:
God Bless, Happy Birthday and Semper Fi.
@George - I think you're describing a lifestyle of college or the inner city school. Not the military. In particular on the drugs and promiscuity fronts.
@George - I think you're describing a lifestyle of college or the inner city school. Not the military. In particular on the drugs and promiscuity fronts.
11.17.2010 | 5:14pm
Richard says:
@George
I am afraid I have no real knowledge of the lifestyle in the military, so I am cannot fairly compare it to college. Therefore, I do not know if the military does have a bad culture of alcohol, drugs, and promiscuity. However, if it does, the only way I know to fix this is to send in a lot of good (probably dedicated Christian) people who will not take part in it. If we just don't get involved, the military culture, like society at large, will just get worse. Personally, I would rather have a good military.
The same thing could also be said about colleges, I guess. Now I'm not sure which side I am on.
@Micheal
I suspect you are right that military service was not exactly what Jesus had in mind for his people. However, I also doubt that he meant them to just wait to get slaughtered by every group of invaders without their own aversion to violence (i.e. all groups ever). Perhaps there could be a Christian middle ground where we build an equivalently sized force of missionaries and send them to whichever country we would otherwise be fighting to convert their army instead. I doubt this would work, but you never know. There are definitely OT battles that are determined by Israel's standing with God instead of military might.
In retrospect, this seems to be a variant on Maria V. idea.
It is also worth reiterating that, as Joe mentioned with Evergreen College, the military does not fight for the purpose of protecting the military; the military fights to protect the civilians. This seems to weaken the connection to turning the other cheek, although not entirely eliminate it.
God bless the Marines
I am afraid I have no real knowledge of the lifestyle in the military, so I am cannot fairly compare it to college. Therefore, I do not know if the military does have a bad culture of alcohol, drugs, and promiscuity. However, if it does, the only way I know to fix this is to send in a lot of good (probably dedicated Christian) people who will not take part in it. If we just don't get involved, the military culture, like society at large, will just get worse. Personally, I would rather have a good military.
The same thing could also be said about colleges, I guess. Now I'm not sure which side I am on.
@Micheal
I suspect you are right that military service was not exactly what Jesus had in mind for his people. However, I also doubt that he meant them to just wait to get slaughtered by every group of invaders without their own aversion to violence (i.e. all groups ever). Perhaps there could be a Christian middle ground where we build an equivalently sized force of missionaries and send them to whichever country we would otherwise be fighting to convert their army instead. I doubt this would work, but you never know. There are definitely OT battles that are determined by Israel's standing with God instead of military might.
In retrospect, this seems to be a variant on Maria V. idea.
It is also worth reiterating that, as Joe mentioned with Evergreen College, the military does not fight for the purpose of protecting the military; the military fights to protect the civilians. This seems to weaken the connection to turning the other cheek, although not entirely eliminate it.
God bless the Marines
First, thanks for your service to our nation. Second, Happy Birthday to the Marines. Although I am a 24 year Army guy, I had the distinct pleasure of being attached to the 1st MEF in OIF 1. The Marines are simply an outstanding organization. Third, thanks for this excellent piece. I too have been amused and dismayed at the disconnect between the "Thank you so much for what you do" and "Well, of course my daughter is going to college, not the Army" attitude. As a parent now, I can of course understand the deep seated desire that no harm come to your child. But I come from a long line of military service, and I expect that my children (both daughterand son) will both serve, and I hope they will. There are lessons in life that can only be learned in the ordeal of military service. That only 1% of our society shares those experiences now is disquieting to saythe least. In spring of 2009, a Marine JAG officer named Matthew Bogdanos wrote a fantastic article about what the new lack of common military experience is doing to our nation. That insightful article is still available online here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/27/AR2009022702953.html . I hope that eventually the majority of Americans will one day soon again choose to serve. But I won't hold my breath.
MAJ J.C. "Max" Wilkinson
FOB Sharana, Afghanistan