Christendom: A Contemporary Anabaptist Perspective
Understanding Christendom
Christendom, in its historical context, refers to the period when the church and the state were intertwined, and Christianity became the dominant cultural and political force in Europe. It began with the conversion of Constantine in the early 4th century, when Christianity was legalized and later became the official religion of the Roman Empire. This marked a significant shift from the early days of Christianity, when followers of Jesus were often persecuted and marginalized. The Christendom model positioned the church at the centre of society, wielding significant influence over political, social, and cultural life.
The Dark Side of Christendom
While the establishment of Christendom led to the widespread construction of grand cathedrals and the spread of Christian teachings, it also brought about significant problems. The Dark Ages, a period often associated with the height of Christendom, saw the church accumulating immense wealth and power, often at the expense of the poor and powerless. The church’s collusion with the state led to the use of violence, coercion, and oppression to maintain control and suppress dissent.
During this period, the church often sanctified war, supported oppressive regimes, and participated in practices like the Inquisition, crusades, and persecution of heretics. The wealth of the church, its exaction of tithes from the poor, and the elevation of bishops and clergy to positions of power and privilege were starkly inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus, who preached humility, love for enemies, and care for the poor.
The Reformation and the Persistence of Christendom’s Problems
The Reformation of the 16th century, while challenging the authority of the Catholic Church, did not fully address the problems inherent in Christendom. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin, while advocating for theological changes, often retained the model of a church closely aligned with state power. They continued to support the use of coercion and violence to enforce religious conformity, including the persecution of groups like the Anabaptists who sought a return to a more authentic, non-violent Christianity.
Anabaptists, emerging as a radical wing of the Reformation, were deeply troubled by the continued collusion between church and state. They rejected the Christendom model, advocating for a separation of church and state, voluntary church membership, and a commitment to nonviolence. They believed that true discipleship meant following the teachings of Jesus, even if it led to persecution and martyrdom.
Contemporary Anabaptism: A Response to Christendom
Today, contemporary Anabaptists continue to reject the Christendom model, seeking instead to be a prophetic voice against the misuse of power and wealth within the church. The legacy of Christendom, with its association of the church with status, wealth, and force, still lingers in many Christian communities. However, contemporary Anabaptists strive to embody a different way of being the church, one that is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian communities.
Contemporary Anabaptists prioritize being good news to the poor, powerless, and persecuted. They reject the pursuit of status and wealth, choosing instead to serve those on the margins of society. In a post-Christendom world, where the church no longer holds the power it once did, Anabaptists see an opportunity to return to the core of the gospel message—loving and serving others, even in the face of opposition.
Rather than seeking to control society or impose Christian values through political power, contemporary Anabaptists focus on bearing witness to the gospel through their lives and actions. They emphasize community participation, mutual aid, and living out the teachings of Jesus in practical ways. This approach contrasts sharply with the hierarchical, top-down structures that characterized Christendom.
Avoiding the Mistakes of the Past
Contemporary Anabaptists go out of their way to avoid repeating the mistakes of Christendom by maintaining a clear distinction between church and state. They reject the idea that the church should seek political power or align itself with the state to achieve its goals. Instead, they focus on grassroots movements and bottom-up strategies that empower local communities and prioritize justice, peace, and reconciliation.
In a pluralistic society, contemporary Anabaptists seek to engage with others respectfully and lovingly, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives. They advocate for justice not only for themselves but for all people, regardless of their beliefs. This commitment to justice, peace, and humility reflects a deep awareness of the dangers of Christendom and a desire to remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
Conclusion
The Christendom era, with its close ties between church and state, brought significant challenges and distortions to the Christian faith. While it led to the spread of Christianity, it also resulted in the church’s collusion with wealth, power, and violence, which often undermined the gospel message. Contemporary Anabaptists, drawing on their historical roots, seek to offer a different vision of what it means to be the church. By rejecting the Christendom model and focusing on serving the poor, powerless, and persecuted, they strive to be faithful to the teachings of Jesus and to avoid the mistakes of the past. In a post-Christendom world, this approach offers a compelling witness to the transformative power of the gospel.