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We believe in the doctrine as set forth in the
Dordrecht
Confession, and
the
Schleithiem
Confession.
Christian Relationship with the State
This statement comes from an article written by Leo Hartshorn, minister of peace and justice for
Mennonite Mission Network, that appeared in the October 2004
PeaceSigns
- The earth is God's good creation (Genesis 1). We are stewards of
creation.
- God has created humanity in the divine image (Genesis 1:27). We are
to foster the dignity and rights of all peoples and the sanctity of life.
- The state was created to serve human welfare (Romans 13:4). We are to
call upon the state to serve its more noble purposes.
- In Jesus Christ, God has revealed a way of peace, nonviolence,
justice and reconciliation (Matthew 5). We are to live in the way of
peace and justice.
- All human reality has "fallen" from God's purpose (Romans 8:22-23).
We are to live in that creative tension of being "in" the world, but not
"of" the world.
- The church, as a signpost of God's reign, is the primary arena for
Christian "politics" (1 Peter 2:9). We are to be the church, an
alternative community or polis.
- God's mission is for and within the world (John 3:16). We are to
engage the world reflecting God's compassion.
- God has compassion for the most vulnerable in the world (Proverbs
31:8-9). We are to welcome the stranger and seek economic justice for
the poor and the marginalized in society.
- Security is in God (Psalm 146:1-6). We are to place our ultimate
trust in God.
- God's reign transcends peoples and nations (Revelation 7:9). We are
first and foremost citizens of God's rule.
Studying and prayerfully evaluating candidates and their views on a wide
variety of topics is time consuming. However, it doesn't take long to
realize that no candidate will bring about God's kingdom on earth.
That's not the job of government--that's God's job. The church is here
to proclaim that some government laws and policies--and the candidates
and politicians who pass them--bring more justice and peace and some
bring much less. That's the goal of voting in a democratic society.
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