Article August 25, 1980 Issue

Drafted! By whom?

JOHN PAXTON QUALTROUGH

The United States has passed legislation to register men 19 and 20 years old for a possible future draft. For many this seems a necessary step toward improvement of the armed forces at this time of world tension. For others the draft itself is viewed as unnecessary and inappropriate in a free society. Some equate it with involuntary servitude. On the other hand, many nations continue to have compulsory military service, including all but two of the NATO countries.

How is a Christian Scientist to reconcile these different points of view? Perhaps an important beginning is to admit that we may not all arrive at the same conclusion. When we are dealing with a complex predicament, our insights, convictions, and commitments will probably differ. Mrs. Eddy, a Christian woman of profound compassion, saw the difficulty of some decisions. She offers this insight and guidance: "If the premise of mortal existence is wrong, any conclusion drawn therefrom is not absolutely right. Wisdom in human action begins with what is nearest right under the circumstances, and thence achieves the absolute."^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 288;}

Because the draft is part of mortal existence no one conclusion about it is going to be absolutely right. Doesn't this developing issue, then, call upon us to think through our position with wisdom and to respond in love? Our conclusions may vary, but as we rely on the leavening action of divine wisdom and love, they can be appropriate and helpful for all.

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