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Jumpstarter 9 of 10

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A Change of Allegiance  /  Navigating Conscientious Objection with Faith  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 9
For those already enlisted, Taylor emphasizes proving a genuine “change” after enlistment (born again, early church writings, Sermon on the Mount) so it’s not seen as fraudulent; what does this imply about God’s dealings with conscience over time, and what kinds of “crystallizing” events have actually changed your obedience patterns rather than just your opinions?
Another way to ask: For enlisted people, Taylor says you must show a real change after joining so it doesn’t look fake. What does that suggest about how God can shape a person’s conscience over time, and what events have truly changed your actions—not just your opinions?

Direct Answer Taylor implies conscience can develop and “crystallize” over time, and that a real, identifiable change can reshape obedience after enlistment rather than being a convenient escape. He treats conversion, Scripture, and serious Christian teaching as possible turning points that can legitimately alter a person’s actions.

Support from Transcript:

  • He says enlisted people must “prove that you have undergone a change in your conviction,” or it will look like fraudulent enlistment.
  • He quotes Marine Corps regulation: beliefs fixed “before entering military service” make you “not eligible” for CO status.
  • He asks, “What changed in your life?” and offers examples: “Were you born again?”
  • More examples: “Did you discover the writings of the early church?” “Did you read the Sermon on the Mount for the first time?”
  • The application requires stating “what happened to change your views since you enlisted.”
Discussion Follow-ups What events have changed your actual habits (not just your vocabulary)? If someone interviewed you, could you describe a clear spiritual trajectory that explains your obedience in “word and deed”?

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