The helplessness felt by the people of the United States when faced by such events as the Iranian embassy attack, the Soviet invasion of Afganistan, Soviet troops in Cuba, and now the taking of hostages in Bogata, Columbia has caused a resurgence of nationalism in the country There is a feeling that national weakness and indecision have encouraged these attacks
Polls show a substantial majority of Americans favor a strengthening of the national defenses The national malaise that followed Vietnam and Watergate has given way to patriotic fevor calling for a return to a peacetime draft The all volunteer force that was established in 1973 has been under attack for several reasons Some say it doesn’t attract the quality of personnel necessary in a highly technical modern service, others say it is unfair to the disadvantaged and the minorities Some object to the high cost of the program
Congress considered several draft proposals in 1979 but none was passed. The Carter administration was requested to study the matter and make recommendations to Congress The administration has taken a cautious approach calling for registration of 18 to 20 year olds but no classification or evaluation of registrants at this time Even though the polls show that a substantial majority would support a draft, a very vocal opposition is being heard Many of the activists of the Vietnam era are opposing it and many churches are issuing statements against registration or a draft
In view of the sensitivity of the issue in an election year it appears unlikely that draft legislation other than registration will be passed before the fall election unless a change in the international situation demands it
During the last several years patriotic feelings have been at a low ebb and the stigma attached to conscientious objection has been less than during the two world wars. It is interesting to note that within the past year the monthly newsletter of the National Inter-religious Board for Conscientious Objectors has reported statements by nearly all major American religious denominations both Catholic and Protestant in support of the right of individuals to conscientious objection to military service. During the world wars only a few denominations took this stand. It is also noteworthy that it is mostly the English speaking nations of the world that have governments that respect the right to refuse military service for religious reasons.
It is to be hoped that this freedom continues but if the national mood continues to swing in the direction of patriotism or the nation becomes involved in military action that has popular support, public opinion may not be so tolerant.
A significant difference exists between the position of Christadelphians and that of many other religious bodies. Christadelphians hold that followers of Christ must refuse service involving the use of force or violence. Many churches respect the right of the individual to refuse such service, but do not consider it a requirement of Christian conduct. In view of the world situation there is a need for all Christadelphians to maintain familiarity with the Scriptural principles involved so those who may be called upon to take a stand may be strengthened in their commitment
Pope works for Unity
Pope John Paul II has been successfully using his personal popularity as a means of strengthening and unifying the church. He has traveled much more extensively than any of his predecessors and plans to continue doing so in the future. His highly successful tour in the United States last year was followed by a trip to Turkey in November. A visit to Africa is planned for this spring to coincide with certain religious festivals in that area.
During his visit to Turkey, Pope John Paul met with Dimitrios I the Patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church to begin an official dialog looking toward reunion between the churches that have been separated for 925 years. A number of doctrinal differences separate the two churches but the doctrine of Papal supremacy is the major stumbling block to unity between Rome and the Eastern Orthodox church. Whether the urgent need for reunion will overcome this obstacle will be seen when a joint international commission including cardinals and bishops of the two churches takes up these matters soon. The Pope on his visit attended an Eastern Orthodox urcharistic celebration and Dimitrios in turn attended a papal mass. Although the two pontiffs did not share communion, they expressed their hope for development of increased understanding and cooperation.
The Pope also sent out a message to the Muslim world when he called upon Christians and Muslims to “recognize and develop the spiritual ties that unite us in order to protect . . . social justice, moral values, peace and liberty.” He also urged Turkish Christians who are a distinct minority to “seek ties of friendship with other believers who invoke the name of a single God.”
But serious problems face the Orthodox Church in the Middle East in dealing with the militant Muslims who look upon the desire for unity in Christendom as a threat to Islam. Dimitrios in a sermon expressed his concern for the “Luciferian anarchy” being unleashed by Islamic fanatics. Addressing the Pope he said, “we find ourselves before a phenomenon, a sign of the times, that could be described as a return to the epoch of religious fanaticism, of religious wars, of self-destruction of men and their faith, and always in the name of God.” The Patriarch undoubtedly had reference to the active warfare in Lebanon and to the violence that could at any time erupt in Turkey where a 98% Moslim majority is ruled by an unstable secular government.
Whether the Pope’s appeal for understanding on the basis of shared beliefs will calm the tensions between Christians and fanatical Muslims remains to be seen. The increasing militancy of Muslims in countries where they have a significant population is becoming an increasing threat to peace. Iran is the outstanding example along with Pakistan, Afganistan, Indonesia and the Philippines. Where the so called Islamic revolution fits into the prophetic scheme is not yet entirely clear but there can be little doubt that the political instability and disunity caused by it is being taken advantage of in every possible way by the Soviets in their plan for world domination.
Israel Adopts the Shekel
A monetary crisis in Israel, whose inflation rate has gone well over 100% recently, has been met by replacing the pound — the monetary unit of the past 32 years — with a new unit the shekel. The new currency will be introduced over a three month period during which Israelis will exchange their pounds for shekels. Here a modern economic problem has served to draw the nation closer to its ancient Biblical heritage. A small but significant step in the process of restoration of God’s chosen nation, an essential element in the divine plan on which our salvation depends.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One