In a 1952 Resolution opposing universal military training, the National Association of Evangelicals expressed itself as opposed to the “militarization of the nation in peacetime” which would go beyond the selective service system then in operation. NAE identified universal military training with totalitarian states that “provoked the two World Wars in this century.” The declaration further stated that the American posture should be that of peace, righteousness, faith and freedom rather than totalitarian strength and terrorizing force. The resolution concluded by recommending that the NAE constituencies do what they deem “wise and effective to safe-guard the youth of our homes, churches and institutions from the imposition of militarism as a peace-time national policy.”

In the current day the spirit of another kind of militarism can be discerned in the arms traffic by criminal organizations, revolutionary groups and nations. Or again it can be seen in the proliferation of nuclear weapons as nations seek a balance of power. The results all too often are city streets unsafe, terrorism and violence the norm, revolutions and wars, and the lurking danger of a global holocaust.

While we represent a wide constituency in our views of the place and type of military preparedness for defense to protect the welfare and provide for our domestic tranquility, as a National Association of Evangelicals we unite in deploring the mind-set that assumes the way to solve problems is by might and power (Zechariah 4:6). We should never forget that we are to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48) and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:14-21).