Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
In the Washington Times story, the Amish emphasized Trump as “not afraid to talk about Jesus Christ,” “work ethic,” and “moving the country in the right direction”; what does this reveal about what they considered “kingdom-like,” and what essential Anabaptist distinctives did Matt say were missing from that public witness?
Another way to ask: What did the Amish comments about Trump show they thought looked “like God’s kingdom”? What key Anabaptist beliefs did Matt say were missing from what they said in public?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s comments, the Amish highlighted “kingdom-like” elements such as public Christian talk and freedom of conscience, but their public witness lacked core Anabaptist essentials like enemy-love and the harder demands of discipleship.
- The article praised “kinship in their Christian faith and work ethic,” and the Amish said, “not afraid to talk about Jesus Christ.”
- Matt responds that some mentioned things were “fine and perfect things, good things,” including “professing to be a Christian” and “talking about Jesus.”
- He says they focused on “positive traits of the state,” especially “freedom of conscience,” calling it a “kingdom-like characteristic” because it allows nonparticipation in war.
- Yet he notes they “did not talk about… an essential part of Amish or Christian faith,” especially “namely that you love your enemies.”
- He says their visit “did not give a complete… or rounded view” and was “not a faithful view” because it never got to “the real hardcore things.”
- He wonders what would happen if they raised enemy-love with Trump: “That… would have been more interesting.”