Saturday, January 29, 2011

Everyone is Going to Hell in a Handbasket, but "Us".


The Catholics, Reformed, and Lutherans are all going to Hell! This was the sentiment by the majority of Anabaptist of the 16th century. As harsh as it sounds to our ears the sentiment would be readily said if the tables were turned and we were being executed by our brothers and sisters in Christ. Dirk Philips said, "If one is not born again, and does not know God through Christ, he cannot be a brother."

The Swiss Bretheren and Menno Simons did not trust their Christian counter-parts. In fact, Menno called his strong statements against the rest of Christendom as the brotherly warning. However, we here of many of the early Anabaptist leaders were willing to have debates with many of the religious leaders of the time. Marpeck was one, but unfortunately it appears his debate ended with his expulsion from Strasbourg.

Hans Denck theologically believe that there ought to be divisions between brothers and sisters, however with the issue of force an coercion there was not the possibility for sacred dialog or trust for that matter. Denck was one that perhaps could of reached across the aisles he believed that there was perhaps truth within the confines of the Jewish and Muslim faith. If there was actually a relationship being cultivated with these two groups is unknown.

With some of the Anabaptists movements they have not moved very far from the Swiss and Menno positions of intereligious dialog. Because of the historic peace stance of the church, it has lead many modern day Mennonites to engage in interligious dialog. Because of the new found ecumenism, it would seem as if the Anabaptist of today see the light of God in all people. The theology is still developing what peace and staying true to the faith, while at the same time finding commonalities across the aisle.

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