In World War I (1914-1918), an intensely critical test developed and confronted the church. In Europe, the issue was clearly defined. All churches, including the Seventh Day Adventist Church, were required to support the war effort or suffer persecution under the threat of losing property and even life. What position did the Adventist leadership take? The following document shows that the original principles of non-participation in military service were abandoned.
“Dresden, March 5, 1915
“To the General Commander of the 7th Army Corps in Dresden:
“Relative to No. 856, 111 of February 22, 1915, which forbade Adventist meetings to be held in Dresden, allow the undersigned to give the following explanation.
“For several years the undersigned have clearly set forth before Military Officials, both orally and in writing, that Military Service on Saturday (Sabbath) in times of peace always remained a question of the individual conscience.
“But at the outbreak of the war the leaders of the Adventist organization in Germany, of their own accord, advised all their military service members in all the land, under the pressing circumstances and need of the Fatherland, to do their duties required of them as citizens, according to the Scripture, and earnestly to do on Saturday (Sabbath) as other warriors do on Sunday. As proof, allow this enclosed copy of the document to serve the highly esteemed Prussian Minister of War, written on the 6th day of August, 1914. This position, taken years ago, is supported by the attached signatures:
“For the European Division, Headquarters, Hamburg,
(signed) L. R. Conradi, President
“For the East German Union, Headquarters, Berlin,
(signed) H. F. Schuberth, President
“For the Saxon Association, Headquarters, Chemnitz,
(signed) Paul Drinhaus, President.”
The spiritual leaders in Europe actually instructed the members to go and fight in open battle like other soldiers. How tragic but true–it actually happened as the following records testify.
“When missionary Badant went to Madagascar on the 18th of April, 1914, he had an appointment with several high French officers. They found that some young French Adventists refused to do duty on the Sabbath. But they were glad to understand the case when it was presented clearly to them by one of our missionaries. Missionary Badant then said: ‘When the word for war is given, our young men will give their services and on the Sabbath day too.’”41
“We, the Conference of the Romanian Seventh Day Adventists, make known the Biblical standpoint that military service and the call to bear arms is a duty imposed by the State, to whom God has rightly given authority, according to 1 Peter 2:13, 14 and Romans 13:4, 5. This same stand was also taken by the General Conference Committee during their meeting of November, 1915; so in this matter the different countries of the world have complete liberty, of their own, to continue meeting these legal requirements as they have done until now…. God does not want us to resist the government, for it would be bad for us. Therefore, we must endeavor to fulfill all the duties which are given us by the government. As we receive privileges from the government, we must also perform the duties imposed on us by the government. Military service is one of these duties, because sometimes the government finds it necessary to make war.”42
“Particularly should the Church of God today remember our European brethren who are now suffering adversity. Some have been forced into active military service; their lives are constantly menaced, and they are exposed to hardship and danger. Families have been broken up. Those left at home are anxious with fear for those who have gone to the front. The officers of some of our conferences and churches have been compelled to forsake their charges and join the national colors…. As to just what our European brethren should do under these trying circumstances, only they alone in prayer to God can decide.”43
Thousands of Adventist men entered the military and hundreds lost their lives on the battle fields. The apostasy was, therefore, universal throughout continental Europe. In fact, it involved all nations at war and even some neutral countries.
The leaders of the church in Europe were not alone in setting aside the fundamental God-given principles. This new position received the approval of the General Conference in Washington, D.C. They were fully aware of the combatant position taken by the European brethren during the war. Here is one more item of evidence proving that the General Conference supported the decisions of the spiritual leaders in Europe.
“The Conference Committee of the German Union takes the stand that in regard to the bearing of arms or to military duties it is a civil demand to which the established governments of God are entitled, according to 1 Peter 2:13, 14, and Romans 13:3-5. This stand was also taken by the General Conference Committee in November 1915, while in session.”44