From a reader:
The Churches of God have never recognized the love and good deeds of other Christians even sabbath observers. In fact they often mock other churches known for their good works. Perhaps the best example of this is the apparent reluctance to praise the stellar example of Desmond Doss who was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church.
Desmond Doss was the only conscientious objector to win the Medal of Honor during WWII. A pacifist, he was persecuted in boot camp by his fellow soldiers for his odd religious beliefs. His commanding officer offered to give him a Section 8, but Doss refused the offer because he did not want to dishonor his faith. Desmond also insisted on going to church on Saturday, and was allowed to do so. Doss promised his commanding officer to make up for the training, and also that God would aid him in battle. This promise appears to have been met in extraordinary ways.
Despite being persecuted and mocked for his beliefs Desmond Doss, as a combat medic, would distinguish himself numerous times under fire for risking his life to save others. His entire life and service would be characterized by a profound desire to serve and to love his fellow human beings. I hope the COGs who are well known for their lack of love for their fellow man, lack of good deeds, and brutal leadership will learn from Doss’s light of devotion, kindness and selfless love.
Aristophanes
Desmond Thomas Doss (February 7, 1919 – March 23, 2006)[1] was a United States Army corporal who served as a combat medic with an infantry company in World War II. He was twice awarded the Bronze Star Medal for actions in Guam and the Philippines. Doss further distinguished himself in the Battle of Okinawa by saving 75 men,[a] becoming the only conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor for his actions during the war.[b] His life has been the subject of books, the documentary The Conscientious Objector, and the 2016 Oscar-winning film Hacksaw Ridge, where he was portrayed by Andrew Garfield.
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While serving with his platoon in 1944 on Guam and the Philippines, he was awarded two Bronze Star Medals with a "V" device,[11] for exceptional valor in aiding wounded soldiers under fire. During the Battle of Okinawa, he saved the lives of 50–100 wounded infantrymen atop the area known by the 96th Division as the Maeda Escarpment or Hacksaw Ridge.[12] Doss was wounded four times in Okinawa,[13] and was evacuated on May 21, 1945, aboard the USS Mercy.[14] Doss suffered a left arm fracture from a sniper's bullet while being carried back to Allied lines and at one point had seventeen pieces of shrapnel embedded in his body after a failed attempt at kicking a grenade away from him and his men.[14] He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Okinawa.[15]
What a refreshing and inspiring article to read after reading Bob Thiel's tripe. Thanks Aristophanes!
ReplyDeleteThe COGs have always been "Chicken Hawks" in the sense that they are pro military , neo con supporting , "Pride of Power Projections " etc, yet will not serve in the military or police forces either.
ReplyDelete11.28 AM
DeleteThey preach that America should be militarily assertive on the world stage since the godless commies or other invaders wouldn't allow them to play church. But they teach their members to be passive with their endless obey, yield, surrender, submit. They even define obeying God as "yielding" to Him, when in really it means putting out much effort.
They twist and distort most everything.
Serving in police enforcement would no doubt include working on the Sabbath.
DeleteI have been in the church many years and yes I recognize the Faith of Doss. Incredible example. There are others as well. I believe the doctrines of the church for the most part. I also believe God works with whomever he will to accomplish his will and glory to him. Some in the church especially people like Weston Meredith Pack and Flurry try to put God in a box and humans do not have authority or power to do that. I don’t believe in most mainstream doctrines but I do believe God extends grace to others who are faithful.
ReplyDeleteI remember one COG minister didn't like my grandfather. He was a decorated WW2 veteran and disabled from the war. So in a sermon one Sabbath he said WW2 vets were no different than murders. This is another example of how toxic the COGs are.
ReplyDeleteBack in the day, when confronted about our contrarian practices, we were discoursged from making statements like "My church won't let me do that." We were taught to state the church teachings as our own personal beliefs from the Bible, and to cite appropriate scriptures. Some of the teachings or beliefs were so bizarre, that members went along with them reluctantly because they "knew" that their salvation was based on compliance.
ReplyDeleteTo me, one of the only benefits of being a WCG member. one that actually improved quality of life, was our exemption from military service. However, there was always mental conflict about war and prophecy. I did not want to see the USA go down in my lifetime, or to have to watch my friends and family whomwere not in the church be killed or tortured. I did suffer a lot of guilt from hating prophecy, and not wanting it to be fulfilled. And, I believe that that is basic human nature. I can't imagine the mental conundrums going on in RCG members' minds. I am certain that Jesus hates to be weaponized as a daily threat to people who feel that they are doing their best to follow Him.
Back in the day, when confronted about our contrarian practices, we were discoursged from making statements like "My church won't let me do that." We were taught to state the church teachings as our own personal beliefs from the Bible, and to cite appropriate scriptures. Some of the teachings or beliefs were so bizarre, that members went along with them reluctantly because they "knew" that their salvation was based on compliance.
ReplyDeleteTo me, one of the only benefits of being a WCG member. one that actually improved quality of life, was our exemption from military service. However, there was always mental conflict about war and prophecy. I did not want to see the USA go down in my lifetime, or to have to watch my friends and family whomwere not in the church be killed or tortured. I did suffer a lot of guilt from hating prophecy, and not wanting it to be fulfilled. And, I believe that that is basic human nature. I can't imagine the mental conundrums going on in RCG members' minds. I am certain that Jesus hates to be weaponized as a daily threat to people who feel that they are doing their best to follow Him.
After learning about Doss, reading his biography and even inviting family and friends to a screening of Hacksaw Ridge for my birthday party some years back I firmly believe he was a “salt of the earth,” true Christian—a fine example to follow especially when it came to demonstrating faith and works together and in the military no less! May he rest in the Lord and awake on the last day in Paradise!
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