Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
Schleitheim is summarized as: Christians “walk in the life of the resurrection,” “live in the perfection of Christ,” and “the sword is not part of the perfection of Christ”; what do those phrases suggest early Anabaptists thought resurrection-life should look like in public conflict, not just private morality?
Another way to ask: What did early Anabaptists think “resurrection life” should look like during public conflict, not just in private behavior? Why did they say “the sword” doesn’t fit the “perfection of Christ”?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s summary of Schleitheim, resurrection-life meant publicly living by Christ’s perfected way of love, refusing the sword even in conflict. It wasn’t only about inner spirituality but about how Christians relate to enemies and the state.
- In 1527, the Anabaptists’ confession “Schleidheim” states the Christian “is to walk in the life of the resurrection.”
- It also says he “is to live in the perfection of Christ.”
- The confession applies that perfection to violence: “the sword is not part of the perfection of Christ.”
- It distinguishes roles: “God has established the government to take care of those who are not walking in the perfection of Christ, and they have the sword.”
- Earlier Anabaptist practice matched this: “We don’t use the sword… We don’t defend ourselves.”
- The reason given aligns with Jesus’ public ethic: “We love our enemies.”