God and Country

by Krista Zimmerman

When I was studying at the University of Notre Dame, my fellow students sometimes displayed posters and t-shirts that read “God, Country and Notre Dame.” Coming from the Mennonite tradition, the slogan made me slightly uncomfortable— God and country were in such close proximity.

Anabaptists generally stress the need for Christian allegiance to God over and above the state. In the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective it states that the church’s allegiance should be to “God alone” (Article 23, emphasis added). In Acts 5:29, the apostles tell us to “obey God rather than any human authority.”

Still, I hope there is some room in the equation for Christians (of any nation) to love a country and to honor the aspirations of nations that are consistent with the directives of Christian faith.

In Christian families, love should always play both supportive and challenging roles—no matter what the context.When I was growing up, I attended Sunday school and experienced warmth and care directed at me by my teachers. They wanted the best for me and were committed to my spiritual growth and education. One of the ways they did that, however, was to challenge behavior inconsistent with the values they hoped to pass on. I still remember the firm teacher-student discussion that resulted from my attempt to decorate a Jesus puppet with a toupee and a cigar.

Last year, representatives from Church Communities International (formerly known as the Bruderhof Communities) offered an invocation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The prayer gave thanks, among other things, for the opportunity to serve the nation. Although Church Communities International members are opposed to serving in the armed forces, they have found other ways to serve—including taking in refugees and counseling prisoners. They have also challenged the United States to abolish the death penalty, increase funding for education and end the war in Iraq.

In honor of Independence Day this issue of the Memo explores the intersections and oppositions of Anabaptism and patriotism. It celebrates the achievements of the United States, while challenging its leaders to more consistently love neighbors (Matthew 22:34–40) and seek justice for all (Micah 6:8).

Inside, Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach reflects on the phrase “God bless America” and Gabe Schlabach explores U.S. accomplishments in the area of civil rights. Theo Sitther examines U.S. influence in Haiti and Tammy Alexander writes about patriotism in the nation of Sudan. Finally, Nancy Rivera delves into the contradictions of national identity inherent in immigration.