Therefore, we do not tolerate the following: demeaning gestures or words, threats of violence, or physical attack on people or property...
I would say that any involvement in the military, especially (though certainly not exclusively, for they are all in training for this particular purpose) during war time, is a "threat of violence" and a path towards a "physical attack on people or property," regardless of its level of legality. Simply because the government says that it is okay to do something does not mean that it is okay to do it. This is something on which I think we can all agree. In fact, this issue was raised in the Statement.
We believe that Scripture calls us to submit to the authority of government, except on those rare occasions in which obedience to the civil authorities would require us to act in conflict with our consciences as they are informed by Scripture.
Now is the time of decision: do we submit to the government's authority that war is okay? Or do we let our conscience delegate morality and say, "No, this is NOT okay, and we will NOT be a part of it. War is violence, not love." Maybe I'm a little passionate about this issue. But on the subject of love and peace and community, the Statement is very clear.
b. Expressions of love. We desire several specific expressions of love in our community: building, forgiving, caring, confronting, and healing.
i. Building. We will strive consciously and deliberately to build relationships that support, encourage, and help others.
ii. Forgiving. When difficulties in relationships occur, we will follow Paul's admonition to: "…clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another." (Colossians 3:12)
iii. Caring. We will support those who experience grief, discouragement, illness, tragedy, and other personal trials. We will provide comfort, consolation, encouragement, and intercession.
iv. Confronting. We will strengthen our community by speaking the truth to each other always in a spirit of love. Our confrontations will be for the purpose of growth, and will be motivated by love, not revenge. We will hold paramount the welfare of the person we confront.
v. Healing. When one of our relationships has been harmed, for any reason, we will reach out to one another: forgiving, making restitution, and restoring affection.How can an institution, then, promote building, forgiving, and healing when so engaged in violent and war-like behavior? It isn't even just a matter of getting Houghton credit outside of Houghton, which is big in and of itself. The matter we are most concerned with is the rejection of the very ideals on which our school is supposed to be founded. It's that whole, "No one can serve two masters," and "Love your neighbor as yourself." Allowing our school to promote military action against any human goes against what peaceful conflict resolutions which were at the core of Christ's teachings. Living peacefully together is possible. Someone has to start it, just like someone has to start war. Let us be the ones who start peace.
When there is a question as to what constitutes obedience to God, we will seek to discern the mind of Christ through prayer and the example and counsel of Christian friends. Paul encourages Christians to allow God to guide them: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) In that same letter, Paul stresses the value of the example of others: "Join with others in following my examples, brother, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you." (Philippians 3:17)
Finis.
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4 comments:
Well put! This post has made me realize how long it's really been since I've looked at or even considered Houghton's "Statement of Faith and Community Responsibilities." This certainly does raise more questions and tensions. Your observations about following the government's authority is especially poignant--something we are encouraged to follow, unless it contradicts our Christian responsibilities.
Even more, I wonder about this verse: "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as this world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world" (2 Corinthians 10:3-4a).
Peace!
Karis, thank you for the research you did (and summarized); it's research I had wanted to do, so I appreciate your efforts. I will definitely think about how to include thoughts like these in my document.
Great verse, Brandon!
This is a very interesting way to look at this--excellent points.
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