Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
The speaker says the Amish in the article “did not talk about what they believe to be an essential part” of Christian faith—especially loving enemies—and wonders what would happen if they raised that with Trump; what “hardcore” teachings (enemy-love, truth/no oaths, sexuality, modest living, nonviolence) are we most tempted to keep “around the edges” in public, and why?
Another way to ask: Which difficult teachings of Jesus are you most tempted to avoid saying in public (like loving enemies, telling the truth, sexual faithfulness, simple living, or nonviolence)? Why do you keep those on the sidelines?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests Christians most often keep the costly, reputation-risking commands “around the edges”—especially enemy-love and nonviolence—because public settings reward vague agreement and punish direct challenges to power and self-interest.
- Matt says the Amish “did not talk about… an essential part… namely that you love your enemies.”
- He describes true allegiance as a life of “loving those even those who oppose the way of Jesus,” “humility,” sexual faithfulness, “a modest lifestyle,” and refusal to “forcefully and violently overthrow” others.
- He also lists Sermon-on-the-Mount practices: “meekness,” “saying truth, no oaths,” “lack of divorce at great personal cost.”
- He suggests the meeting stayed “vaguely, generically” agreeable rather than reaching “real hardcore things.”
- He says the visit “did not give a complete… view” and thus was “not a faithful view” of Amish/Anabaptist identity.
- He implies public political contexts tempt people to highlight “work ethic” and “talk about Jesus” rather than confront enemy-love.