Old Enough to Kill, But Not to Pray

July 2, 2008

They did it again and I am AMAZED again. An officer of the military--the same military that tells us over and over again that 18 year old men and women are old enough to make their own decision to join the military, old enough to choose to learn to kill--has informed us that a CO applicant is not old enough to know his own mind about his faith.

Now, Joan of Arc was 16 as I recall and Mother Teresa began her work at 18. George Fox was 20 when he began the faith tradition called Friends.

Eighteen year olds are old enough to vote, sign contracts, and own property.

But, apparently, they are not old enough to know that they want to leave the military and study war no more. They are not old enough to know their own beliefs, their own connection with God.

I am AMAZED.