Reverse anthem decision
by Roger Farmer, Washington, Iowa
In the May issue, Joe Leichty defends Goshen (Ind.) College's decision to play the national anthem by saying, "The anthem does not have a fixed meaning." But even Joe must admit that the national anthem is a symbol of America and American civil religion, not of the kingdom of God or of Christian faith. And it can hardly be denied that America devotes tremendous resources to war, invasion and military preparations. American civil religion justifies these national policies as ordained and approved by God.
But Goshen College was created and is supported by the Mennonite church, which has opposed violence and proclaimed peace through Christ for centuries. The church is an outpost of the kingdom of God, in which we strive to resolve disputes peacefully and regard our enemies with care and concern. The absence of the national anthem in Mennonite churches and institutions is a 100-year-old theological tradition closely related to the priority of the kingdom of God in Anabaptist faith and practice. To simply abandon this tradition is not a "reasonable request."
By both playing the national anthem and saying the Prayer of St Francis, Goshen College proclaims a message that is unclear, uncertain and indecisive. In contrast, the church yearns for leaders and institutions that are clearly committed to Anabaptist faith and proclaim it in a simple, direct and joyful way. Our call from God is to practice the values of the kingdom of God, not a confusing mixture of patriotism and piety.
I urge the administrative council as well as the board of directors of Goshen College to reverse the decision to play the anthem and to review and strengthen the Anabaptist theological convictions for which the college was founded and to which the college has long been committed.
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