Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
Chester framed the collapse as a re-ordering of identity (German first, Christian second), using the word-order illustration (e.g., “American Mennonite Christian”); where do you see subtle pressures today that try to make nationality, ethnicity, politics, or class the “noun” and discipleship the adjective, and what practices would actually keep “Christian” from being displaced?
Another way to ask: Where do you see pressure today to put nation, politics, ethnicity, or social class ahead of following Jesus? What habits would help keep being Christian as the main identity?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Chester’s point is that when “Christian” stops being the controlling identity and gets pushed behind ethnicity or nation, the church becomes vulnerable to worldly loyalties. The transcript implies that keeping “Christian” central requires a strong two-kingdom mindset where Christ’s words govern even when it conflicts with national or cultural pride.
- He uses grammar to show the “noun…is last” and warns Germans chose “German first” instead of “Christian first.”
- He states directly: “pride in being German replaced the Christ-centered Anabaptist identity.”
- He says the consequence is when “ethnicity or…cultural background is more important than…faith.”
- He ties prevention to “learn to think the way Christ thinks with a strong two kingdom doctrine.”
- He later shows the Nazi motto-like premise adopted: “one people, one state, one leader,” illustrating identity fusion.