8 May 2006

This will be the last week in the chapter "Christ and Power" in Ronald Sider's book "Christ and Violence."

Neither Jesus nor the early church ever supposed that to be subject to government meant to obey its every command. Jesus and the apostles knew that whenever government commanded what was contrary to God's command, it must be disobeyed. "We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29) was their working principle. But even in their refusal to obey, even in their civil disobedience, they continued to be subject to government. They did not rebel. They did not take up the sword to overthrow government. On the other hand, when government commanded things contrary to God's will they regularly refused to obey, and then accepted the penalty for their disobedience. When Paul says that we are not to resist the authorities, he does not mean that we are never to disobey... He means that we are not to rebel against government and deny that it has authority over us.

Once again I heard the slogan that was repeated back in the days of the Viet Nam conflict. "Love it or Leave it." It was directed toward people who are coming into the U.S. illegally from Central and South America and are complaining about the movement to restrict their entry. It also voiced in the discussion about learning and speaking English and the greatest of sins - singing the National Anthem in Spanish (by the way, why do we allow the National Anthem to be sung by a soloist who sings it in such a way -in English- that no one else can join in?!?). Why must that be the choice? As Christians, that is never our only option. We can "love it and reform it." We can "hate it and reform it." We can "love and hate it and resist it." But, we do not take to the streets and rebel against the government structures...we take it to the polls...we vote...we take part in nonviolent resistance...we march. When we act contrary to the government, we must also realize that our actions of disobedience may bring about consequences we would not appreciate. I think we must also consider why we would enter into acts of disobedience. As followers of Jesus, we are inspired to act on behalf of others. Our disobedience is not merely to get what I want. Rather it is in order to bring an end to a condition in the government that is unjust to other citizens. We dare, you could say, to lay down our lives for others...just as Christ, Jesus, laid down his life for all.

Connection: The wonderful journey of being a Christian within any country is that we are given eyes to see what is often not on the radar of the powers. Therefore, we are given the opportunity to act in the ways of our Lord in order to bring forth some sense of justice and peace and mercy into our world.

Come, O Spirit of Life and breathe into your people the courage to stand up within the midst of the powers of this day with the vision of your glorious Reign and announce its coming again and again. Amen.