Nothing in human history has been more visibly destructive than war. From the fratricide of Cain and Abel to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the destructive acts of 9/11, humanity has managed to be an incredibly destructive force on this planet. As I will explain, the tools I learned in the Systematic Theology course informed how I gained a theological understanding of the issue of war. In my case, the experience played an important role in my theological understanding of the issue of war. In college, I studied political science and U.S. history, and although the nation's wars had many tragedies, it seemed to me that they also brought much good. Growing up in the church, it wasn't talked about much. It seemed obvious that military service was an honorable profession and we treated soldiers like heroes. After graduating from college, I enlisted in the United States Army. It seemed like a good career move, and there hadn't been much discussion about whether military service was appropriate for a follower of Jesus. One of the first experiences that made me question the fitness of a Christian for military service was the declaration during a Basic Combat Training (BCT) course that I was government property . They say this to justify punishing seemingly harmless things like sunburn – it is, after all, the destruction of government property. One thing I was sure of was that I did not belong to any government, not even the one I loved and was committed to defending. I am the property of no one other than my God. The second event, also during the BCT, that affected my worldview was bayonet training. The aim of this training is not so much to ensure that...... middle of paper...... a point where I could no longer be part of it. I was very afraid to do it, but I still asked to be recognized as a conscientious objector. After nine long months of an arduous process, the Army finally recognized my change of heart and honorably discharged me from military service. This course in systematic theology shed light on how I have formed this theology throughout my time. Within Young Life and most evangelicals, I understand that this is a controversial position. Although it is impossible for children not to know my particular position on the issue, my teaching style is never to impose my views on secondary issues on the children I work with. I believe the first thing children should know is that Jesus loves them and wants to have a relationship with them. I wouldn't let my opinions on the war affect this fact.