There are traditions, old and new, all around Andrews University. Such a one is the yearly church service held by the Honors Department of Andrews University. The 12th annual Honors Church service occurred this Saturday, November 11, in the Seminary Chapel. The service consisted of recitations of scripture in multiple languages, readings of poetry and ideas from different people, musical pieces (including songs performed by the University singers), and reflections on the Word of God delivered by Dr. Pittman and Yoel Kim (senior, physics and math studies). The theme chosen this year by the Honors officers was Instruments of His Peace, specifically highlighting the non-violent resistance of Mohandas Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout the service, there was an emphasis on the peaceful ministry not only of those great people but also the advocacy for peace reflected in the Scriptures and in the ministry of Christ Himself.
In a time when conflicts have erupted seemingly almost everywhere, the idea of peace and non-violence is an ironic choice. Yet, it is also strangely relevant. I asked Ian Neidigh (junior, chemistry and math), the Honors President, concerning what theme they chose and why.
Why did you choose the theme of peace?
We wanted to choose a topic that was relevant to today and that held a connection to the past. Also, National Armistice Day was to occur on that Sabbath, so we felt the idea of peace would work well.
What made you choose the work of Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.?
The dates lined up. Martin Luther’s “I Have a Dream speech” had its 60th anniversary, as well as the 75th anniversary of Mohandas Gandhi's assassination, which occurred this year, 2023. These events and National Armistances Day just all aligned.
Why do you think the message of peace is especially important to be told at this time?
I think, especially now, we have taken the concept of peace for granted in some ways. We in the States think [that the world] is more peaceful than it really is, and we need to acknowledge the conflicts in the world and work to bring about peace in our world, and that indicates action on the part of peace.
The service was truly wonderful, yet it was a reminder that we often tend to settle for “comfortable” peace. As read at the service, the powerful words of Stanley Hauerwas, “we should not be surprised if peacemaker and peacemaking appear anything but peaceful. Moreover, if the church is to be a community of peace in a world at war it cannot help but be a community that confronts the world in an uncompromising manner.” Peace does not necessarily mean easy. In fact, true peace is often difficult to achieve. But in the words of Christ, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 NKJV) True peace is not afraid to stir the waters. It will work hard to do what truly needs to be done, fighting injustice and wrongdoing no matter what. So, are we ready to be instruments of such peace and be instruments of His peace?
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