This has become the standard progressive Mennonite position, where political inactivity is actually something only the "privileged" can do and is in fact an act of racism, bigotry, and oppression. For those on the left who view the term "sin" in the Bible as basically mean "oppressing or being an oppressor", political inactivity is one of the few things they view as an actual sin.JimFoxvog wrote:I thought this quote, attributed to a Mr. B on Instagram whom I know nothing about, has a thought-provoking take on relating to politics:Is this fair?I want my friends to understand that "staying out of politics" or being "sick of politics" is privilege in action. Your privilege allows you to live a non-political existence. Your wealth, your race, your abilities or your gender allows you to live a life in which you will not be a target of bigotry, attacks, deportation, or genocide. You don't want to get political, you don't want to fight because your life and safety are not at stake.
It is hard and exhausting to bring up issues of oppression (aka "get political"). The fighting is tiring. I get it. Self-care is essential. But if you find politics annoying and you just want everyone to be nice, please know that people are literally fighting for their lives and safety. You might not see it, but that's what privilege does.
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Part of the calling of the Christian is to be subject to bigotry, attacks, deportation, and genocide. We are called to follow Jesus, even when it costs us our very lives. Choosing not to bear the sword might indeed mean we lose in a genocide, or choosing to abstain from engaging in political activism, violence, or serving in the military might mean we end up deported or have to leave our homes. (The Mennonites in Russia had to choose to either leave Russia, or serve in the military. Most of them chose the former.)