Julian

Not quite sure why "accepting a commission in the German Army" is an example
of a physician/pastor putting aside all professional judgement.  I don't
know anything about this man but in the absence of any evidence that he was
a war criminal (most German soldiers were not) it seems most likely that he
was simply doing what many Germans did then - served in their country's
military because it was at war.  That does not in itself imply that he was
bad/evil/immoral/amoral.

I find no contradictions that do not already exist for physicians like me
who served in the British military.  When I was looking for my first post on
leaving the Army I came across a practice who would not consider me because
they believed that serving in the Army and being a doctor were not
compatible morally.  Is this what you mean?

Jonathan

----- Original Message -----
From: "Julian Bradley" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2004 9:26 AM
Subject: Contradictions


> Reading Anthony Beevor's book on Stalingrad.
>
> Interesting in many ways, not least because of it's allusions to
> professionals who through proximity to the seat of power put aside all
> professional judgement (the German High Command, Paulus, and others).
>
> However a contradiction for me at its starkest is Dr Kurt Rueber.
>
> http://www.pcusa.org/2003advent/madonna.htm
>
> The painter of this Madonna and Child while holed up in a bunker near
> Stalingrad in Winter 42 he was not only a doctor, but a pastor.
>
> Nonetheless he accepted a commission in the German army and served in what
> was probably the bloodiest campaign that mankind has ever fought.  Not
long
> after, in a Russian camp, he paid the ultimate price.
>
> Not quite a hero, it seems to me that he is nonetheless rather special,
> both because of and in spite of the contradictions.
>
> Julian
>