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Peace Lens
February 2007 Political Non-Conformity: Stemming the Rise in Political Division in the Church The new Mennonite Member Profile (which included Mennonite Church USA, Brethren in Christ, and Church of the Brethren members) paints a disturbing picture of the state of U.S. Anabaptism as it relates to political identity. In 2006, 72% of those surveyed identified themselves with one of the two dominant parties. This is up from 54% in 1972. In addition, the percentage of members who declare no political identity has dropped from 37% in 1972 to 11% in 2006.[i] What do these numbers mean for Anabaptist churches in the U.S. and how should we respond? Increasing identification with the two major political parties provides an omen of even more discord and disunity within the Church, especially around more controversial issues. With increased political assimilation, it is likely that the polarization and rancor that is found in the halls of Congress will find its way into the pews and pulpits of our churches. By allying ourselves with one side or the other, the Church is threatened by disintegration and division. Even worse, the Church will cease to be an authentic witness to Christ's alternative vision of peace and justice. Sermons will seem more like stump speeches and community will be sacrificed at the altar of hatred based on political difference. How does the Church avoid such a bleak future? Rather than letting the world around us provide definition, the Church must reestablish its own identity separate from the pressures and temptations of power and control that politics provides. We must embrace political non-conformity. This does not mean withdrawal or any kind of separation from political engagement, such as the political sabbatical suggested by John D. Roth. Credit should be given to Roth however as he has helped to crystallize the issue of political division and the church. But rather than take the break he suggests, we must continue to engage politically. This engagement should not be conformed to this world, that is, it should not merely pick a side that seems to line up on most of the issues and profess blind allegiance to party and country. Rather, we must engage in a third way. Not liberal or conservative, but non-conformist. This is not a middle of the road centrist position, but a position of conscience driven out of our desire to follow the life and teachings of Christ. Sometimes we may seem more conservative, other times more liberal. But at all times we should remain Anabaptist and Christian. In addition to affecting our position on issues, non-conformist political engagement should also guide how we speak about these issues. The language we use and the way we interact with others often only worsens polarization and division. We must respect the faith of others even if their faith leads them to a different position on a particular issue. Rather than condemning someone else as "un-Christian" for their position, we should engage them in dialogue so that we can both teach and learn. There is often not only one right answer. We must more readily embrace the uncomfortable gray mist of life that often makes it hard to know which way to go, or which position is the right one. Beyond how we talk with one another, what does non-conformist political engagement look like? The most common expression of political preference is through the ballot box, so the implications for Anabaptists voting in elections are the most relevant. It is likely that when you enter the booth, you will have your choice of two completely imperfect candidates for a particular office. If you are lucky, perhaps there will be a few more imperfect candidates to provide some variety. But ultimately, voting is a choice like any other choice in life. There is not always a clear, perfect answer, so we pick the one we think is best and deal with the consequences as best we can. The same can be said for politics. As we vote, we need to remember that we may not necessarily agree with every single position a candidate holds. Rather, we choose the one we feel is most in line with our own beliefs. But our responsibility does not stop there. Regardless of which candidate wins, we are still obligated to witness to those in power. It is this witness which is equally if not more important than voting. There is no least worst choice in our witness; we are able to freely communicate Christ's message of peace and justice and speak to power on any issue. By seeking the third way of non-conformity, we maintain our own authenticity as we witness and stay true to our own faith while embracing ambiguity in our fellow believers, ourselves, and the world around us. Keith Swartzendruber Peace Lens is a periodic reflection on current events. Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the Anabaptist Peace Center - Washington, DC [i] Kanagy, Conrad. "A Landscape of Change: A Look at Members of Mennonite Church USA." The Mennonite. February 6, 2007, p. 8-11. |
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