Wildwords: Sermons From Wildwood Mennonite Church

I vividly recall being asked by the clerk whether I was prepared to solemnly swear to tell the whole truth. It felt for me, as a young and idealistic 17 year old, as if the ensuing pause was laden with meaning and significance. Adopting a posture of courage and resolve, I announced, “I affirm.” The immediate response from court officials was unremarkable. The clerk looked a puzzled, and the judge gave little attention to declaration. “Ok then,” the judge stated, “let’s get started.” I began wondering, and still wonder, how our Mennonite tradition of taking Jesus’ words against swearing oaths actually fits within a practice of contemporary discipleship.