"The Naked Anabaptist" Core Conviction #7

This week, we come to the seventh and final core conviction that Stuart Murray discusses in his book “The Naked Anabaptist.” Murray says “Peace is at the heart of the gospel. As followers of Jesus in a divided and violent world, we are committed to finding nonviolent alternatives and to learning how to make peace between individuals, within and among churches, in society, and between nations.”[1]

From the earliest beginnings of the Church of the Brethren there has been a commitment to nonviolence. While it is true that the exact way this has been addressed has shifted over the years, it is still a core element to the Brethren witness. Our denomination has as one catchphrase “Continuing the work of Jesus: Peacefully, Simply, Together.” We continue to sponsor the group On Earth Peace, which works to promote peacemaking around the world.

Within our own congregation, peace and peacemaking continues to have an important place for us. Our recent celebration of the International Day of Prayer for Peace on a Sunday in September highlights but one time that this continues to be an important part of our witness. I would be interested to hear how others in our congregation see this focus on peace and peacemaking playing out in the life of our congregation.

Next week, I’ll conclude my overview of “The Naked Anabaptist.”

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[1] Stuart Murray, The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith, Scottdale, PA: Herald Press 2010, 181.

"The Naked Anabaptist" Core Conviction #6

We have come to the penultimate core conviction of Anabaptism that Murray discusses in his book. He writes “Spirituality and economics are interconnected. In an individualistic and consumerist culture and in a world where economic injustice is rife, we are committed to finding ways of living simply, sharing generously, caring for creation, and working for justice.”[1]

It is clear that the early Christians were concerned with economics. Acts 2:43-46 articulates a clear understanding that these early Christians held everything in common. Throughout his letters, the apostle Paul talks about a collection for the church in Jerusalem, a collection that would be used to help those who were in need. Jesus’ own ministry offers examples of the overturning of the economic order.

Within the tradition of the Church of the Brethren, there have been many different responses to connecting economics with spirituality. One of the more prevelant ways this has played out over the past century or so has been the emergence of the idea of simple living. One of the catchphrases of this idea is “Live simply, that others may simply live.”

We need to remember that, in turning our lives over to Jesus Christ, we cannot separate our finances from our theology. Sharing our resources together as a congregation is certainly one important way that our spirituality and finances come together. But we cannot simply stop there. We need to work to overturn those places where economic injustice limits the lives of other people.

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[1] Stuart Murray, The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith, Scottdale, PA: Herald Press 2010, 180.

Scheduling Note

As you may have noticed, I did not have a new post last week. This was due to a very busy week here at the church. I will be putting up a new post here later today. Next week, I will be on vacation, and so I will not have a post next week. Regular weekly postings will resume the next week.