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Family splits over sons’ military service; war conflicts with their beliefs
The Canton Repository (Canton, OH) ^ | Saturday, November 5, 2005 | CHARITA GOSHAY

Posted on 11/05/2005 8:18:52 AM PST by ResistorSister

CANTON - The Marine Corps Reserve 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines returned home from Iraq to the open arms of grateful family members.

Jason and Johel Woodliff had only each other.

The brothers say they were not greeted by their family upon their return on Oct. 6, because of religion.

The Woodliffs’ parents are devout Jehovah’s Witnesses, who oppose war and military service.

Graduates of Washington High School in Massillon, the Woodliffs said they had a strict upbringing based on their parents’ faith, and that the real trouble began when they announced their intentions to become Marines.

“When they found out I wanted to join, they were very upset about it,” said Johel, 20, who turned down a college scholarship to join the Marines in 2003. “I let them know that as I grew older, I had done some research on the religion, and that it didn’t abide with my beliefs.”

Jason, 23, claims that when he informed his parents in 2004 that he too intended to join the Marines, he was asked to leave the house.

“I was 18 years old, living by myself in a trailer,” he said. “I haven’t had a conversation with my dad in five years. For him, it’s 100 percent about the religion.”

Though the Bible is filled with accounts of battles and war imagery, J.R. Brown, director of public information for the Watchtower Bible Tract Society, confirmed that Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t participate in military service based on their interpretation of Scripture, and that the actions of the Woodliffs’ parents are consistent with the faith.

“As Christians, we’re neutral with respect to the conflicts that nations have,” he said. “Our neutrality is just in regards to conflicts of men. This doesn’t mean we’re adversaries. We try to (convey) that to the person as best we can, but because they’re usually partisan, they think we’re against them. That’s not the case. We’re truly neutral.”

Brown noted that numerous U.S. court decisions have recognized members’ right to neutrality.

“We’re not be feared,” Brown said, adding that the church is merely adhering to Jesus’ admonition to, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God, the things that are God’s.”

disassociation

Brown acknowledged that family members who enter the military voluntarily, risk “disassociation.”

“We as an organization or local congregation do not initiate this action,” he explained. “Rather than ‘disfellowship,’ we use ‘disassociation’ as a term. That means the individual made a conscientious decision that he or she would no longer ascribe to the principles that we do. He or she has decided to take a side; the individual has left the position of ‘neutral.’ We look at disassociation as accepting the person’s decision to take a side.”

Given that the faith places a great deal of emphasis on the family, Brown concedes that others might see the policy as contradictory.

“It depends on how you look at your Christian responsibility,” he said. “We look at our responsibility before God as our first and foremost responsibility. As our creator, he comes first. We feel our position of neutrality is based on our love for him. If a family member does not accept the same decision, we feel they have to bear the consequences. It pains us. We’re human too.”

Brown said members must prioritize their allegiances.

“You have to decide who’s first in your life, is it God more than any human?” he said. “The fact is, we do not even put ourselves and our own interests ahead of God. He’s our creator. Our allegiance is first to him. In making that decision, it does at times create problems within the family. Husbands, wives, parents can be torn; there’s love there. But the apostle said we must obey God as ruler rather than man.”

The brothers said that although they no longer embrace a particular faith, they believe in God and the Bible, adding that many Marines are deeply religious.

“There are Scriptures written all over Iraq,” Johel said. “My favorite is John 15:13.”

Attached to Johel’s dog tags is a worn medallion of St. Michael, the warrior angel. He also carries a camouflage-paperback Bible.

“War shouldn’t be necessary, but war has existed since the beginning of man,” he said. “The Bible speaks of war constantly. King David was one of the greatest warriors. It shouldn’t be a necessity, but it’s a reality.”

moral conflict?

The Rev. Wendy Bausman, a retired Navy chaplain and an associate pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church, ministered to Marines and sailors for 14 years.

“I didn’t have a conflict serving in the military,” she said. “But I was a non-combatant, which put me in different category. It would have been really challenging for me (in uniform), simply because of handling a weapon. I’m not comfortable with that.”

Bausman said she did encounter service people who became conscientious objectors.

“The first person they go to outside their chain of command, is the chaplain,” she explained. “A chaplain listens, counsels and writes a recommendation. They also must discern if the person is just trying to get out of the military, or it’s something sincere.”

She recalled one Marine who became an objector after joining a Mennonite church.

“It was really an honest introspection,” she said. “He was struggling with the military once he became a Mennonite.”

unconditional love

The Woodliff brothers said they really didn’t expect their parents to attend their homecoming.

“I begged my mother to come, but I knew she wouldn’t,” Johel said. “Several families know our situation and have taken us under their wing. My mom knows I’ll always have love for her. I believe love is unconditional.”

His brother is less forgiving.

“What’s the most important thing in the Bible? Love and family,” Jason asked. “It’s not like I blasphemed God or worshipped the devil. It’s just ridiculous to me.”

parents’ reply

In a written statement, Thomas and Mia Woodliff respond: “We love our sons and are saddened that they have expressed public disappointment regarding what should be a private, family matter, that is, our choice not to attend the recent homecoming party for the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. As you know, we are Jehovah’s Witnesses and are neutral as to the political and military affairs of the world. We base our beliefs on Scriptures such as John 17:14, 16, Matthew 5:43, 44 and Matthew 26:52 among others. This means we are neither for nor against the political involvements of the 200-plus nations that we can be found in. This does not mean that we do not love the land in which we live, or that we disrespect the government or those in authority. We recognize that each nations ruling authority has the right to enact and enforce laws, make foreign policy and to purse its own sovereign interests. We simply choose not to participate.

“However, we are generally known as exemplary taxpayers and citizens and we try to follow the laws of the land to the extent that our Bible-trained conscience will individually permit. Which leads us to the main point of our statement. Our two sons were taught to be peace-loving followers of Jesus Christ. Instead, they have chosen a different path. We respect their right to chose whatever lifestyle they wish. And we hope one day for reconciliation so that we can be a united family again. We have many fond memories of the abundant good times we shared together. In the meantime, please be assured that the current difference in point of view, and the separation in ties that has occurred as a result, does not mean that we love our children less.”

WHAT DO WITNESSES BELIEVE?

Founded in 1881 by Charles T. Russell of Pittsburgh, Jehovah’s Witnesses, or the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, centers on preparation for the second coming of Christ.

Witnesses believe that Christ returned to Earth in 1914 by way of an “invisible presence,” and that his presence remains on earth today.

Though members consider themselves Christians, their doctrine rejects several tenets of orthodox Christianity:

-Witnesses reject the concept of a “triune” God. They believe that Jesus was God’s first creation, not God incarnate. They also believe the Holy Spirit is a “force” of God, not the third person of the Trinity.

-Witnesses reject the Christian tenet that Jesus’ resurrection was physical; rather, they believe he received a “spirit” body and that his physical body was disposed of by Jehovah.

-They also reject the idea of an eternal hell, believing instead that people who refuse to repent will suffer an eternal death.

-Witnesses also eschew blood transfusions, based on the Book of Leviticus in the Old Testament, which forbids ingestion of meats containing blood, and Acts 15:29 in the New Testament.

-Christmas, Easter and family birthdays are not observed because Witnesses believe they’re based on pagan traditions.

-Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse to salute the flag or engage in military service, based on their belief that God will fight all battles and exact justice. They also embrace political neutrality.

-During World War II, more than 2,500 members were killed in Nazi concentration camps. Prior to the war, Witnesses were branded heretics by mainline German churches in Germany. In 1935, the sect was outlawed. Even after the war, persecution of members continued throughout the world.

-Currently, nearly 1,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses are in jail in South Korea for refusing to serve in that country’s military. South Korea has no provision for alternative service.

Parents’ reply

In a written statement, Thomas and Mia Woodliff respond: “We love our sons and are saddened that they have expressed public disappointment regarding what should be a private, family matter, that is, our choice not to attend the recent homecoming party for the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. As you know, we are Jehovah’s Witnesses and are neutral as to the political and military affairs of the world. We base our beliefs on Scriptures such as John 17:14, 16, Matthew 5:43, 44 and Matthew 26:52 among others. This means we are neither for nor against the political involvements of the 200-plus nations that we can be found in. This does not mean that we do not love the land in which we live, or that we disrespect the government or those in authority. We recognize that each nation’s ruling authority has the right to enact and enforce laws, make foreign policy and to purse its own sovereign interests. We simply choose not to participate.

“However, we are generally known as exemplary taxpayers and citizens and we try to follow the laws of the land to the extent that our Bible-trained conscience will individually permit. Which leads us to the main point of our statement. Our two sons were taught to be peace-loving followers of Jesus Christ. Instead, they have chosen a different path. We respect their right to choose whatever lifestyle they wish. And we hope one day for reconciliation so that we can be a united family again. We have many fond memories of the abundant good times we shared together. In the meantime, please be assured that the current difference in point of view, and the separation in ties that has occurred as a result, does not mean that we love our children less.”


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Philosophy; US: Ohio; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: cultists; family; goodsons; jehovahsjerks; militaryfamilies; patriots; religion; war; whackaloons
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1 posted on 11/05/2005 8:18:53 AM PST by ResistorSister
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To: ResistorSister

Isn't there a family in Ohio who will adopt these stalwart sons of America. I'm in Texas.


2 posted on 11/05/2005 8:22:04 AM PST by JeeperFreeper
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To: ResistorSister

"Witnesses also eschew blood transfusions""



3 posted on 11/05/2005 8:22:48 AM PST by LauraleeBraswell
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To: ResistorSister

http://www.adamkotsko.com/war-ot.htm
http://www.bible.com/answers/awar.html

As always if freaky marginal religions would just read the books they carry around they wouldn't come up with ridiculous notions.


4 posted on 11/05/2005 8:24:57 AM PST by x5452
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To: JeeperFreeper

Heartbreaking that these boys came home from war without being received by their parents.


5 posted on 11/05/2005 8:25:53 AM PST by ResistorSister (The Dems are being given enough rope to hang themselves.)
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To: ResistorSister

Dhimmitude conflicts with my beliefs.


6 posted on 11/05/2005 8:26:22 AM PST by Whitewasher (Would u like America to be a goat nation in the millennium to come? Keep pushing the "Roadmap" bull!)
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To: ResistorSister
I have a cousin who follows that religion. He makes it to every wedding reception but he is not allowed to attend family weddings that are held inside of a Church.
7 posted on 11/05/2005 8:29:05 AM PST by armymarinemom (My sons freed Iraqi and Afghanistan Honor Roll students.)
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To: ResistorSister
We’re truly neutral

If a family member does not accept the same decision, we feel they have to bear the consequences.

But the JWs DID take a stand.......against the soldiers through disassociation. That's not neutral.

8 posted on 11/05/2005 8:31:04 AM PST by DJ MacWoW (If you think you know what's coming next....You don't know Jack.)
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To: ResistorSister

JW's are NOT neutral. They believe that saluting the flag is idolatry. Ugh...


9 posted on 11/05/2005 8:32:29 AM PST by misty4jc
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To: ResistorSister

What if they came home in a box. Would they still be disassociated?


10 posted on 11/05/2005 8:32:33 AM PST by ArtyFO (I love to smoke cigars when I adjust artillery fire.)
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To: ResistorSister

Pacifists are parasites.  A great look into the morally twisted minds of liberals. 

Owl_Eagle

"You know, I'm going to start thanking
the woman who cleans the restroom in
the building I work in.  I'm going to start
thinking of her as a human being"

-Hillary Clinton
(Yes, she really said that
Peggy Noonan
The Case Against Hillary Clinton, pg 55)

11 posted on 11/05/2005 8:33:45 AM PST by End Times Sentinel (In Memory of my Dear Friend Henry Lee II)
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To: ResistorSister

Sad.

Thomas, Mia, Jason, & Johel Woodliff have made their choices. Jason & Johel need to understand they no longer have parents...only memories.

Jason & Johel need to get on with their lives and never look back to the baggage of their parents' religion.


12 posted on 11/05/2005 8:36:48 AM PST by DakotaGator
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To: ResistorSister

I seem to recall that, after Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses were among the Nazis favorite candidates for their death camps (along the physically crippled, mentally handicapped, gypsies, homosexuals, political opponents, etc.). But then again, if you are indifferent to your own annihilation how could you be expected to care about anything or anyone else?


13 posted on 11/05/2005 8:45:17 AM PST by Captain Rhino (If you will just abandon logic, these things will make a lot more sense!)
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To: ResistorSister

But how amazing that they grew up to be responsible, Christian patriots, despite the tripe their parents fed them.


14 posted on 11/05/2005 8:51:07 AM PST by Malacoda (Islam = deranged, evil suicide cult)
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To: ResistorSister

The JWs are a cult that deny the divinity of Christ and demand human works and membership in their church for their weird form of "salvation." I feel bad for the American heroes in this story.


15 posted on 11/05/2005 8:52:07 AM PST by inkling
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To: ResistorSister

"“We’re not be feared,” Brown said, adding that the church is merely adhering to Jesus’ admonition to, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God, the things that are God’s.”"

But isn't that exactly what their sons did?


16 posted on 11/05/2005 9:11:18 AM PST by Bigh4u2 (Denial is the first requirement to be a liberal)
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To: ResistorSister
I have a particular contempt for religions that break up families. Family is more important than religious dogma.

-ccm

17 posted on 11/05/2005 9:12:59 AM PST by ccmay (Beware the fury of a patient man.)
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To: ResistorSister
“As Christians, we’re neutral with respect to the conflicts that nations have,” he said.

Jehovah's Witnesses are not Christians.

18 posted on 11/05/2005 9:13:10 AM PST by pgkdan
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To: JeeperFreeper

I'm in NC but I'd adopt them.


19 posted on 11/05/2005 9:17:50 AM PST by kalee
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To: kalee

what trashy parents not to support their children


20 posted on 11/05/2005 9:33:29 AM PST by Narcoleptic
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