A question about number 3 in your statement of faith

[Ave Maria]

3. The Bible is the supreme authority in our lives. We believe that the Bible shows us that members of the Church are to be pacifists, non-resistant to the evil man as commanded by Christ.

I am referring to the second part of number 3, not the first where it states that the Bible is the supreme authority in your life. Does this mean that if you are attacked by someone, you can't fight back or you can't defend your family from an attacker?

 

[WayneinMaine]

I am referring to the second part of number 3, not the first where it states that the Bible is the supreme authority in your life. Does this mean that if you are attacked by someone, you can't fight back or you can't defend your family from an attacker?

That's correct. Anabaptists trust in God instead of weapons.

 

[Ave Maria]

That's correct. Anabaptists trust in God instead of weapons.

What about defending yourself without weapons?

 

[WayneinMaine]

Anabaptists take literally the teachings of Jesus when He said to love our enemies, to not resist an evil person, and to turn the other cheek when we are struck on one cheek.

 

[Unconventional]

Paladin Girl,

There is an ongoing conversation related to this passage of Scripture in the Non-Denominational section. If you are looking for a very WIDE variety of viewpoints on the topic check out the thread about Christians in the Army. There are some who hold to the Anabaptist viewpoint and some who don't.

Is there a Nazarene section on this site? I haven't seen one???

 

[AngCath]

Nazarene's are in the Wesleyan forum with the Methodists.

 

[NathanEHarvey]

If we were to follow Christ's example, he didn't physically defend himself. I guarantee you that his presence demanded attention, and he would never have been considered a weakling. The two don't have to be the same thing.

 

[etfjr]

OK, what about 'defending' oneself in a non-violent or non-aggressive manner? If you're trying to hit me, I can side-step the blow or I can deflect it. Neither of these actions is violent or aggressive, but I also am not allowing myself to be victimized. Would you agree or disagree?

 

[SandyKay]

Agree.
While I believe in Biblical non-resistance, I believe it would do no violence to the scriptures to do what I can to protect myself using non-violent means.
I am a small woman and someone could easily overpower me to do me harm. I am no match for brute strength. Since this is the case I had to think this thing through carefully: what can I do to protect myself physically from evil people? My answer is that I have learned to pray, trusting to the LORD for His protection because there is no way I can defend myself. God has honored my prayer. Whenever I sense any fear, I commit the situation to Him and take extra precautions....always being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
This is my testimony...hope it helps.

 

[Eberite]

That's correct. Anabaptists trust in God instead of weapons.

How is that working out for you ? Is it something that never really comes up in your daily life ? Or is it a daily struggle to walk out ?

 

[`Raine]

For those who are wondering where the line is, but not familiar with Anabaptist history, one of the best illustrations would be the story of Dirk Willems.

Willems was a 16th century believer in the Netherlands who rebaptized, against the practice of both Catholic and Protestant churches at that time. He remained true to his faith, and allowed othersbe baptized in his home, which led to his condemnation by the Roman Catholic Church in as a heretic and arrest. He escaped, but his pursuer fell through thin ice, and Willems turned back to rescue his captor and save his life, which allowed him to be recaptured. As a result, he was martyred by being burned to death at the stake.

Some would say that is would have not been violent to have simply kept running and let the captor drown or struggle for freedom on his own, but Willems placed the other man's life ahead of his own life and safety, thus laying down his life not only for a friend, but an enemy as well. It's a hard to call make, but there are many who believe that the call to love our enemies, turn the other cheek, and do good to those who persecute us, even extends to cases where it places us in harm's way.

(Note - this is one reason I am not a member of an Anabaptist church, but I thought it would help make things clearer to some. I understand the reasoning and the history, but cannot [yet] accept this for myself.)