Essence of Anabaptist
An interesting analogy is drawn between Anabaptism and fashion, emphasizing the diversity of expressions within the tradition. Anabaptist values, while originating in sixteenth-century Swiss, German, and Dutch communities, have evolved over time in various cultural contexts, such as Mennonite, Amish, and Hutterite cultures.
The chapter discusses the challenges of maintaining the essence of Anabaptism in diverse cultural settings, particularly in post-Christendom societies. There is a call to embrace expressions of Anabaptism that are not confined to white, educated, and middle-class demographics.
Despite the metaphorical concept of a “naked Anabaptist,” the chapter emphasizes that Anabaptism is always clothed in culture and tradition. However, there is value in stripping back historical and cultural accretions to examine the core beliefs and values of Anabaptism.
The chapter introduces seven core convictions formulated by the Anabaptist Network in Britain and Ireland, which serve as a framework for understanding the essence of Anabaptism. These convictions include Jesus as the focal point, the rejection of Christendom assumptions, commitment to community and discipleship, interconnectedness of spirituality and economics, and a dedication to peace.
It’s important to note that these convictions are not intended to be comprehensive or to replace traditional creeds. Instead, they highlight distinctive perspectives within the Anabaptist tradition. While some aspects of these convictions may challenge readers, many find them to be a holistic and faithful way of understanding the Christian faith in a post-Christendom culture.
The seven core convictions of Anabaptism as outlined in the chapter:
- Jesus as the Focal Point: Anabaptists view Jesus as more than just a historical figure or theological concept. They see him as the ultimate example, teacher, friend, redeemer, and Lord. Jesus is not just the source of their faith but also the central reference point for their entire lives, including their understanding of church and engagement with society. Anabaptists are committed to following Jesus actively, not just worshiping him passively.
- Jesus-Centred Approach to the Bible: Anabaptists prioritize a Jesus-centred interpretation of the Bible. They believe that Jesus is the focal point of God’s revelation and that the community of faith is the primary context for reading and applying the Bible. This means understanding Scripture through the lens of Jesus’ teachings and example, and discerning its implications for discipleship within the context of Christian community.
- Rejecting Christendom Assumptions: Anabaptists recognize that Western culture is transitioning from the Christendom era, where church and state were intertwined and almost everyone was assumed to be Christian. However, they believe that Christendom distorted the gospel, marginalized Jesus, and left the church ill-prepared for mission in a post-Christendom world. Anabaptists are committed to learning from movements like their own that rejected standard Christendom assumptions and pursued alternative ways of thinking and behaving.
- Rejecting Association with Status, Wealth, and Force: Anabaptists reject the association of the church with status, wealth, and force. They believe that such associations are inappropriate for followers of Jesus and damage their witness. Instead, Anabaptists are committed to exploring ways of embodying the good news to the poor, powerless, and persecuted, even if it leads to opposition and suffering.
- Committed Communities of Discipleship and Mission: Anabaptists believe that churches should be committed communities of discipleship and mission. They emphasize mutual accountability, multivoiced worship, and shared meals as essential elements of church life. Anabaptists are committed to nurturing churches where everyone is valued, leadership is consultative, roles are based on gifts rather than gender, and baptism is reserved for believers.
- Interconnected Spirituality and Economics: Anabaptists see spirituality and economics as interconnected. They believe that in a world characterized by economic injustice and individualism, it’s essential to live simply, share generously, care for creation, and work for justice. This commitment reflects their belief in the holistic nature of discipleship, where faith is expressed not only in worship but also in everyday life, including economic practices.
- Commitment to Peace: Peace is at the heart of the gospel for Anabaptists. They believe that as followers of Jesus in a divided and violent world, they are called to seek nonviolent alternatives and promote peace in all areas of life. This includes making peace between individuals, within and among churches, in society, and between nations. Anabaptists are committed to learning how to make peace in practical ways, even in the face of opposition.
These core convictions form the foundation of Anabaptist identity and provide a framework for understanding their faith and practice in the context of contemporary challenges and opportunities1.
If you like to purchase the book, it can be found here.
- It should be noted that we as a “Contemporary Anabaptist” church we do abide by and work together to implement these seven principles in our church. Though it should be noted, we do have regular jobs within the community and thereby wear regular clothes. Our emphasis when it comes to our fashion, is never seen to be supporting some brand or icon on our clothes, We dress modestly and humbly. We do this as it helps us and others not to be distraction to worshipping the Lord. ↩︎