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June 26th, 2011
01:00 AM ET
My Faith: Why I don't sing the 'Star Spangled Banner'
By Mark Schloneger, Special to CNN I choose to belong to a strange tribe. Goshen College, my alma mater, made national news this month when its board of directors decided that the “Star Spangled Banner” would not be played before athletic events. As could be expected, the decision was met with confusion and contempt. Wasn’t this just another example of our traditional values being trampled by the unrelenting march of political correctness? What sort of ingrates object to our nation’s anthem, anyway? Fluffy-headed campus philosophers? Lazy latte-sipping liberals? The decision not to play the national anthem reversed last year’s decision to play it for the first time in Goshen College’s 116-year history. That, too, caught the media’s attention. It also caused widespread concern and confusion among the college’s students, professors, alumni, supporters and, yes, donors - many of whom felt like playing the anthem compromised the college’s Christian values. Goshen is a small school in northern Indiana that's owned and operated as a ministry of Mennonite Church USA. I am a Goshen graduate, a longtime member of the Mennonite Church and the pastor of a Mennonite congregation. Mennonites live in countries all over the world. Though we speak many languages, have different ethnic origins, and express our faith in diverse ways, we all claim the Anabaptists in 16th century Europe as our spiritual ancestors. The Anabaptists agreed with most of the ideas of the Protestant Reformation but felt that reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin didn't go far enough. Anabaptists rejected the practice of infant baptism, for instance, believing that water baptism should be reserved for believers who confess a faith in Jesus. Because they understood the exercise of state power to be inconsistent with the church’s identity and mission, Anabaptists also advocated for the strict separation of church and state. This then-radical stance was prompted by both theology and necessity: Anabaptists had the distinct notoriety of being tortured and killed by both Catholics and Protestants wielding the power of the state against them. Instead of compromising their core convictions about what it means to follow Jesus, thousands of Anabaptist men and women adhered to their freedom of conscience even as they were mocked by neighbors, burned at stakes and drowned in rivers. Although there certainly are diverse viewpoints among individual Mennonites today, we continue to advocate for the strict separation of church and state. Most Mennonite churches do not have flags inside them, and many Mennonites are uncomfortable with the ritual embedded in the singing of the national anthem. That’s because we recognize only one Christian nation, the church, the holy nation that is bound together by a living faith in Jesus rather than by man-made, blood-soaked borders. To Mennonites, a living faith in Jesus means faithfully living the way of Jesus. Jesus called his disciples to love their enemies and he loved his enemies all the way to the cross and beyond. Following Jesus and the martyrs before us, we testify with our lives that freedom is not a right that is granted or defended with rockets’ red glare and bombs bursting in air. True freedom is given by God, and it is indeed not free. It comes with a cost, and it looks like a cross. It’s a strange tribe to which I belong, and sometimes it’s hard to be strange. We struggle to be inclusive in our welcome yet passionate in our identity. Our desire for acceptance, for approval, is strong, and we don’t always live up to the convictions that we set before us. We must repent of that, for the world cannot know of its brokenness and hopelessness without a people who show a holistic way of life. The world cannot know that there is an alternative to violence and war without a people of peace making peace. The world cannot know that the weak and the vulnerable are cared for by God without a people practicing an economy centered on sharing and mutual aid. The world cannot know the unsurpassable worth of human life without a people who consistently work to protect it - in the fetus, in the convict, in the immigrant, in the soldier, and in the enemy. These convictions do not reflect ingratitude or hatred for our country. Rather, they reflect a deep love for the church and a passionate desire for the church to be the church. Mennonite beliefs and practices seem bizarre to some and offensive to others. But it’s life in this strange tribe that keeps me faithful to what I believe. I love my country, but I sing my loyalty and pledge my allegiance to Jesus alone. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Mark Schloneger. soundoff (4,381 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 Next »
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The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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Editor's Note: Mark Schloneger is pastor of Springdale Mennonite Church in Waynesboro, Virginia.
Wow, the number of ex-military on here saying essentially "I fought for your right to do as I think you should do" is really sad.
I assume the irony of their statements are lost on them.
In a way.....YES!
Soviet soldiers.
ya, if they were real freedom loving americans and not some mindless drone of the government propaganda machine they would realize that "freedom" alows people to be free in ways that others may not like. To say "Im exmilitary pay homage" is totally contrary to freedom and liberty and actually dictatorship or communists.
I have known people who expressed themselves in the same way you are right now. They were dragged out of their house in front of their family and had a bullet put in the back of their head. Enjoy your freedom.
As an atheist, I actually respect their stance much more than might be expected. When we think of the separation of church and state, we usually think of people like me trying to keep religion out of government. However, the flip side is keeping government out of religion. I'm not suggesting I agree with their beliefs, just that I respect their stance on this particular issue.
But it's athletic games with other opponents whose only common thread is that they are Americans. Is every opposing team they face mennonites? That's why you sing the national anthem, it's the one thing both teams share.
There's no reason to make a religious statement like this over a football game where you already claim to be insulting your own people, and most likely are being very offensive and unwelcoming to your opponents who DO care about the anthem.
yes most countrys today have "blood soaked borders" to include ours but i think everybody wants to be special and everybody wants their claim to fame and this happens to be this school (or recruiting) i think its crap they are going to gladly accept with huge open arms all the money the US govt. is giving them in several different forms but they dont want to even say thank you by singing an anthem really guys is that so much of a big deal. well when somebody tries to invade our blood soaked borders we will point them in your direction and say they dont really care about this country any how have them
I'm taking it you missed the part of the article where it said they only sang it one year out of their entire 116 year history. Or, more likely, you don't care.
So long as you are willing to sit back and enjoy the freedoms provided by those willing to fire those rockets to maintain those blood soaked borders...I understand.
Does your tax money then still go to the King?
I long for a world free from religion.
I'm with you, after four years in Iraq I witness some of the most brutal acts in the name of religion
People that use religion to do immoral things will find another way to be immoral if religion is gone.
Imagine what would have happened if this was a muslim school. All hell would have broken loose, this is an example of discrimination. It would barely make news in alot of places.
Or, say, a liberal arts college.
Nothing to see here – just another sad group of unimportant people looking to be the center of attention.
If you don't like living in our man-made, blood-soaked borders, you are welcome to get the he!! out. North Korea sounds like just the ticket for you.
Wow, are you really that stupid, or are you just pretending to be?
Only in America. Try doing this is another country, and youll be hung.
That's kinda why I like it here...
Nonsense – plus the US is one of the few countries that still executes people.
So let me get this straight, you claim separation of church and state to prove a point that you do have to play the National Anthem. But when the state passes a law .. like lets say.... Legalizing gay marriage or abortion.. the church then wants to get into the matters of the state. You can't have it both ways. You can't live freely in these boarders and not help provide for it's common defense, like the draft! I love peace just like anyone else and after serving 26 years in the US Army five of which where in combat, I to am a peace loving dude. As much as we want to believe God will take care of peace in this world there are plenty of people who feel differently about that and prove it everyday in very brutal ways. Playing the anthem isn't about giving up your faith in God, it's about thanking those who have given you the freedom to live your life as you see fit. The writer of this article stated historical times when Mennonites where killed and tortured for their beliefs. By living in the" blood soaked boarders" of this great country the Mennonites will never have to worry about that again. Even if they don't play the anthem. I'll make sure of that.
If it were not for the men and women who fought this contry's battles, the Mennonites would not be able to practice their religion! I stand by the Pledge and will always say it proudly. I pledge to God AND this contry.
Good for you, but that's *your* God, not everyone's. Unless, of course, your God is the only one?
Don't be a hater.
I grew up in Bristol Indiana and am familure with Goshen, Mennonites, and and the Amish. I must say that as an American and retired military member I find it insulting that they don’t play the anthem. I think they need to remember that many of their faith immigrated to America because of the countries religious tolerance. Show some respect for a county that let you exists and prosper. As the saying goes freedom is not free.
American was founded on the principle that humans *don't* bow before kings, anthems, and religions.
You dont understand christianity, you may think you do, most "christians" are of the same type of misunderstanding mindset. There is only one that you pay such respect for, God.
You stand for the anthem in pride...you don't bow to it in servitude..it is the nations song...and thus it is the peoples..as it is a nation founded by the people.
So all other religions should be forced to conform to yours? So much for freedom, eh?
the hole thing is so ridiculous , anthems , gods, etc ...
The best form of religion is the one you keep to yourself. All these different sects trying to be flamboyant is counter productive. If you want to avoid persecution, don't paint such a big target on your forehead.
I cannot even begin to describe how disgustingly narrow-minded and offensive that was... if you don't want to be persecuted, don't do anything that would cause someone else to persecute you? Please, think that one through...
let me give an ironic amen, any religion can come in the extremist form... there are even Christian extremists
Ok. That is it. Anyone who does not sing every santa related song every day is no longer allowed christmas presents. There.
LOL. Be careful, this may occur!
I believe in your rights also. Being someone who served in our military and helped protect your right to say what you wish, I fee you have another right, The right to choose another country to live in... I'll buy you the plane ticket if you wish.
Amen, bro. I'm retired Military.
Thanks for your service.
Why do you think Americans before the 1940s, when the practice started, are less patriotic than you?
Amen. I hear Afghanistan is a good country to understand their religious ideologies. And there's plenty of land.
JM, For a U.S. soldier, you sound a lot like the Taliban. Try to understand that people who don't think like you can still belong.
Do you honestly think being ex military gives you some higher level of patriotism and rights in this country? Because I'd be glad to buy your bigoted rear end a ticket out too.
Yes being ex-military does give us a certain right to express when someone should get the hell out of this country if they don't follow our social norm.
So let me get this straight: you fight for the freedom to force other people into doing what you think is right. If that's the case then why should anyone sing your anthem. It sounds like your interpretation of it means dictatorship. How are you better than those you fight against? These people aren't forcing you to stop singing the National Anthem, but you and the rest are trying to force them. That's not freedom.
This is a personal choice. If you don't want to sing the National Anthem, or say the Pledge of Allegiance, then don't. But don't be telling other people not to do that. That's imposing your will and personal beliefs on other people, which is what offends you in the first place, right?
Whatever happened to simple majorit votes and democracy? If more people don't want it played, then don't. If more people want it played, then do it.
They are NOT telling anyone to do anything or not. Nothing, literally nothing was mentioned about other people not singing it.
This is stupid. If you don't want to sing the national anthem, don't. Most Americans do. There is no reason to try to change something as harmless as singing the national anthem before a sporting event. This is a harmless tradition that everyone has the freedom to partake in or not. If it really offends you you should not attend sporting events. If flags around churches offend you. If you don't like a simple tradition like a national anthem, just get over yourself or go somewhere else.
So you think sining a sonf is more important than actually playing a sport? Should little leaguers sign loyalty oaths? Would you prefer ping pong games at the Y be preceded by the pledge?
It is not "stupid." It is a logical and perfectly acceptable way of this man expressing his Faith. WHY do Conservatives want to FORCE everyone into lockstep agreement with everything they think, say and do? If the man doesn't want to sing the National Anthem, that is his right. If his Church does not want flags, more power to them. These things are not loyalty to a country. They are mere symbols of loyalty to a country that may or may not be observed.
Stupid is believing in something you have never seen...like God.
Amen, brothers. Don't give in to jingoistic insecure nutjobs
Time for a switch to American the Beautiful.