"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.