tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665779955038439505.post5736274090814253272..comments2011-01-28T17:40:14.359-10:00Comments on {shutters slide to unveil fingerprints of angels}: Non-Violence & The Kingdom of HeavenSteven Schallerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777174971570210191noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665779955038439505.post-47144223829316407252009-01-02T13:09:00.000-10:002009-01-02T13:09:00.000-10:00Hey Samuel, I actually don't think it is wrong...Hey Samuel, I actually don't think it is wrong at all to feel some of these statements have pushed too far. In contrary I hope people can press into some of these ideas and come to their ow conclusions. <BR/><BR/>On the subject however I personally do not vote as a practice. I personally take such actions as voting to represent and allegiance to a system I inherently believe the cross has done away with. Participation for me says that I agree with this system of power in it of itself & that I believe if the right people are in office or the right legislation is passed then all will be made new. To me that conflicts with my allegiance to a Cross and the people of God. But I really don't place much emphasis on such things. Instead I try to set about imagining NEW possibilities outside of the system. So that my Christian imagination can be stirred to believe that equality is possible, love can triumph over power, and a system of Government that inevitably will serve itself dose not hold my allegiance. <BR/><BR/>In context of this declaration, however, I believe the author is speaking more to a "trickling down affect" than a subversive statement. Saying that since we inherently believe in the practice of nonviolence we cannot participate in a system that brings about so much of it. To hold office inevitably means ones participation in the violence the office produces...<BR/><BR/>Thats part of the ongoing salvation I am continuing to work out in fear and trembling, & really thats all I hope others to do as well...<BR/><BR/>Because He Lives,<BR/>STEVE<BR/><BR/>p.s. - Where are you from? Spain?Steven Schallerthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12777174971570210191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665779955038439505.post-81332351532919149922008-12-30T19:55:00.000-10:002008-12-30T19:55:00.000-10:00I was there for nearly every word of this. I was w...I was there for nearly every word of this. I was wondering what your thoughts are on this passage though:<BR/><BR/>"Hence we deem it unlawful to bear arms, and we cannot hold any office which imposes on its incumbent the obligation to compel men to do right on pain of imprisonment or death. We therefore voluntarily exclude ourselves from every legislative and judicial body, and repudiate all human politics, worldly honors, and stations of authority. If we cannot occupy a seat in the legislature or on the bench, neither can we elect others to act as our substitutes in any such capacity. "<BR/><BR/>No voting? No participation in politics what-so-ever? Am I wrong in feeling like this is just a small step too far?Samuel Mikel Bowleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15278022906734297484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665779955038439505.post-90000256833592236672008-11-03T18:41:00.000-10:002008-11-03T18:41:00.000-10:00Steve! Add us our names to this please. Jeanette a...Steve! Add us our names to this please. Jeanette and I are so on par with this "non redemptive violence" idealogy...we are excited to see what else you are going to do for the kingdom!<BR/>Ryan and JeanetteRyan + Jeanette + Judahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16007334007502230595noreply@blogger.com