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Should the church take a sabbatical from politics?

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author_portrait In 2005, following the heated presidential election between George W. Bush and John Kerry, Professor of History John D. Roth called on Mennonites to take a five-year political sabbatical to work at reconciliation. Also, for reasons of conscience, Roth has chosen not to vote in national presidential elections.

Read John D. Roth’s speech on taking a sabbatical from politics

Read John D. Roth’s “Why Believers Might Conscientiously Abstain From Voting.”

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3 Responses

I think there are many ways to practice safe politics. Abstinence from politics seems to be over kill and not inherently productive.
Posted by James, on May 6th, 2008 at 10:33 am
John, I always appreciate the attention you give to several issues that sometimes get ignored in election years: the often slender margin of difference between the candidates, the Costantinian thinking that goes into “Vote Your Faith” appeals, and the excess of rhetoric in any contest. Most of all, I appreciate your reminders that active loving engagement with the world can take a variety of forms, as well as your reminders not to define ourselves by our political affiliations.
I disagree, however, that the proper response to these hazards of election years can or should be a withdrawal from political activity. The problems, it seems to me, are ones of rhetoric, name-calling, oversimplification of issues, impatience with our brothers and sisters. These are the things that cause division, not tricky issues, and they can happen when discussing theological issues as quickly as political issues. I do not think political activity and reasonable dialogue have to be divorced, whatever divisive form campaign ads take.
I also think your argument sometimes underplays the differences that exist between the possible outcomes of any given election. Is it just a choice between a fox and a wolf, as Malcolm X would have said? Perhaps in some ways, but this sort of cynical thinking ignores the far-reaching ripples that various administrations actually have. While the form of those ripples is always clearer in hindsight, I think people who take the time to find out can at least glean an idea of a presidents’ attitude towards the rest of the world, their thoughts of poverty, their ideal Supreme Court. For those concerned about the direction of policy, voting can be one (and thanks for reminding us that there are more) good way to help chart the path.
Posted by Jesse L-E, on May 6th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
To view a dialogue with the President of Goshen around concerns at times similar to those of Dr. Roth click here: http://www.goshen.edu/election2008/opinions/?p=49#comments
Posted by Victor, on July 10th, 2008 at 8:18 am

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Commentary & Opinions :: Faith and Politics at Goshen College

A civil discussion on the intersection of faith and politics