A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

al Credit government for a number of years. Involvement on this level appears to have been exceptional among Mennonite Brethren, but not among General Conference Mennonites. 14 It should be noted in passing that the Social Credit Party, founded in 1935 by William Aberhart, the principal of the Calgary Prophetic Bible Institute, had a special attraction for Mennonites and Mennonite Brethren. Aberhart's constant appeal to Scripture for economic and social reform gave to his movement the appearance of a "Christian" political party. In Alberta and British Columbia Mennonite Brethren have been among the staunchest supporters of the Social Credit movement. It would appear that in the United States Mennonite Brethren have through the years displayed a similar attitude toward the Republican Party. The relationship between the profession of a "left wing" Reformation theology and the adherence to a "right wing" political philosophy needs further examination and study. During the Second World War Mennonite Brethren experienced 346 HISTORY OF THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH severe tensions between the claims of Christ and the church on the one hand, and the demands of the state on the other. In 1943 the conference adopted a resolution which reads: . . . We confirm our undivided loyalty to our country and to our government which has graciously provided ways and means affording our young men a chance to serve their country without being compelled to become a part of the military power which would be contrary to our confession of faith and their conscience. 15 The most comprehensive statement on the problem of political involvement was presented to the 1966 conference by the Board of Reference and Counsel. 16 Following the presentation of historical perspectives and basic scriptural principles for any form of political involvement, a number of practical guidelines are given. Because of their significance and relevance, they are presented here in full: 1 . We believe that we should pray for those holding political authority that we may live in peace and quietness. 1 Tim. 2:1-2. 2. We believe that the chief concern of all Christians should be the extension of the Kingdom of Christ. Political involvement can easily become an "entanglement" which defeats this purpose. Matt. 6:33; 2 Tim. 2:4; Matt. 28:18-20. 3. We believe that government is of God, but that the Church should not attempt to ally itself with any specific political ideology or political party, since none is intrinsically Christian. Rom. 13:1-7. 4. We believe that the defense of the political order in general or of a specific political system is not the responsibility or duty of the Christian church. John 18:36. 5. We believe that the Church and its members individually should be constructively critical of the political order, always seeking to promote justice, respect for human dignity, and conditions of peace. James 5:1-6; 1 Peter 3: 13-