9 May 2006

Today continues a reflection on Ronald Sider's work "Christ and Violence."

We should resist the evils promoted or perpetuated by governments. We dare not rebel against government and cast off it authority. We can and should try to make our government - no matter how good or bad it is - more just. We dare not - however unjust it may be - try to destroy it. We can engage in political demonstration, civil disobedience, tax refusal, even total noncooperation and still be subject to our government. As long as the methods are those of loving nonviolence, as long as we refuse to consider the oppressor an enemy, as long as we submissively reject rebellion and instead respectfully accept the penalties that are imposed, we remain subject to government. Scripture commands us always to be subject to government. It does not command us to obey without condition.

There are so many ways to resist...and we must. At the same time, there are so many ways to show support and honor the governments and ruling powers. The most difficult part is to do both things: resist and honor. This will take constant prayer and conversation so that we will be able to discern the action appropriate for any time and place. For those of us in the Church this means that we bring the witness of Christ, Jesus, into our process of discernment. I don't think I am saying we simply ask the WWJD kind of question. There are so many situations in our day that Jesus doesn't address directly. Therefore, conversation and prayerful deliberation helps all of us look to what would be the way of peace and justice among us. We will also need to know how mercy plays into the vision of who we are to be. I am also hearing Sider saying that that if we are going to resist the actions of the government we must be willing to face whatever will be thrown at us or our unwillingness to continue on our side the realm of the power that is in control. That will mean that there will be victims and I'm never sure of what all that means.

Connection: And yet...we speak up again today. At the same time, we need to recognize that there are some of us who must do more speaking and acting in order to protect those who are unable to act or speak. There must always be allies who prayerfully consider the welfare of all and take the risk to begin paving a new road of reform which is always first a pathway of resistance and never utter rebellion.

God of New Life, you are the power that moves us forward into your living presence. Too often we cannot see where we are going or how we will move there, and yet, you promise to bring us into your glorious Reign. Amen.