Brethren and government

How do Brethren navigate a scenario when a Government rejects Christianity? What about measuring where a political party stands? How about the entire ethos of government? What is the role of Brethren within the Government? This question is often met with shock when the truth of Brethren positions are unfolded. What are they?

Traditionally, Brethren were and are Apolitical. What this means is that we not only do not support one side, but we are outside the realms of government, in regards to our involvement. The view of Brethren, in the past, was one of maintaining a Christian witness no matter who is in control of the levers of government. Therefore, Brethren did not vote, did not engage with picketing, protesting, or rioting. Brethren did not run for office, work in governmental work, or derive any source of their existence from government.

There are multiple reasons for the Brethren to hold this position. First, and foremost, is the Brethren's belief of being part of a Heavenly kingdom, not an earthly one. Therefore, to entangle ourselves in this world's system, would burden the Brethren with cares and concerns of this life. The focus is changed from the work of the Kingdom to the work of this worldly kingdom. Second, to be in Government would force the Brethren to make decisions and concede positions which should never be. The nature of being in charge in a government position, could force the brother to call out the military for war, which is contrary to the Brethren's position on peace. They might have to engage in deals and compromises that would force them to affirm decisions and choices contrary to their stated belief. Lastly, they may be forced to separate their faith from their life in order to perform the duty.

This oath of being in government is impossible for Brethren, for Brethren cannot give oaths. This has been covered in another post. Brethren hold to the absents of oaths for the Bible tells us to let our yes be yes and no no. Anything more, according to the Bible, is sin and to give oaths of allegiance, is to cross over to making a promise and covenant that Brethren cannot, in good conscience give.

Over the course of time, this position has waxed and waned. Now, Brethren, mostly, feel no unction toward this. Oaths are given without thought to what is being said, rather than simply affirming the truth. They engage with politics, running for office, holding office, and then doubling down on the attempt of being Brethren. Does one exclude the other? In some ways, yes. There are some Brethren who are willing to forego some conscience to affirm their position. Then they act and engage with ways that are anything but peaceful, honorable, and godly. What is worse is how this shift in position has affected the church as a whole.

There are many Brethren circles, for all their talk of being about peace, and in solidarity with the Kingdom of God, they have changed their whole focus and engagement on social and political activism. Some of the most "peaceful and quiet" Brethren, have turned into the most loud and boisterous. Instead of realizing that God is the one who raises and lowers kings, they have brought it upon themselves to become the arbiter for what is right and wrong. They picket, they protest, they scream and yell.

As Brethren, we traditionally engaged with government very little. We pray for our leaders. We may engage with them in private meetings, and share our concerns. We respect their authority, and finally we can vote. Early Brethren did not believe in voting, nor did they allow their members to vote, but that is not held to as strictly in some forms of Brethren now. There are a lot of reasons for or against voting, but the point is, Brethren are very cautious about any entanglement with government. We desire to live a life that is free from as much burden and care as possible so we can be more effective in our service for our Master. Our belief is that God is in control of nations and national leaders. He will fulfill His will, even through the free will of leaders. Our calling is to live and influence and witness to all we can within our circle of reach. We trust God to care for the big picture, and we surrender ourselves to serve Him in our local area.

Too many Christians have entangled themselves and embedded themselves in Government. Often times to the tune of millions of dollars. They are beholden, not to the truth of the Bible, but to the whims of governmental authority. Our position is to be as free from entanglements of this world so we can be effective in the service of our true King and Kingdom. As Brethren, we believe we are only here for a short time. This world is not our true and permanent home. We are looking for another Home. One where we will dwell with God for all eternity, and He will forever be the King. Ruling in righteousness, truth, mercy, and even in judgment and justice. That is why we desire to not be trapped and entangled in the affairs of this life (2 Timothy 2:4).

What is even worst, many that have entangled themselves, do so for positions and policies that are anything but Christian. Sadly, many Brethren have spoken up in support of violating immigration laws, and supported politicians that fight to protect, and defend those who have broken those laws. Many Brethren have stood in defense of Abortion, allowing innocent babies to die, all the while, fighting against the death penalty because of the "sacredness of life". Many Brethren have supported the expenditure of billions of dollars of aid, going to groups, and ideological entities who hate Christians, and hate the countries that the Brethren are in. Many Brethren have accepted and defended homosexual marriage and transgenderism, while attacking others who warn them about God's wrath on this sin, but also call them to find mercy and forgiveness from God who died for them because of this sin.

When Christians, in general, and Brethren specifically, get into bed with government, they become a pawn for the leadership, the culture, and the worlds social structures and ideals. They abandon the truth, they abandon what it means to be Christian, and they abandon the very bedrock and foundation that is necessary to be considered Christian in the first place. It truly fulfills the question posed in the Bible, "What does light have to do with darkness?" The answer: Nothing.