What is the Contemporary Anabaptist Eschatological view?
Anabaptist eschatology typically aligns more closely with Amillennialism, although it is not strictly confined to any single eschatological view. Here’s a more detailed look at how Anabaptists generally approach eschatology:
Amillennialism
Many Anabaptists embrace Amillennialism, which interprets the “millennium” mentioned in Revelation as a symbolic representation of the current church age—the period between Christ’s first and second comings. They often view the millennium not as a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth but as Christ reigning spiritually in the hearts of believers and through the church. This perspective focuses on living out the teachings of Jesus in the present, emphasizing the ongoing spiritual battle against evil rather than expecting and focusing on a future, dramatic end-times scenario.
Modern Premillennialism
While less common, some Anabaptists hold Premillennial views. Premillennialism posits that Christ will return before a literal thousand-year reign on earth, following a period of great tribulation—a position that has gained popularity in evangelical churches over the last 100 years. This view tends to emphasize watching for signs of the end times and anticipating Christ’s imminent return. However, traditional Anabaptist theology, with its emphasis on nonviolence and separation from worldly powers, tends to be less focused on predicting the timeline of eschatological events.
Postmillennialism
Postmillennialism, the belief that Christ will return after a golden age of Christian dominance and peace, is generally the least prevalent view among Anabaptists. Historically, Anabaptists focus more on living out Jesus’ teachings in a counter-cultural manner rather than trying to bring about a Christianized world through political or societal dominance.
A Distinct Anabaptist Perspective
Anabaptists often prioritize a different aspect of eschatology: that is focusing less on “when” these future events will occur and more on “how” Christians should live and respond during these future events and tribulations. This places a more practical application of Jesus’ teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, in daily life today and for the future to come. This includes:
- Pacifism: A commitment to nonviolence, rooted in Jesus’ teachings to love enemies and turn the other cheek.
- Separation of Church and State: A belief in separating from worldly powers and rejecting coercive force in matters of faith.
- Community and Discipleship: A focus on living in intentional Christian communities that embody the values of the Kingdom of God.
Eschatology in the Context of our current Wars and Conflicts
Anabaptists interpret contemporary conflicts through their eschatological lens, emphasizing how Christians should respond to such events. Here’s how Anabaptists might view and respond to current global conflicts:
- Peace and Reconciliation: Anabaptists would likely call for peaceful responses and reconciliation efforts, reflecting Jesus’ command to be peacemakers.
- Faithful Witness: They would emphasize living out a faithful Christian witness in the midst of turmoil, demonstrating the love and peace of Christ.
- Service and Community: Engaging in acts of service and maintaining strong, supportive communities would be seen as vital, especially during times of conflict and instability.
Conclusion
While Anabaptists are generally aligned with Amillennialism, though their belief in Christian unity and grace is more important than any division based on the different eschatological views. Our eschatology is deeply rooted in the practical and ethical implications of following Jesus not only in our current events but future as well. We emphasize a peaceable, counter-cultural way of living that prioritizes nonviolence, community, and faithful discipleship over speculative interpretations of end-times events. This perspective provides a unique and valuable approach to eschatology, especially in the context of contemporary global conflicts.
