Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
The teacher highlights that Benner and Heatwell’s letters (“Contribute nothing to a fund used to run the war machine”) were treated as “one of the most daring resistance” and as an “opportunity to…test out” that “advice…does not include advice on religious grounds”—what concrete habits would you need to build now (speech, finances, church unity, readiness for loss) to remain faithful if your government or community demanded public proof of patriotism the way those “precinct meetings” did?
Another way to ask: If your community demanded public proof of patriotism, what habits would you need now to stay faithful (how you speak, how you spend, church unity, and being ready to suffer loss)?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests faithfulness would require settled convictions, careful but firm speech, financial refusal to fund war, strong church unity, and readiness to accept threats, arrest, fines, or prison without backing down. The Benner/Heatwell case shows that even private letters and church counsel can become evidence, so habits of integrity and prepared suffering matter.
- Heatwell’s counsel is concrete: “do not aid or bet war in any form…Contribute nothing to a fund used to run the war machine.”
- He anticipates consequences: “outlandish threats…tar and feathering…painting houses yellow…decorating autos and buildings with flags,” yet says, “I take the consequences, whatever they may be.”
- Benner answers publicly at the precinct meeting: when asked how many stamps, he said “none,” showing readiness for a loyalty test.
- The letters were treated as criminal evidence; DOJ wanted “further information concerning the anti-war activities,” and said religious grounds don’t count as legitimate “advice.”
- Benner is arrested and jailed “three nights and two days,” and the case becomes a “big test case,” showing readiness for loss and legal pressure.