October 29, 2012 Volume 16 Number 21 Learning by doing p.23 inside Peace to our neighbour 4 Biblical interpretation 16 PM40063104 R09613 PM40063104 Books & resources 26 2 Canadian Mennonite October 29, 2012 Editorial ourselves from any complicity in the suffering. As Canadian citizens enjoying the “good life,” we can so easily forget that our Injustice ‘once removed’ primary citizenship is not of this world. Dick Benner Our priorities and values are distinctly dif- Editor/Publisher ferent from those of the political and eco- nomic forces that govern our lives, even ust as Carol Penner, in our lead that family in Bethlehem during the 1988 though they seem inconsequential and article calling us to account on Intifada that the consequences of that ac- “once removed.” My former pastor, Phil JRemembrance Day, persuasively tion became “personal” for me, my spouse Kniss of Park View Mennonite Church in makes the case that killing is killing even and my Christian friends. The family’s the U.S. put it best recently when talk- though it is “once removed,” so does much home business was destroyed, suddenly ing to high school students about their of our engagement as “Ceasar’s citizens” depriving them of an income, as well as involvement in the upcoming presidential keep us distanced from the grim their comfortable living quarters election where the electorate is severely realities of injustice in our world. wiped out in a matter of minutes. polarized. This is what he said, in part: Other horrors of war are Such daily terror is not a part of Let’s first ask ourselves about who we sanitized and removed from our lives here in Canada; we get believe we are. our personal experience, such annoyed when our taxes increase We embody the presence of Jesus in the as landmines or cluster bombs. for services, or our privacy invaded world. We really don’t experience the by telemarketers calling at dinner We represent the character and values of suffering of family members losing limbs time. Our freedoms are so entrenched Jesus, as a body. or even dying when children innocently that they are a matter of entitlement. So, what were the character and values of play in schoolyards or the family garden, We do not “see” the degradation of in- Jesus? unaware of the violent instruments of war digenous communities and culture when Jesus was political. after the armed conflict has subsided. Canadian mining companies exploit the Jesus was sometimes an activist in his Ours is a peaceful land where soil is minerals of developing countries like Jewish community. productive with the growing of corn, Colombia and the Congo while turning a His people were under occupation by a wheat, barley, pasture grass and soybeans. blind eye to the needs of a poor and strug- brutal empire. Our gardens are not only flush with gling population. Jobs are often short- And he engaged the political powers—both vegetables and flowers, but are places of lived, says Mennonite Central Committee, religious and Empire. solace and connecting with our Creator Ottawa, and the financial benefits to He confronted both, but not on their terms. as we dig into the soil and indulge the joys the economy are meager. Mines often Jesus confronted the religious powers, of harvest. Never does it occur to us that displace people from their homes, destroy not by taking over their power positions in an enemy has planted a landmine. land, and contaminate water supplies. the temple, Never are we given a half-hour’s notice Frequently, the people who occupy but by touching lepers, eating with tax from the governing authorities that our the land are not adequately consulted. collectors, house will be bulldozed to rubble because Sometimes, Canadian mining operations hanging out with sinful people, one of our sons has thrown a brick at the contribute to human rights violations, and otherwise living a different kind of security police driving by, as happens violence and armed conflict. righteousness. regularly in the land of Palestine, where It is indeed shocking to know that 75 And Jesus confronted the powers of the Israel is so preoccupied with security and percent of all mining companies in the Empire, not by taking up arms and staging in keeping an occupied people under world are based in Canada. That, we can a takeover, but by simply refusing to bow control that the slightest provocation is say, is injustice “once removed,” but all to their absolute power. considered treasonous and criminal. of us who benefit in a boost to our own That is who we are as Jesus followers. It wasn’t until I heard the anguish of economy can so easily and glibly separate That is how we live. About the cover: Circulation: Please contact Lisa Jacky toll-free at Students from Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask., learn about First Nations 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 or by e-mail at office@ culture by helping to put up a tipi at the Beardy’s and Okemasis First canadianmennonite.org for subscriptions and ad- Nation, Duck Lake, Sask. dress changes. Subscriptions can also be ordered at our web site. We acknowledge the financial support PHOTO: BETHANY COLLEGE PHOTO BY RANDY KLASSEN of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund for our publishing activities. ISSN 1480-042X PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40063104 REGISTRATION NO. 09613 Peace to our neighbour once removed 4 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO CANADIAN MENNONITE contentsWe need to proclaim peace, writes Carol Penner, and not 490 DUTTON DRIVE, UNIT C5 injure others. Hurting others from a distance may be easy to WATERLOO ON N2L 6H7 do, but it means giving in the to the powers of darkness. Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 Fax: 519-884-3331 Web site: canadianmennonite.org Jesus encouraged more attention to scripture 15 Please send all material to be considered for publication to: Bryan Moyer Suderman challenges Troy Watson’s comments about General submission address: [email protected] “Shedding Sola scriptura.” He declares that the example of Jesus should Readers Write: [email protected] lead us to more engagement with Scripture, not less. Milestones announcements: [email protected] Paths and ditches of Biblical interpretation 16 Obituaries: Graeme Stemp-Morlock, [email protected] As part of the Being a Faithful Church process, Calendar announcements: [email protected] Robert J. Suderman Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Readers Write/Milestones/Obituaries/ and Andrew Reesor McDowell explore how Scripture already Calendar” by postal mail or fax to our head office. interprets Scripture and that we should consider the entire canon of Reprint requests: [email protected] Scripture. Mission statement: To educate, inspire, inform, and foster dialogue on issues facing Peace Church in the Philippines 20-21 Mennonite Church Canada as it shares the good news of Jesus Christ from an As well as a peace church plant with the help of Darnell Anabaptist perspective. We do this through a regular publication and other media, and Christina Barkman, Mennonite Church Canada working with our church partners. hosted a seminar for Mennonite churches in the Guiding values: Philippines. Hebrews 10:23-25 • Accuracy, fairness, balance • Editorial freedom • Focus on books & resources 26-30 Seeking and speaking the truth in love • Open hearts and minds in discerning God’s will • A variety of new books and resources are available for individuals and Covenantal relationships and mutual accountability churches. Area churches and MC Canada financially support 44 percent of Canadian Mennonite’s annual budget. The future of aid 35 Young Voices co-editor, Emily Loewen, investigates changes in Board of Directors (by appointing body): Canadian overseas development and whether links to Canadian mining MC Canada: Ed Janzen, Les Klassen Hamm, Doreen Martens; interests will influence howNGO s work at development. MC B.C.: Linda Matties; MC Alberta: James Moyer; MC Saskatchewan: Marianne Harder; MC Manitoba: Al Friesen; Regular features: MC Eastern Canada: Tim Reimer; For discussion 7 Readers write 8 Pontius’ Puddle 12 CMPS: Carl DeGurse, Roger Epp, Tobi Thiessen Milestones 13 Yellow page 33 Calendar 38 Classifieds 39 Board Chair: Tobi Thiessen, [email protected], 416-622-7850 Injustice ‘once removed’ 2 Head Office Staff: Dick Benner, Editor/Publisher, [email protected] Dick Benner Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, [email protected] Pies at the potluck 9 Barb Draper, Editorial Assistant, [email protected] Melissa Miller Dan Johnson, Graphic Designer, [email protected] Lisa Jacky, Circulation/Finance, [email protected] Anabaptist footprints, fingerprints 10 Emily Loewen, Young Voices Co-Editor, [email protected] Vic Thiessen Rachel Bergen, Young Voices Co-Editor, [email protected] Training to live generously 11 Advertising Manager: Graeme Stemp-Morlock, advert@canadianmennonite. Milly Siderius org, toll-free voice mail: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 224 Divinely inspired 14 Correspondents: Troy Watson Will Braun, Senior Writer, [email protected]; Amy Dueckman, B.C. Correspondent, [email protected], 604-854-3735; Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Alberta Correspondent, [email protected], 780-436-3431; Karin Fehderau, Saskatchewan Correspondent, sk@canadianmen- Online NOW! nonite.org, 306-933-4209; Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Manitoba Correspondent, [email protected], 204-745-2208; Dave Rogalsky, Eastern Canada at canadianmennonite.org Correspondent, [email protected], 519-579-7258. Arts and worship: deprived at church: Brandi J. Thorpe, Young Voices blogger Award-winning member of the Team Farmall’s mechanical hoedown: Canadian Church Press Max Kennel, Young Voices blogger Peace to our neighbour once removed by Carol Penner PHOTO BY RANDY KLAASSEN hen I was little, I remember my dad ex- plaining our relatives to us: “She’s my cousin, Wtwice removed.” It’s an expression that talks about a relationship that is a bit more distant.