Article November 5, 2012 Issue

Even in war, one man's prayer counts

Chris Johnson

Let us serve instead of rule, knock instead of push at the door of human hearts, and allow to each and every one the same rights and privileges that we claim for ourselves. 

—Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 303

When I joined the United States Navy during the Vietnam War years, I faced two questions when thinking about pursuing a career in a military service. The first question was, How could I, a Christian Scientist, be in the military when the Bible says unequivocally, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13), and “Thou shalt love … thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27)? 