Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
The speakers say the Schleithaim Confession is “where we disagree with the Catholics and Protestants,” and also where some rebaptized would-be Anabaptists “have made some mistakes”; what does that two-sided purpose reveal about how they understood God’s desire for truth, unity, and correction inside the church?
Another way to ask: They say the confession shows where they differ from Catholics and Protestants, and also corrects mistakes among would-be Anabaptists. What does that tell you about how they thought God wants truth, unity, and correction inside the church?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, Schleithaim aims at both clear truth and real unity: it draws firm lines from surrounding churches while also correcting errors within the Anabaptist movement so the brotherhood can come “to one mind in the Lord.” Truth is not only argued; it is practiced through ordered church life, discipline, and shared obedience.
- The speaker says the seven articles have “two points”: (1) “where we disagree with the Catholics and Protestants,” and (2) where rebaptized would-be Anabaptists “have made some mistakes.”
- He frames the confession as a way “to settle issues,” calling the act of “coming together and doing things like this” important in itself.
- He says the Anabaptists recognized “order was necessary and problems could come up,” including people entering “not fully believing or slipped back.”
- The ban is described as correction after “third admonition,” showing unity needs accountability, not just shared slogans.
- The conclusion reads that certain brethren “had formerly been in error, but have now come to one mind in the Lord.”