Biblical Principles to Guide Adventists on Political Involvement in Zimbabwe

215 Pages·2016·1.88 MB·English

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Dissertation Projects DMin Graduate Research
2014
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Obert N. Mudzengi
Andrews University
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ABSTRACT

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE ADVENTISTS ON
POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT IN ZIMBABWE

by

Obert N. Mudzengi

Adviser: Nancy Vyhmeister
ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH

Dissertation

Andrews University

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Title: BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE ADVENTISTS ON POLITICAL
INVOLVEMENT IN ZIMBABWE

Name of researcher: Obert N. Mudzengi

Name and degree of faculty adviser: Nancy Vyhmeister, Ed.D.

Date completed: October 2014

Problem

There is no harmony in the understanding of the momentous “middle-of-the-road”
approach when it comes to political involvement. Some people are politically headstrong,
while others are laid back. This standoff has left the church in a quandary about what to
do concerning civic matters. The scarcity of a farsighted stratagem to help guide church
members on citizenship issues might be the cause of the deadlock.

Method

To provide some framework, biblical principles and guidelines from the writings
of Ellen G. White on political involvement were established. In addition to reviewing
Adventist and other Christian authors on responsible citizenship, this examination also
delineated some Jewish conceptions on the subject. Then, after a consideration of the
political, cultural, and religious context of Harare, the specific context of Mount Pleasant
Church was elucidated. Next, a strategy for political involvement was developed and
implemented. Following this, a report on strategy implementation and recommendations
were made, and a conclusion drafted.

Results

The Mount Pleasant Church understands and appreciates the historic apolitical
Adventist stance. The members have been equipped with biblical guidelines on how they
ought to relate to the state. A foundation was laid for the training of peacemakers to help
bring about the much needed national healing and reconciliation.

Conclusions

Christians are not just citizens of the world to come, but of the all-encompassing
kingdom of God. They have a divine mandate to stand with voice and vote against
injustice. Their activism is supposed to be nonviolent and includes roles of advocacy,
mediation, and reconciliation. While Christians are called upon to respect earthly
government, there is room in their lives for civil disobedience when the requirements of
the state conflict with those of God. There is room within the church for those feeling the
call to occupy political office just as any other profession, provided they do not
compromise biblical principles. Finally, there must be a clear demarcation between
church and the state; the church has spiritual authority from God and must not depend on
the government to fulfill its mission. On the other hand, the state should not use the
church to advance its cause.
Andrews University

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE ADVENTISTS ON
POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT IN ZIMBABWE

A Dissertation
Presented in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Doctor of Ministry

by
Obert N. Mudzengi
October 2014
© Copyright by Obert N. Mudzengi 2014
All Rights Reserved
BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE ADVENTISTS ON
POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT IN ZIMBABWE

A dissertation
presented in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree
Doctor of Ministry

by

Obert N. Mudzengi

APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE:

________________________________ _________________________________
Adviser, Director, DMin Program
Nancy Vyhmeister Skip Bell

________________________________ _________________________________
Wagner Kuhn Dean, SDA Theological Seminary
Jir̂íMoskala

________________________________ _________________________________
BoubakarSanou Date approved
In memory of
LainahLoveness, my dear sister
You left fingerprints of grace on my life
I will not forget you

And to
Dearest Diana, my love, my dove
Without you I am nothing,
With you I am everything

And to
The Adventists in Zimbabwe
Whom I admonish not to scatter like scared rabbits in the face of duty—
Do the right thing and leave the consequences with God

iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ...................................................................................... viii

LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................... ix

LIST OF ABBREVATIONS ...................................................................................... x

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .......................................................................................... xi

Chapter
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 1

Background ............................................................................................ 1
Problem .................................................................................................. 1
Significance of the Study ....................................................................... 2
Purpose of the Project ............................................................................ 2
Delimitations of the Study ..................................................................... 3
Personal Basis for Ministry .................................................................... 3
General Background ........................................................................ 4
Six Subplots ..................................................................................... 5
Culture........................................................................................ 6
Call ............................................................................................. 7
Community ................................................................................ 7
Communion................................................................................ 8
Conflict ...................................................................................... 9
Commonplace ............................................................................ 10
Specific Personal Assessment .......................................................... 11
Conversion and Assurance of Salvation .................................... 11
Time and Resources ................................................................... 12
Emotional Energy ...................................................................... 13
Physical Energy ......................................................................... 14
Margin in Finances .................................................................... 14
Margin in Time .......................................................................... 15
Spiritual Path, Stage, and Life ......................................................... 15
Worldview........................................................................................ 18
Temperament ................................................................................... 19
Damage Factor ................................................................................. 20
Assessments in Relation to Others ......................................................... 21
Spiritual Gifts ................................................................................... 21
iv