The document discusses the historical perspectives and practices of Mennonites regarding voting and political participation in elections. Early Anabaptists believed in a separation of church and state and refused to engage in political systems. Over time, Mennonite views and participation in voting have varied, with some groups discouraged from voting while others saw more freedom to participate selectively or fully in elections. Surveys of Mennonites from the 1960s to present show shifts toward greater political participation and diversity of views within Mennonite denominations and congregations.

1. Mennonites and Voting This is part of a PPT presentation shared with a SS class at Whitestone Mennonite Church in preparation for a study of Greg Boyd’s book The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church

11. Question #1 Would you identify yourself as a: -Democrat -Republican -No political affiliation

12. 1968 1989 (all 5 Mennonite Groups)

13. 2006 Mennonite Member Profile 2008 Our Class

14. 2006 Mennonite Member Profile 2006 MMP Pastor responses

15. Question #2 (In the Mennonite July 08) Compared to the presidential election four years ago, I am: -More interested in the election -Less interested -Not sure

16. Interest in 2008 Election

17. Question #3 Church members should vote in elections for state and national office. -Agree -Uncertain -Disagree

18. 1968 Should Vote? 1989 Should Vote?

19. 2006 Mennonite Member Profile Vote? 2008 Should Vote? Our Class

20. Question #4 In how many of the elections in recent years have you voted? -None -A few/some -Most/all

21. 1968 Voted? 1989 Voted?

22. 2006 Mennonite Member Profile 2008 Our Class They didn’t ask this question

23. Question #5 Do you feel it is proper for your congregation to endorse particular candidates for office? -Yes -No

24. 1968 Endorse Candidates? 1989 Endorse Candidates?

25. 2006 Mennonite Member Profile 2008 Our Class on Endorsing Candidates They didn’t ask this question

26. 2006 MMP Do you believe it is OK to fly an American flag inside a Mennonite church? Whitestone

27. Question # 7 Do you believe America is a Christian nation? (First asked in 2007) -Yes -No -Not sure

28. 2006 MMP A Christian Nation? Whitestone

29. Question #7 Do you think the Cubs will finally win the World Series this year?