As I struggle through this question I find the following article of faith helpful. It is from the Mennonite Confession:We believe that the church is God's "holy nation," 1 called to give full allegiance to Christ its head and to witness to all nations about God's saving love.
The church is the spiritual, social, and political body that gives its allegiance to God alone. As citizens of God's kingdom, 2 we trust in the power of God's love for our defense. The church knows no geographical boundaries and needs no violence for its protection. The only Christian nation is the church of Jesus Christ, made up of people from every tribe and nation, 3 called to witness to God's glory.
In contrast to the church, governing authorities of the world have been instituted by God for maintaining order in societies. Such governments and other human institutions as servants of God are called to act justly and provide order. 4 But like all such institutions, nations tend to demand total allegiance. They then become idolatrous and rebellious against the will of God. 5 Even at its best, a government cannot act completely according to the justice of God because no nation, except the church, confesses Christ's rule as its foundation.
As Christians we are to respect those in authority and to pray for all people, including those in government, that they also may be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. 6 We may participate in government or other institutions of society only in ways that do not violate the love and holiness taught by Christ and do not compromise our loyalty to Christ. We witness to the nations by being that "city on a hill" which demonstrates the way of Christ. 7 We also witness by being ambassadors for Christ, 8 calling the nations (and all persons and institutions) to move toward justice, peace, and compassion for all people. In so doing, we seek the welfare of the city to which God has sent us. 9
We understand that Christ, by his death and resurrection, has won victory over the powers, including all governments. 10 Because we confess that Jesus Christ has been exalted as Lord of lords, we recognize no other authority's claims as ultimate.
Mark Addition: This position is where I find myself. How about you?
2 comments:
this posts makes me wonder about those who are fighting over in Iraq as Christians, do they feel they are just listening to those above them in government or are they thinking they are over there fighting God's battle.
I have always loved the Mennonite traditions regarding war and government. I used to have friends who as Mennonites when they met each other it was like meeting family in the middle of another country, because they never felt like they belonged to this country, but instead God's country. I always felt they embraced the concepts of one holy nation under God regardless of where you come from, way better then the rest of us. I have only ever experienced this when I lived in Japan, where we attended churches with member from literally all over the world.
Side note: I remember asking why YL had to separate the US camper from the Canadian one, and the answer was there was too much fighting between the camper and leaders.
If only we all could fully embrace this idea of unity under God, not under state maybe there would be a lot less blood shed throughout the world.
that last one was from Leah:0)
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