Addition to what I previously posted about voting....
Serving in the military:
I am a conscientious objector. Whatever that really means.
That is I do not want to kill anybody on the orders or authority of any other man, official.
I may, if the situation is beyond my control or my intention is overwhelmed by fear, kill to defend myself or my wife. Could happen and I hope it never will. But, certainly not with pre-meditation which would be the case if I was in the Army. [all of the above as God wills for my life]
One of the main objections that I hear concerning my view is that "if everybody (all Christians) felt that way there would be no Army to defend the nation we live in and from which I benefit". So isn't my objection completely selfish and UN-patriotic (even un-christian)?
My explanation is that real, observant Christians are so rare that it wouldn't matter to the safety of the nation one way or another. There are always plenty of citizens who desire to fight and kill the enemies of the nation for their own reasons. Our Civil War of 1861 is an example, brother against brother. All the government has to do is get them worked up by clever propaganda and the Army will be well provided for.
Just look around, men like to kill, it's in their genes. Spirit inspired Christians are supposed to answer to a higher authority, aren't they?
Just rambling, Ole Indiana Bob