I am no Anabaptist or ‘Yoderite’, but I thought I would highlight a video that I came across of theologian John Howard Yoder discussing the limitations of the concept of democracy. These “limitations” can easily be illustrated by the so called ‘Arab Spring’, and its aftermath (which is continuing), or they can also easily be illustrated in my own countries’ governmental framework in the United States. He makes some valid points which are worthy of further reflection. Here is the video:
ht: Rodney Clapp
The Face Of Christ 
Not sure why he is talking about Democracy when we have a Republic. The Founders were all very clear about the deficiencies of democracy.
What is he really advocating, socialism? Theocracy? I lost a lot of respect for him when it came out he was an unrepentant abuser of women. Google his name and scandal and you can get the story.
In any event, the abuses of democracy are not relevant to American govt. policy. If anything we are moving toward a totalitarian executive who ignores Constitutional limits at every turn. I agree giving the vote to Muslim nations has not resulted in a big improvement. Governments reflect the values of the people and until those values include respect for law and life, and human dignity Muslim countries will not be good – vote or no vote.
Jon,
Yeah, I just read some fair but critical stories about his sexual misconduct; I am not a fan of Yoder theologically, and his behavior is very troubling, esp. if as some report, he was indeed not repentant and may have even tried to defend it somehow.
Yes, there is no doubt that the values that stand behind the voters is decisive; but I don’t think I agree that we don’t have a democratic system (even if it is a Republic, which it is) of voting in place in our country.
Jon Sellers:
Don’t give that cheap aside about “we have a republic not a democracy”. That’s non-sense. From the video, he is not talking about Athenian Democracy (or what the Founders wrote against) but democratic functions. This country is extremely democratic: we elect both parts of the legislature, the electoral college follows the popular vote of the state, we can hold referendums on laws etc.
Why does it automatically become “if not x, than y or z?!?” If you’ve read Yoder, he doesn’t find any of it compelling (and neither should any Christian who understands the teachings of Christ). I’m guessing his point, is that democracy, republicanism and capitalism are near gods to many American christians that he is merely being the iconoclast.
Your prognostication about the Arab Spring is colored by American media bias and a misunderstanding of Arab culture and society. I don’t understand the nonsense about learning human rights. So what, once we step outside the theological box we’re all Deistic Pelagians? The sad part is that most of the troubles that are afflicting Arab nations today are directly or indirectly tied to American imperial/economic interests.
As for the sexual misconduct, it is a blemish on the man’s academic record. However disturbing and sinful the behavior, it can’t be allowed to shred the work he has provided. Calvin was ruthless when it came to Servetus and the “witches” of Geneva but I try not to let it poison his writings.
Bobby:
What don’t you like about Yoder or find theologically erroneous? Just curious.