Boethiah
Penguin
Hello!
I have been thinking a lot about the subject of military service and the Baha'i Faith. This is really for my own knowledge rather than for a practical use, for I do not see myself joining the military in the future. I would just like to have a few concepts cleared up.
The Baha'i Faith supports the spread of peace and unity through non-violent measures, and morally all Baha'is should avoid military combat if necessary. Non combatant roles are preferred, and combatant roles should only be used if 100% unavoidable. I generally agree with this, especially in this day and age.
The area in which I am unclear is the circumstances of the war. For example, the war in Afghanistan and on global terrorism being waged by the United States right now is a very different war than those of the 20th century. It isn't "us" and "them" anymore. The U.S doesn't have a clear enemy, a clear HQ, etc. The biggest war with this scenario that first comes to my mind is World War Two. There was a clear line of "us" and "them". The enemy was clear, and the reasons we were fighting were clear: to liberate Europe/Asia from the clutches of the Axis powers.
We haven't had a war like that in several years (unless if one counts the gulf war/Iraq war).
If a war like this were to arise (a war with clear sides of right/wrong, or even a defined enemy who was endangering lives), would it be permissible to volunteer for a combatant role?
Volunteering is of course a personal matter, but would it be in line with Baha'i teachings? Just as a police officer would use fatal force to save his or her own life or the life of innocents, would this service in these circumstances be clear?
Of course, even in wars such as this there are still moral problems (like the cost of taking a life), but the "greater good" also comes into play.
Thank you!
I have been thinking a lot about the subject of military service and the Baha'i Faith. This is really for my own knowledge rather than for a practical use, for I do not see myself joining the military in the future. I would just like to have a few concepts cleared up.
The Baha'i Faith supports the spread of peace and unity through non-violent measures, and morally all Baha'is should avoid military combat if necessary. Non combatant roles are preferred, and combatant roles should only be used if 100% unavoidable. I generally agree with this, especially in this day and age.
The area in which I am unclear is the circumstances of the war. For example, the war in Afghanistan and on global terrorism being waged by the United States right now is a very different war than those of the 20th century. It isn't "us" and "them" anymore. The U.S doesn't have a clear enemy, a clear HQ, etc. The biggest war with this scenario that first comes to my mind is World War Two. There was a clear line of "us" and "them". The enemy was clear, and the reasons we were fighting were clear: to liberate Europe/Asia from the clutches of the Axis powers.
We haven't had a war like that in several years (unless if one counts the gulf war/Iraq war).
If a war like this were to arise (a war with clear sides of right/wrong, or even a defined enemy who was endangering lives), would it be permissible to volunteer for a combatant role?
Volunteering is of course a personal matter, but would it be in line with Baha'i teachings? Just as a police officer would use fatal force to save his or her own life or the life of innocents, would this service in these circumstances be clear?
Of course, even in wars such as this there are still moral problems (like the cost of taking a life), but the "greater good" also comes into play.
Thank you!