Non-Violence? Passive Resistance?

[lilrose]

Which do Anabaptists subscribe to, and why?

 

[WayneinMaine]

Which do Anabaptists subscribe to, and why?

Neither. They subscribe to "non-resistance".

"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also..." Matt. 5:39

To be clear though, many contemporary/liberal Mennonites would tend toward pacifism in the form of non-violence or even passive resistance.

 

[Antje]

I, and most Anabaptists I know, subscribe to nonviolent resistance. Depending on the cause/circumstance, we might try to use words, protests, petitions, civil disobedience, or other creative means (even martyrdom if it must be) to further the kingdom of God without violence.

 

[MrJim]

I, and most Anabaptists I know, subscribe to nonviolent resistance. Depending on the cause/circumstance, we might try to use words, protests, petitions, civil disobedience, or other creative means (even martyrdom if it must be) to further the kingdom of God without violence.

That is pacifism~not the historical non-resistant position of the anabaptists..

 

[Tommy Nine Fingers]

non-resistance? so anabaptists are door mats for the walking on? that sounds like a great way to live one's life.
and yes, jesus said to turn the other cheek, but this is someone who plaited a whip, and drove people (probably a lot of people) out of a temple, while vandalising their posessions? and this guy was the son of a God who was responsible for the genocide of the people living in the promised land? non-resistance eh? i think a less simplistic view needs to be taken of your approach to pacifism/violence.

 

[TG123]

non-resistance? so anabaptists are door mats for the walking on? that sounds like a great way to live one's life.
and yes, jesus said to turn the other cheek, but this is someone who plaited a whip, and drove people (probably a lot of people) out of a temple, while vandalising their posessions? and this guy was the son of a God who was responsible for the genocide of the people living in the promised land? non-resistance eh? i think a less simplistic view needs to be taken of your approach to pacifism/violence.

Non-resistance= one aspect of following Jesus. Jesus whipped people, will come again with the sword. He can because He is God. He nowhere said that we are to do the same. In fact He instructed us to deal with enemies otherwise.

Many people find pacifism stupid and repulsive. It is not a "comfortable" way to live one's life, or a safe way or even a nice and "realistic" worldly way. Yes, by responding with nonviolence to violence you put yourself in danger.

Christians have no reason to fear death, I'd rather die for following Jesus than live by disobeying His teachings.

You think anabaptists are cowards b/c they don't fight? Read about Christian Peacemaker Teams work in Israel/Palestine or MCC's work during the Vietnam war and their work today in warzones. Do you think Michael Sattler was a wimp? This is a man who walked to his own stake and allowed himself to be tied up and set on fire- for his faith in Jesus.

I'm not an anabaptist, but their stance on non-violence is crystal clear Biblically aligned with Christ's teachings, unlike the heresy known as the "just war" theory- sounds as absurd as a "just abortion" to me.

 

[Lirybka]

I, and most Anabaptists I know, subscribe to nonviolent resistance. Depending on the cause/circumstance, we might try to use words, protests, petitions, civil disobedience, or other creative means (even martyrdom if it must be) to further the kingdom of God without violence.

Hi

Have you ever succeeded in anything by that attitude? I worry it is meaningless..

 

[MrJim]

Hi

Have you ever succeeded in anything by that attitude? I worry it is meaningless..

Nonviolent resistance succeeding? Consider MLK~he preached it all the time in the Civil Rights movement...he didn't want any violence from his side of the resistance.

This wouldn't be exactly the same as "nonresistance" though..