Anabaptist Quotes: Old and New

[MrJim]

I ran across these quotes in the back of my old "mennonite" bible that seem to sum up things pretty well (if you are anabaptist that is;) )

"The idolatry of patriotism, believing that any one nation's or people's cause is so worthy that to it human lives-whether "friend" or "foe"-should be sacrificied, must be unveilied not first when it has actually led to open warfare but already when the possibility of such slaughter has been accepted into government plans. Not taking of life, but the idolizing of one's interest which leads finally to killing, is the deepest sin of militarism. Whether or not the sixth commandment forbids all killing is still debated; in any case the first forbids nationalism" [Thou shalt have no other gods before Me]

-John H Yoder (circa 1985)

And an oldie but a goodie:

"Once more, Christ is our fortress; patience our weapon of defense; the Word of God our sword; and our victory a courageous, firm, unfeigned faith in Jesus Christ. An iron, and metal spears, and swords we leave to those who, alas, regard human blood and swine's blood about alike. He that is wise let him judge what I mean."

-Menno Simons Foundation of Christian Doctrine 1539

[JPPT1974]

Interesting indeed.
Thanks for bringing these up.
Now people will understand what as well as how Anabaptist believe.

[MrJim]

Interesting indeed.
Thanks for bringing these up.
Now people will understand what as well as how Anabaptist believe.

Seems to be more people asking about the differences lately...

[Joykins]

The more I learn about the historic Anabaptists the more interested I become. My Anabaptist church was more in the "modern conservative evangelical" mode--in fact, it drew a lot of serving military officers...

[MrJim]

The more I learn about the historic Anabaptists the more interested I become. My Anabaptist church was more in the "modern conservative evangelical" mode--in fact, it drew a lot of serving military officers...

It is very much the trend. In many ways it is a backlash to the very legalistic manners of some of the more conservative churches. And since it is so small the evangelical church has had a major influence upon the anabaptists (both conservative and liberal). If you are interested in historical anabaptist church check out:

http://www.scrollpublishing.com/

They have very inexpensive CD's and the teacher (David Bercot) began his christian walk as a baptist. He even entered into the "ancient church" (anglican) and was ordained as a priest before turning to the anabaptists. His faith walk was turned around after spending much study in the ante-nicene church writings and finally determined that the anabaptists were the closest to what the apostles and church fathers taught. I think Bercot has captured the essence of historical anabaptists as well as anyone.