Defence Force Professionalism and Adventists

Koot van wyk (DLitt et Phil; ThD) Visiting Professor, Department of Liberal Education, Kyungpook National University, Sangju Campus, South Korea, Conjoint Lecturer of Avondale College, Australia

 

Below are templates of a booklet that was provided to servicemen in 1989 in South Africa. One can see the high premium the Defence Force there placed upon “total Sabbath priviledges” for Jews and Seventh Day Adventists. Also the taboo against pig-eating or animals or seafood listed in Leviticus 11 of the Bible, are honored to the absolute by the Defence Force. Such professionalism is a living template and example to other countries which has not yet fully grown to maturity of proper rationalization in the military.

Adventist servicemen are treated with the utmost respect and their peculiar views are accommodated as well as those of other religions like Jews. It is remarkable. If any of the Adventist servicemen were harassed for priviledges granted to them by Defence Force rules, a special inquiry followed and the appointed Adventst chaplain, flew to the site or drive there and investigate the allegations and severe punishment follows, no matter the rank of the officers in command. It was honored as a very serious offence. The Minister of Defence in an earlier period and the Chaplain of the Adventists, pastor Annendale, grew up together as neighbors. With the help of pastor Annendale and others, committees drew up rules and plans of accommodation and this pamphlet is products of that pioneer work of pastor Annendale.

Defence Force Profesionalism and Adventists.pdf

 

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