Update: Nobel Laureates on Peacemaking
On Monday 18 September 2006, I reported on this year’s PeaceJam with 10 Nobel Laureates. Now, my friend, Fr. John Dear, S.J. , relates his experience at PeaceJam and gives some inspiring and profound quotes from the Nobel Peace Laureates. Check them out and become inspired to continue the struggle for peace and justice.
Faith and Theology: Propositions by Kim Fabricius
Ben Myers, of Faith and Theology, has posted some of fellow theology blogger Kim Fabricus’ great lists of 10 propositions on various subjects. Although I don’t always agree (with anyone), these propositions are always thought-provoking. They not only reflect excellent theological reasoning (mostly), they also lead readers into better theological reasoning. I highly recommend them. They would make great starting places for adult church studies, for instance.
On the Tyranny of the Majority
Today’s “Mainstream Baptists” blog has a great post on the “tyranny of the majority,” and shows why democracies need to balance the principle of majority rule with respect for fundamental human rights–even, or especially, the rights of minorities. So, for instance, in a nation in which 80% claim to be Christian (so where are they on Sunday?), it is vital that we protect the rights of Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Wiccans, atheists, and other non-Christians. Tomorrow, as often in the past and in other parts of the world, it may be Christians in the minority. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Update: All Saints’ Resists IRS Persecution, Refuses to Turn Over Records.
As the L. A. Times reports here, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Pasadena, CA is refusing to turn over all its records to the IRS as requested. Good on ’em. As the article shows, even Richard Land, of the SBC Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, a cheerleader for the Iraq war and someone who has greatly weakened Baptists’ historic defense religious liberty, recognizes the IRS as abusing its power! As I previously posted, All Saints did not endorse a candidate (something forbidden to tax-exempt non-profits in the U.S.), but simply preached a peace sermon in the last election cycle. Churches have ALWAYS been able to preach on political ISSUES (but not endorse candidates or parties). The IRS is attempting to intimidate any church that is critical of the government. If they get away with it today for anti-war sermons, tomorrow they may come after churches that oppose abortion (or support it, depending on who is in office), or express any opinion on any controversial matter!
Many churches do abuse their tax-exempt status by explicit political campaigning and should either stop or be willing to give up tax-exemption. But if a church cannot discuss moral issues or take stands on controversial matters, its ability to fulfill the prophetic dimension of ministry is dulled. (This has been my major criticism of government funding of faith-based initiatives: What the government funds it can control.) Just because All Saints used a creative drama to have “Jesus” debate “Bush” and “Kerry,” does not mean they endosrsed a candidate. How many churches would’ve been fined or lost their tax exempt status in the ’90s for criticizing Bill Clinton’s adulterous affairs if this standard had been used???
I share All Saints’ peace views, but no matter our views on peace and war, we should unite with our sisters and brothers in resisting this clear government abuse of power.
About
Michael L. Westmoreland-White, Ph.D. I live in Louisville, KY USA with my wife, Kate, and our two wonderful daughters. My wife, Kate, is a Baptist minister who works at a Catholic charity (the Society of St. Vincent de Paul) to provide assisted housing to homeless people. Our daughters are Molly (’95) and Miriam (’99). I am a former soldier converted to gospel nonviolence and a once (and future?) academic theologian turned peace activist, author, and peace educator. Contact me at [email protected]
The Levellers were a 17th C. movement during the English Civil War. They were a religiously-inspired political movement for democracy, human rights, justice for the poor, and peace. Their strongest leader was Richard Overton, a pacifist General Baptist influenced by Dutch Mennonites. Although I write on a wide range of topics, most often this blog deals with the intersection of faith, especially Christian faith, and work for social justice and peace. So, I have named the blog and dedicated it to the spirit of Richard Overton and the 17th C. Levellers.
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