Special Report
Playing the National Anthem at a Mennonite College?
The non-Mennonite left couldn’t be more appalled.
A brouhaha has kicked up at historically Mennonite Goshen College in Indiana, where the previously banned National Anthem will now precede some school sports events. Mennonites are traditionally pacifist and separatist, which includes aversion by some to strong national loyalties, much less the stirring and rocket-filled audacity of The Star Spangled Banner. Not wanting to go too far, only instrumental versions of the anthem will play at Goshen. A prayer will follow. Spectators will not have to “honor” or “give allegiance” to the anthem but will be invited to stand. They even can sing the words on their own.
Apparently Goshen initiated the new pro-anthem policy after a process that started when talk show host Mike Gallagher began condemning the ban in 2008. “We believe playing the anthem in no way displaces any higher allegiances, including to the expansive understanding of Jesus — the ultimate peacemaker — loving all people of the world,” President Jim Brenneman explained his decision in January 2010. The President’s Council, in supporting the decision, emphasized they were hardly becoming flag-waving nationalists: “Playing the anthem opens up new possibilities for members of the Goshen College community to publicly offer prophetic critique — if need be — as citizens in the loyal opposition on issues of deepest moral conviction, such as war, racism and human rights abuses.”
Goshen has about 1,000 “peace-minded” students, though being a Mennonite or a pacifist is not required. Introducing the anthem at a traditionally pacifist school is a fascinating development when growing numbers of non-Mennonite evangelicals are increasingly adopting often radical Anabaptist stances against war and the America “empire.” Opposing flags and the National Anthem has become de rigueur for some on the Evangelical Left, anxious to prove their loyalty to God’s Kingdom over the earthly United States.
Most recently, Goshen’s Board of Directors affirmed the Goshen President’s new policy to play a “music-only version of the national anthem at select sports venues,” starting in March. Apparently the President decided after a 14 month study process, with help from a National Anthem Task Force of students and faculty. Explaining its support for the anthem, the task force cited the school’s “diversity” and noted that the anthem is an “assumed cultural ritual” for many of the school’s “fans, students, student-athletes, and recruits.” The school will next convene a symposium to ponder the anthem in the “larger context of Mennonite identity, peacemaking and civic engagement.”
“One of the greatest U.S. freedoms is that we can express our faith and love of country in different ways, and we recognize that Christians differ in how to do that,” Brenneman further explained in January. “Playing the anthem offers a welcoming gesture to many visiting our athletic events, rather than an immediate barrier to further opportunities for getting to know one another.” He recalled that the anthem has not been a tradition at Goshen because of its “militaristic language.” Presumably omitting the lyrics will avoid that obstacle. In the 1970s, Goshen decided to start flying the U.S. flag, but alongside a United Nations flag. The school in recent years has also prayed for the U.S. military, welcomed military veterans as students, encouraged voting, and celebrated the U.S. Constitution. The Mennonite Church has no official stance on the anthem of flag flying, and its schools have varying policies.
In a January chapel sermon, Brenneman outlined his policy within a larger “culture of assent,” in contrast with Mennonites’ traditional “culture of dissent.” Until the 1980s the school was dominated by the latter, which included “nonconforming idealism, and prophetic disestablishmentarianism.” He added: “There were more ‘no’s’ than ‘yeses.’” The early Mennonites and Anabaptists, in the wake of the Reformation, were dissenters, rejecting church-state union and service to the state, for which they were often persecuted. They sided with prophets who were “primarily naysayers and exclusively critical.” Goshen College’s history mostly aligned with traditional Mennonites who still advocated withdrawal from the “earthly system.”
Brenneman approvingly cited one of his presidential predecessors, who began the flag flying policy, and who had provocatively asked: “‘What right has one to prophesy, without accepting responsibility for decision-making, management and accountability?’” The traditional Mennonite separatist perspective perhaps needed maturation, the previous president had suggested, seemingly now with Brenneman’s own ascent. Naysayers still are needed, the current president said. “But, I believe, at this time in Goshen’s history, we need a lot more radical yea-sayers.” He urged Goshen students to become diplomats, “policy wonks,” “business gurus” and political leaders, advancing Christ’s Kingdom and “God’s Great Yes!”
Of course, the new pro-anthem policy at Goshen is not universally popular. “Naysayers” to civil loyalties are now popular not just among Mennonites and other Anabaptists but a wide smorgasbord of liberal Mainline Protestant and Evangelical Left activists. A proclamation of “Resistance to the National Anthem at Goshen College” has arisen. Though most of its public signers seem to be non-Mennonites, including Roman Catholics, it approvingly cites a “500 year old Anabaptist heritage of nonconformity.”
This proclamation frets that the national anthem “glorifies war and violence for one nation’s benefit,” while celebrating the “the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air” to “inspire patriotic fervor.” It also “promotes the United States over and against other nations, violating Christian internationalism and worldwide fellowship.” The proclamation complains that Goshen’s attempts to be “hospitable” to American patriots are rejecting the higher call to be a “transnational body that resists the boundaries set by nations.” Lest anyone miss the proclamation’s own fervid anti-Americanism, it darkly warned that Goshen was “intentionally aligning itself with an entity that has engaged in militarism, oppression and imperialism since its inception.”
Among the proclamation’s signers is Duke University’s Stanley Hauerwas, himself a devout anti-American and pacifist disciple of the late famous Mennonite theologian John Howard Yoder, whom Brenneman respectfully cited in his Goshen chapel sermon. Hauerwas and Yoder are responsible for popularizing their own brand of Mennonite/Anabaptist separatist zeal among Mainline Protestants and Evangelicals. To know that the national anthem is instrumentally performed occasionally at the campus of a Mennonite college must be disturbing. As one commentator forlornly asked: “Ah, Goshen, perhaps you are thinking that you could spare a few pinches of incense for Caesar after all?” But maybe Goshen is actually more theologically sophisticated than its transnational critics by recognizing the traditional Christian understanding that national loyalties, when rightly ordered, can providentially serve divine purposes.
About the Author
Mark Tooley is president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy in Washington, D.C. and author of Methodism and Politics in the Twentieth Century. You can follow him on Twitter @markdtooley.
Gregory L. Jackson, PhD| 2.25.10 @ 6:21AM
I am interested in evidence that Hauerwas is and Yoder was anti-American. Both were my professors at Notre Dame.
Jeff W.| 2.25.10 @ 7:38AM
I would think that being a pacifist is anti-American, since America exists on the basis of using force to defend itself and to enforce its laws. I read Yoder's most noted book (The Politics of Jesus) years ago, and still own a copy. His misrepresentation of what Christ taught is nearly total. Pacifism is basically sub-Christian.
However I personally have no problem with genuine pacifists, who neatly subtract themselves from history by having nothing at all to do with government. Indeed, that is the meaning of a logically consistent pacifism.
My problem is with pacifists who are "against the use of force" except that they want the nanny state to police us all. Such people -- and we are talking left-wing evangelicals and Catholics here -- are more than intellectually inconsistent. They are spiritually corrupt.
Margie| 2.25.10 @ 11:16AM
You've nailed it.
Such despicable beings as Toddard, Red Phillips, and many of like minded creatures who inhabit AmSpec fit the bill of your last paragraph.
They take every opportunity to insult America and those who love her, blaming Her for the reason terrorists are terrorists, and do so openly and blatantly on a daily basis. They are snakes in the grass, and though they find friends amongst those here, their perverted preaching of hatred will not go unpunished.
"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.And many will follow their licentiousness, and because of them the Way of Truth will be reviled. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words; from of old their condemnation has not been idle, and their destruction has not been asleep." 2 Pe. 2:1-3.
It's More Complicated| 3.2.10 @ 2:35AM
America isn't the only place that exists on the basis of using force to defend itself and to enforce its laws: every country does that. As such, pacifism is anti-nationalism. That's part of the point.
I've never heard the term "sub-Christian" before; it sounds incredibly pedantic and invented. Also, there is no misrepresentation of what Christ taught in Yoder's work, just a radical interpretation.
Of course people who want the state to police all things but are also pacifist are inconsistent. However, how could that possibly make them spiritually corrupt?
Sounds like you're one big hot mess of hyperbole.
I'm glad Jeff W still has a copy of Yoder's excellent book. Maybe he'll actually finish reading it.
Philemon| 2.25.10 @ 9:47AM
Gregory: Don't hold your breath! When there is only one kind of Christianity (my kind) and no room for disagreement, then everyone else is subChristian, spiritually corrupt and anti-American. Noll's America's God provides the context for this brand of American Christianity.
Eric Rasmusen| 2.25.10 @ 9:55AM
My impression was that traditional Mennonitism had as a major theme separation from the world, including the State, and pacifism was just a small part of that. Thus, an anabaptist wouldn't just resist the draft--he would also refrain from voting or holding public office or trying to influence public policy. It was the opposite of "social justice" religion. Is there any of that left outside of the Amish?
Richard| 2.25.10 @ 11:25AM
Hmm. The third verse of the national anthem includes the words: "then conquer we must, when our cause it is just". That will really get them going!
cuban pete | 2.25.10 @ 11:38AM
Thanks Richard!
That's the verse I sing. I do get some strange looks from time to time and an elbow in the ribs from my wife.
"...and the star spangled banner in TRIUMPH shall wave o'r the land of the free and the home of the brave."
Al Adab| 2.25.10 @ 11:45AM
Richard, Pete:
That verse, my favorite as well, is actually the fourth. The third is often left out due to its references to the "foul"ness of British soldiers.
I believe the editing followed the First WW.
The 4th also includes the line, "And this be our motto, in God is our trust" in case anyone wonders where that came from.
cuban pete| 2.25.10 @ 12:04PM
Thanks Al,
The more you hang around here,the more you learn.
"Thus be it ever...."
Al Adab| 2.25.10 @ 12:51PM
One of these days we really need an AmSpec bloggers convention. Just think, Markie, Deborah, Ken Gill you and the rest all in one place.
Does anyone know Mr. Tyrell enough to get it organized? Maybe we should just pick a venue ourselves.
Al| 2.25.10 @ 12:53PM
Sorry Margie, my bad.
KyMouse| 2.25.10 @ 11:46AM
I've long admired the Mennonite tradition of helping repair or reconstruct buildings for victims of tornadoes, but I have no respect for Mennonite animosity toward Israel. The sect, led by its Mennonite Central Committee, has worked overtime to turn Americans against Israel. They blame Israeli-Arab strife on Jewish nationalism while glossing over Arab attacks and terrorism against Israelis. *feh*
SoBe Conservative| 2.25.10 @ 11:25PM
As a conservative free market Mennonite I would like you to know that support for Israel is very strong among segments usually not closely associated with the colleges and urban settings; Zionism would be appropriate scriptually. This anthem debate highlights that this misguided controversial philosphy IS SEPARATE FROM GOD'S WILL OF A KINGDOM OF GOD which overlooks the present circumstances to a future perfect and insists on repentance and spiritual changes rather than social progessions. Which is more perfect and should be first? If there is no internal peace in the individual can there be peace in the family, the church, the community, the nation, the world?
Al Adab| 2.25.10 @ 1:01PM
It is after all the religious freedom for which the nation, whose anthem it is, stands that allows our Menonite brethern to take the stands they do. Playing it on ocassion in recognition of that fact doesn't seem inappropriate at all- if they so choose.
Mark Michaelsen| 2.25.10 @ 3:53PM
As I recall, it took an appeal to Old Testament scripture to get Sgt. York to temporarily shelve his pacifist roots.
magua| 2.26.10 @ 1:48AM
I've lived in the largest Amish-Mennonite region in the world my entire life. My wife of 32 years is from that background. Although I value much of what the Amish-Mennonite community contributes to our locale, I also take issue with many of its' unseemly flaws. Not the least of which is their stance on non-resistance. To my many friends of that persuasion, are you really a pacifist? Let's have a test.
You happen upon a brutal-muscular man, who you are no match for. You're armed with a rifle. He is beating a small child with his fists so viciously that the next few blows will certainly end his life. To call the police would be too late and futile to save the child's life. You order the brute to cease and desist but he refuses. Only you can stop him, there is no one else. You must shoot the man and kill him to save the child's life. What will YOU do?
Answer carefully, that is somebody's innocent child.
local| 2.27.10 @ 10:09PM
I live in that community and am Mennonite. We have watched the brutal muscular man murder Amish children and then we forgave him. The world marveled at the forgiveness that only God can provide. What does that tell you? Your question is a common one that draft boards asked repeatedly during times of war. It is nothing new, and yes we agree that we should die for others and our families, just not kill for them.
The peace position is only one portion of radically following Christ that we as Mennonites agree to follow as we become followers of Christ. All Christians are called to obedience, only a few will obey when it is an inconvenience or dangerous.
Yes we do believe that Palestinians are harassed and treated unfairly, but we also believe that Jews have been tortured and killed over time as well. The fact that we defend the persecuted doesn't mean that we hate the persecutor or believe we should kill to stop the murder of innocents, that is what abortion clinic bombers and soldiers do.
Pingback| 2.26.10 @ 9:01PM
Anthem wars « Faithandthelaw's Blog links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Stefan| 2.28.10 @ 7:14PM
"I would think that being a pacifist is anti-American, since America exists on the basis of using force to defend itself and to enforce its laws. I read Yoder's most noted book (The Politics of Jesus) years ago, and still own a copy. His misrepresentation of what Christ taught is nearly total. Pacifism is basically sub-Christian. "
I guess I'm anti-American. Jeff W., I would like to hear more about Yoder's "misrepresentation" of Christ's teachings.
LeVon S.| 3.4.10 @ 3:22PM
"But maybe Goshen is actually more theologically sophisticated than its transnational critics by recognizing the traditional Christian understanding that national loyalties, when rightly ordered, can providentially serve divine purposes."
Of course, anything can serve divine purposes because God can bend human loyalties or acts to do so, but they still might be against Christ's teachings and a denial of the power of the resurrection (which only comes after the crucifixion).
Pingback| 3.9.10 @ 1:27PM
Students Fight Star-Spangled Banner Ban - and Win | matthewhurtt's Diary links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 3.9.10 @ 1:27PM
Students Fight Star-Spangled Banner Ban - and Win | matthewhurtt's Diary links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
peeznluv| 8.25.10 @ 7:59PM
The word "pacifist" is just more rhetoric......another label to slap on a person. In order to believe in America's wars, one must believe in killing people. Point blank. Certainly, being a "pacifist" is not anti-American. It's pro-American, in that many see the need to effect postiive change with the country they love. $800 B spent on war, while cutting back on more critical things like education and healthcare....thats really good for America? It is not a sign of Patriotism to "fight for your country", that is extreme Patriotism and really, no war has ever done anything to "serve" our nation. (unless you consider mineral deposits, oil profits a gain) Freedom? Do you not love your country enough to take a closer look? A "free nation" does not impose such discrimination against human rights as our country....pesitides causing cancer (banned elsewhere), not adopting Kyoto Protocol, expecting men to register for Selecitve Service and not women (that looks like it might change soon) No, every country out there does not use "force" in an agressive, ruthless forighn policy. Nor discriminates so badly against men, goes agianst human rights of men. It takes no physical strengh with all the high tech gear out there (not to mention with all the growth hormones/endocrine disruptors in food sources and plastics these daysyoung men's skeletal system no longer necessarily any stronger than young women) Google Monsanto......There is nothing anti-American about being against our wars. And certainly, as an extremely strong Christian myself, I know enough to realize the Bible was not written by the Lord...certainly not the old testament. KNow thy comandment "Thou shalt not kill"
Universities in Virginia | 5.20.11 @ 5:18AM
It always comes down to personal choices in the end- words or no words, the anthem is still all about America.
Theatre breaks in London | 5.20.11 @ 5:19AM
I am never too sure why religion or lack of , gets in the way of the betterment of man.
Soulmates Site | 5.20.11 @ 5:22AM
Why attend a Mennonite College if you dont believe or follow in their philosophies.
Internet Dating Partners | 5.20.11 @ 5:23AM
The star spangled banner is a celebration of our country and protecting it come what may.
Lilly T | 5.20.11 @ 5:29AM
I agree with IDP above- surely whether to have the words or instrumental is a small thing- one should be proud to be part of our nation
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John Wilson | 5.20.11 @ 5:31AM
Being a member of the college, I am one of those peace minded students.
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