Why I Am a Conscientious Objector

by John M. Drescher

Book Overview

A look at the broad yet very basic issues every Christian must consider when confronted with military involvement.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 193035309X
• ISBN13: 9781930353091
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Masthof Pr
• Length: 44 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A Good primer on Christian pacifism/conscientious objection.

"Why I Am a Conscientious Objector" was released in 1982 by popular Christian/Mennonite author John M. Drescher. As you might guess, the book explores the subjects of war, pacifism, violence, nonviolence, peacemaking, and conscientious objection from a distinctively Biblical/Christian perspective - so this is probably not the best resource for those who approach pacifism and/or war-resistance from a wholly secular or social standpoint. However, for those who ARE scripturally-centered Christians, or those who have come to explore the pacifist/nonviolent position due in part (or in whole) to the nonviolent teachings of Jesus Christ, then this book stands as an excellent starting-point for your Christian pacifist library! While not nearly as detailed or scholarly as Guy F. Hershberger's "War, Peace, and Nonresistance", John Howard Yoder's "Politics of Jesus", or Lisa Sowle Cahill's "Love Your Enemies", this slim volume (of only 80 pages) spells out the 'nuts & bolts basics' of Biblical Christian pacifism/nonresistance in straight-forward, easy-to-digest 'laymen's' language. Unlike some of the more weighty books on warfare vs. contenscious objection, Drescher does not delve into lengthy ethical/moral/historical studies, but simply spells out the reasons why he himself PERSONALLY is a Christian conscientious objector, and his arguments and main points come almost solely from Scripture, early-Church history, and the teachings of Jesus (as I've said, this is one pacifist book written from one Christian, to other Christians.) Drescher also does a good job of outlining the so-called "just war thinking" pioneered by Augustine, and all too prominent in many of today's denomiations. Drescher gives a good, solid Biblical accounting of why he rejects & refutes the basic tenents of "just war" teaching - but does so in a way that does not snarl or hold "the other side" in contempt. All in all, this is by no means the most complete or "deep" thesis on Christian pacifist thinking, but it IS a good place to start and learn the basics!