A Conflict of loyalties; the case for selective conscientious objection

About this book

"Does the young man who believes a particular war to be unjust have a moral, political or legal right to refuse to participate in that war? The war in Vietnam confronts us with this question. The rights of a person who conscientiously objects to participation in all wars are recognized by the Selective Service regulations of the United States government. The draft law excuses from service any person 'who by reason of religious training and belief is conscientiously opposed to participation in war in any form.' However, an increasing number of persons--not generally opposed to war--refuse to participate in the war in Vietnam, believing it to be unjust. Although they are known as selective conscientious objectors, they base their objection on grounds other than 'a belief in a relation to a Supreme Being involving duties superior to those arising from any human relations.' Their rights to military exemption, which they claim in conscience, are not recognized by the government. Although the problem of the selective conscientious objector is posed most acutely by the Southeast Asian crisis, the issues will remain even if the war were to end tomorrow. This volume explores those issues which urgently engage the life and liberty of the many men who presently assert their rights as they see them against the threat of jail and allegations of disloyalty. The book's distinguished contributors examine the moral, philosophical, political and legal aspects of the problem. While none denies the difficulty of the problem, their argument, taken as a whole, supports the rights of the selective conscientious objector. Their essays will quicken and inform the consciences of all who are challenged by the extraordinary conflicts of loyalty to which we subject many of our young men."--Jacket.