Mennonite College No Longer Plays National Anthem

By Jack Jenkins
c. 2011 Religion News Service

(RNS) Goshen College will no longer play The Star-Spangled Banner at sporting events, school leaders announced, reversing last year's decision to allow the use of the national anthem for the first time in the Mennonite college's history.

Some Mennonites had criticized the anthem's lyrics as glorifying war and offensive to the school's pacifist traditions. Goshen's Board of Directors said many felt the school's "allegiance should be to Christ rather than to country."

"As a result of a thoughtful, thorough, prayerful period of listening, learning and discerning," the board said in a June 6 statement, "it is the board's judgment that continuing to play the national anthem compromises our ability to advance the vision (of Goshen College) together."

The switch by the Indiana college, which is affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA, upends a February 2010 decision to permit an instrumental version of the song at athletic gatherings after decades of shunning the patriotic anthem.

Supporters of the anthem, who were mostly non-Mennonites, argued that it "honors our country and improves community relations by welcoming and respecting the views of non-Mennonite students."

The board is now seeking an "alternative" to the national anthem "that fits with sports tradition, that honors country, that resonates with our core values and that respects the views of diverse constituencies."

Comments

[rronshouse79]

04:17 PM on 06/19/2011

Scarlet Opinion, I appreciate your reponse but actually, you are fooling yourself that denominations are less troublesome as they were in the past the truth is they are worst. Our search should be based on the principals and teachings of Christ and not man made doctrine. We get wisdom through God and his word and that in itself should unify and not divide believers, but unfortunately their our more politics in religion than in D.C. We need to put away our adgenda's and love the Lord thy God and our neighbor as ourselves. Its the dogma of doctrines that say its alright for same sex marriage, its the doctorine of dogma that says we must compromise when the scripture tells us; let us reason together, according to the word of God.
We live in a hate-filled and selfish society and denominations is the reflection of that mind set, denominations mean we want to do things this way, based upon our interputation of Christ. Yes their has been some ground breaking work in interfaith relations, we can come together to feed the poor, but Sunday morning at 11:00 am is still the most segrated time in America and I am not speaking from race but denominations.

[OnTheRoadAgain]

08:54 PM on 06/18/2011

Gee, I wonder why. Bravo. Good on them.

[Blodo]

08:14 PM on 06/18/2011

I'd suggest John Lennon's "Imagine", but they probably wouldn't be thrilled with that either.

[OnTheRoadAgain]

08:54 PM on 06/18/2011

Cute.

[Naturechaplain]

01:20 PM on 06/18/2011

I'm no longer a christian but this little college is courageous for making a free decision in a free country. The only ones who will be angry are the self-righteous super-patriots who usually forget the rights to free speech and freedom of religion. Goodness bless the school.

[Salty too]

04:51 PM on 06/19/2011

If you are no longer a Christian then you were never one to start with.

[Julia Bailey]

11:28 AM on 06/20/2011

Way to be all judgmental and righteous. Did you miss the meaning of your book?

[Naturechaplain]

02:46 PM on 06/30/2011

Signed "God?"

[MobahoJoe]

12:18 PM on 06/18/2011

I never sing it or stand up at games when it is played anyway because I am usually to drunk by the time it starts, and I am ordering food. You know, the important stuff.

[Blodo]

08:13 PM on 06/18/2011

Well, good for you for having food with your alcohol. It's a much more civilized way to drink. ;D

[mad poet]

06:20 PM on 06/17/2011

Simple. Play, "This Land Is Your land, This Land Is My Land" instead. Uplifting, inclusive, universalist, staunchly pro-people.

[Cranmer1549]

01:40 PM on 06/20/2011

It will never happen; the powers that be will never allow it. Most people have never heard the rest of the song, other than the chorus that we learned in elementary school.

"In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people,
By the relief office I seen my people;
As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking
Is this land made for you and me?"

www.woodyguthrie.org/Lyrics/This_Land.htm

[mad poet]

05:47 PM on 06/21/2011

I know the lyrics. I don´t think that would be the main problem, after all, how many Americans know ALL the verses of The Star Spangled Banner, much less its history? No, the bigger problem, I think, is the people, not the owners of the wealth. When the people want a change, they´ll get it. Guthrie knew that. I think it´s a whole lot more inspirational and populist in the best sense of the word.

[PeterPauze]

01:16 PM on 06/17/2011

Let's keep this in perspective, shall we?

This song has only been the national anthem since 1931, and there were plenty of people, from both sides of the aisle, who strongly disagreed with the congressional resolution that made it so. Some didn't like it for the same reasons as Goshen College, some because the tune is an unsingable old British drinking song, some because the F. Scott key poem was about a very specific historical event--too specific for a national anthem, it was thought. There were many other reasons for disliking the idea. It was not a popular choice.

Disagreeing with a congressional resolution is not unpatriotic.

[fitzroya]

12:09 AM on 06/18/2011

Anacreaon in Heaven, the Star Spangled Banner tune, is a drinking song extolling the virtues of drunkenness, sung by members of a secret Gay men's club of England. If one could sing the ridiculous melody, he wasn't yet drunk enough. It was adopted as the American national anthem in response embarrassment at the Olympic games when all European nations had an anthem played for their gold medal winners, and the United States had none. Anyone who sees "patriots" at attention in solemn reverence, hand over heart during the song, and can keep from laughing doesn't really know what it is. America the Beautiful is all around a better choice, and we could rectify that if we really wanted. This song has been a joke on America and Americans since it was adopted.

[DomainDiva]

08:26 AM on 06/18/2011

As soon as I read your reply I looked it up. You are right! Knowledge forever changes perspective does it not?

[Leon Stark]

08:12 AM on 06/19/2011

True, and it might have been appropriate at the time, still recovering from one World War and on the eve of another, unknown to us at the time. We are (or should be, a different nation than that by now. "God Bless America" (that famous ditty made famous by Kate Smith) would fit the Mennonite concept as American should be seeking God's blessing by their acts, than by acting out and expecting God to bless them for acting out.

"America the Beautiful" when read to its fullest, sounds like it would make for an excellent anthem ... for the "Tea Party". The poem was written in the 1890s and re-edited during the early part of the 1900s, before the Great Depression. Their ideals, maybe, but there are parts that they would openly agree with but would live in opposition toward, as I see their politics and actions.

"This Land is Your Land" starts out as just observations, but at the end, reminds us that it was written by someone who lived in a time of protest and distress, After the Great Depression. The Mennonites might appreciate a song like this, since they are ready responders to the distress of those who have seen disaster.

It was, and is, their choice. May God bless them for it.

[OnTheRoadAgain]

09:04 PM on 06/18/2011

Unless I'm horribly mistaken, I believe that you're missing the Mennonites' point. The issue is not about the singability or subject of "The Star Spangle Banner", but rather the concept of a nationalistic anthem, altogether. Like someone suggested, a more suitable song to be played at events where music is necessary would be "This Land Is Your Land", by Woody Guthrie.

[UnderTheHedgeWeGo]

12:06 PM on 06/17/2011

If I were asked as citizens to pledge my support to the Constitution I would gladly and proudly do so. I can't see the slightest reason a song or a pledge to a flag (whatever in the world THAT means) should be taken serious. Patriotism is not automatically a good thing. I believe in giving my support and lending my voice to the positive actions undertaken by my country and denouncing the negative undertakings. And because I choose to think rather than follow is NOT a reason why I should "leave if I don't like it".

When asked to "pledge the flag" I look around the room and think "What is it we're doing here? Are we all agreeing we believe the same thing? That can't be because I know half of these people couldn't follow the instructions for pouring pi$$ out of a boot. I deeply disagree with the politics of many of these people. So what is it I'm pledging. Am I pledging to commit our blood and treasure to any war our politicians cook up? I'm I pledging to support banks and corporations over people? Or am I just committing to be part of a mob? Am I committing to follow a God I don't believe exists."

Blind patriotism is just tribalism with a flag and a song.

[PeterPauze]

01:21 PM on 06/17/2011

As usual, Under, I agree with you and thank you for so clearly articulating your intelligent position.

(By the way, do you happen to have a copy of the instructio­ns for pouring pi$$ out of a boot? I can't find my copy and, well...it's getting rather full.)

[CJCalgirl]

07:37 PM on 06/18/2011

Under, No one could have said it better, or so thoroughly as YOU have just done!

[Can This Be Real]

12:00 PM on 06/17/2011

Obama supporters say this is horrible because the college was founded by a Christian sect. If they were Muslims then it would be OK and they would have their full approval.

[UnderTheHedgeWeGo]

12:14 PM on 06/17/2011

You need to get your meds' checked. You're starting to loose touch with reality.

[theratman105]

03:29 PM on 06/17/2011

-Boohoo, the big bad leftists are oppressing the Christians.- Get back to reality.

This just looks like a very thin screen for racism. You think this because you want to believe that there's a conspiracy against Christianity in this country, when in fact all the cards are stacked in your favor. It's pretty obvious that what you're lashing out is at a perceived threat to your monopoly on culture, politics and law.

And by the way, I think Islam's theology is way scarier than Christianity, personally.

[CJCalgirl]

07:43 PM on 06/18/2011

theratman, Personally, I think history proves Xtianity has done more harm, simply because I am aware of Islams' history, and the 700 years they ruled much of Europe in peace, prosperity, and EQUALITY for EVERY faith, and when Xtians invaded, and a couple of decades later, overcame the muslims, it was the Middle East who offered asylum to the fleeing jews and Xtians, who were being indiscriminately SLAUGHTERED by the Crusaders.   In the end, however, nearly ALL religions foment divisiveness and war.  Thus proving themselves WORTHLESS to any critically thinking humanist.

[pepper1311]

11:53 AM on 06/17/2011

As a Quaker I can say this. Penn brought over the Amish and the Mennonites split from then, because of pride. Deadliest of sins. Not agreeing with a song is very pride full. If they were so holy they would play naked, then no difference in anything.

[zappbrannigan420]

12:25 PM on 06/17/2011

What are they, ancient greeks?

[pepper1311]

03:39 PM on 06/17/2011

They think they are holly and above everyone. I know many and they are not this group who wants the constitution followed. They want there cake and eat it to.

[anatanagara]

03:48 PM on 06/17/2011

I'm also a Quaker, and when I was a kid, we took part in activities with Mennonites. There was no bad blood.

What they're doing is right--they are refusing to sing a song that glorifies war and a flag--a symbol that Quakers (FGC ones, at least) reject.

There are those who believe that their definition of patriotism, what makes a nation. and what America should mean to every citizen. These Mennonites are in no way dissing America. In fact, they are honoring some of it's most noble principles.

[cmerrit9]

11:46 AM on 06/17/2011

America the Beautiful could be an honorable alternative.

[Cranmer1549]

01:41 PM on 06/20/2011

It should have been our national anthem.

[Can This Be Real]

11:43 AM on 06/17/2011

That should please the Radical Left and Obama supporters!

[Ken Giles]

12:08 PM on 06/17/2011

You're not very bright, are you?

[Onalaska]

11:39 AM on 06/17/2011

It's a free country. Just hope my tax dollars are not going to support their religious school.

[lonergan65]

11:39 AM on 06/17/2011

Sizeitup12:
This is the USA. We play our national anthem. That's what countries do. Those who are foreign to this country and don't like it----well---tough!! Leave. If you were going to school in France and they played their national anthem would you be offended? And if you were, do you think that anyone would care?? It's their country. You are a guest. It's no wonder this country is going to hell in a hand basket. We've lost our patriotism and forgot what this country was built on.
Maybe we should blame our lame leaders these past 40 yrs.

[UnderTheHedgeWeGo]

11:44 AM on 06/17/2011

Or maybe it doesn't make a speck of difference whether or not you play a song.

[Ken Giles]

11:45 AM on 06/17/2011

Article has nothing to do with foreigners. Did you even read the article?

[tcajuncoyote]

11:38 AM on 06/17/2011

This college does not qualify for Government Grants and/or Federal Educational Funds of any type when it turns it's back on the country from which the college seeks support.... I agree that our first alliegience should be to GOD in whatever form we recognize him to be.... As a former career soilder I agree that a passive life style beats war.... provided no one bloodies your nose.... However.... Freedom is NOT FREE.... And last I heard.... Education is not free.... In reality.... if your college or university recieves Federal Aide, Federal Grants, Federal Student Aide or any other Federal or State Government Support or Funds.... Then flying the American Flag, Playing the National Anthem and other forms of respect should be shown, just like the daily prayer(s) this college expects it students to follow.... This is One Nation Under GOD and both should be equally recognized....

[Kirk Job-Sluder]

11:42 AM on 06/17/2011

"Then flying the American Flag, Playing the National Anthem and other forms of respect should be shown, just like the daily prayer(s) this college expects it students to follow...."

It never ceases to amaze me that misguided people demand religious observances that our founding fathers would rightfully identify as both tyranny and blasphemy.

[Justin Bowen]

01:13 PM on 06/17/2011

Except, of course, that the Founding Fathers were perfectly alright with tyranny and blashpemy...

[Ken Giles]

11:48 AM on 06/17/2011

Then start your own college and leave them alone. Forcing someone to sing the National Anthem isn't freedom.