 During the American Revolution and the American Civil War, Brethren required their members to abstain from military service, believing that obedience to Christ precluded such involvements.Until the early 20th century, Brethren baptismal applicants were required to promise to follow the church's teachings regarding "being defenseless".During the Second World War, Brethren worked with the government to create a system of alternative service, which would allow conscientious objectors to serve their nation and humanity through nonviolent service.