| I think you have hit upon the one case that might work. Yes, it is possible for conscience to be religiously formed without continuing dogmatic belief. On the other hand, a Methodist could not adduce the seemingly pacifistic passages of the New Testament to make a claim of conscientious objection, because Methodism never read them that way. In other words, it is not a natural consequence of being a Christian, but is peculiar to certain traditions, notably the Quakers. There are some instances, I believe, where the courts have recognized a personal interpretation not required of one's religious sect, but such cases have to hew closely to the tenor of the sect. It seems to me that one might make a case if one were raised in a particularly strict sect, to being subject to conscientious imperatives, even if one had separated oneself from strict adherence. (This is not necessarily how the court would see it, but how I see it, tentatively). However, I do not think that a tenuous relationship of the scruple to doctrine will do it, as in the Methodist example........... |
