John Caromody (interviewed by Fr.Emmanuel Charles McCarthy) (part 1 of 2)

Guest Host Fr. Emmanuel Charles McCarthy, a co-founder of PaxChristi USA, interviews John Carmody, Director of the Center for Christian Non-violence. This interview comes to you in 2 parts addressing the subject of "The Neuroscience of Peace or Violence" In both episodes, John Carmody, a neuroscientist and highly decorated Viet Nam era Marine, explains how the young are recruited into the military at an age when the brain centers of higher reasoning, compassion and empathy are still immature, and while the lower brain functions of aggression and violence more developed and is more susceptible to the training to kill without mercy or conscience. John explains how he became a subjected to the skillful mind games used by the military to recruit him and join the Marines. Both Fr. McCarthy and John Carmody discuss the inherent conflict of the mind of Christ (compassion, forgiveness, empathy) and the mind of a combat soldier ( aggression, violence, conformity, lack of sympathy, survival) and the effort required by the military to subjugate the Christ-like mind into developing "a good soldier." Can neuroscience help us understand Jesus' admonition against anger? Watch and find out!

[@jawjaboy1234]

Well, I finally found my old CO from my Marine Corps days. I was in 1st Bn 6th Marines at Camp Lejeune, NC and then, LT. J.J. Carmody was my Company Commander. He signed my DD 214 so I still have his signature in my records. I never did know him personally since I was a 19 year old enlisted Marine, Corporal to be exact, and Corporals and 1st Lieutenants didn't fraternize. Sir, I'm glad to see that you are active in service for Christ. Since my Marine Corps days, I too have entered into a life for Christ. I am a minister who pastored for eight years but now I am a lay-minister, filling in for my pastor on occasion. I remember Lt. Carmody as a tall, dark-haired, good looking Marine and I was always impressed with his Silver Star medal on his chest. He is/was a real combat hero and I admire him, then and now. Semper Fi Capt. Carmody. - Jim Hethcox, Cpl., USMC 1967-73.