In the modern world, the decision to refrain from participating in military conflicts is not always based on external circumstances but is often rooted in deeply personal beliefs and religious doctrines.

Religious Convictions and Moral Integrity: Why Some Decline to Fight

In the modern world, the decision to refrain from participating in military conflicts is not always based on external circumstances but is often rooted in deeply personal beliefs and religious doctrines. It has long been noted that members of certain religious communities steadfastly follow their principles, rejecting violence and murder. These individuals are not merely succumbing to external pressures; they are consciously choosing based on an internal value system that permits no compromise even in the face of danger.

At the forefront are religious principles that dictate uncompromising stances on military actions. Members of some denominations demonstrate remarkable steadfastness by refusing to take part in any combat operations regardless of the current international climate, enabling them to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law. While this position may provoke mixed reactions in society, for them it is not a political matter but a fundamental moral conviction.

Equally important is the personal revulsion toward the act of killing. For many people, joining the military is accompanied by an inner conflict where the desire not to harm others becomes the main guiding principle in life. This aspiration to preserve human dignity and reject violence—even in the face of the harsh realities of war—is explained by deeply personal ethical considerations that shape their worldview.

Thus, the refusal to participate in armed conflicts is largely determined not only by religious and ideological beliefs but also by personal moral responsibility. This choice, imbued with a respect for life and an unwavering faith in one’s principles, continues to spark lively interest and debate in society, underscoring the complexity and diversity of human motivations.

What factors might explain the unwillingness to participate in military actions even under volunteer conditions?

The answer to your question can be formulated by considering several factors outlined in the materials.

Firstly, religious beliefs and moral principles play a significant role. For instance, one source notes that members of a particular religious community are known for their firm refusal to participate in combat operations. This rejection is not primarily a response to external pressures but a deeply rooted internal position, exemplified in the following excerpt:

"There is a known sharp hostility of Jehovah's Witnesses toward all forms of social life and statehood in general, which, however, does not prevent them from successfully carrying out their activities in many countries under the framework of existing laws. There have been instances where certain episodes of the Society's activities prompted widespread indignation from the global community; for example, during World War II, Jehovah's Witnesses were harshly criticized for their refusal to participate in military actions against fascism..." (source: link txt, page: 19).

Secondly, an equally important factor is a deep personal aversion to the act of killing and violence inherent in military involvement. One account illustrates the inner conflict experienced by an individual before joining the army, expressing a desire to avoid causing harm, even if it meant facing danger:

"Before enlisting in the army, he went to the church of Saint Barbara and asked the Most Holy Mother of God, 'Let me suffer, let there be danger, but just let me not kill anyone...'" (source: link txt, page: 12).

Thus, the reluctance to participate in military actions, even under volunteer conditions, can be attributed to two main aspects:

1. Religious-ideological convictions, whereby an internal value system and the doctrine of a specific religious community categorically reject murder and violence.
2. Personal ethical and moral considerations, where the individual experiences an irreconcilable internal conflict, unwilling to cross the threshold of taking another life even if volunteerism is an option.

Supporting citation(s):
"There is a known sharp hostility of Jehovah's Witnesses toward all forms of social life and statehood in general, which, however, does not prevent them from successfully carrying out their activities in many countries under the framework of existing laws. There have been instances where certain episodes of the Society's activities prompted widespread indignation from the global community; for example, during World War II, Jehovah's Witnesses were harshly criticized for their refusal to participate in military actions against fascism..." (source: link txt, page: 19).

"Before enlisting in the army, he went to the church of Saint Barbara and asked the Most Holy Mother of God, 'Let me suffer, let there be danger, but just let me not kill anyone...'" (source: link txt, page: 12).