Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
The speaker opens by quoting what “they” said during the Revolution—“Jesus didn’t teach us to love our enemies…we live in a real world”—and contrasts that with Mennonites and others insisting, “No, Jesus told us to love our enemies”; what does this clash reveal about what each side believed God is like, and what He expects Christianity to look like in public life?
Another way to ask: What does the disagreement about loving enemies show about what each side thinks God is like and how Christians should act in public?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, the clash shows two different “public” Christianities: one side reshaped Jesus’ commands to fit war and political survival, while the non-resistant Christians believed God’s character and Christ’s teaching require enemy-love even when it seems unrealistic.
- The revolutionary-era rhetoric the speaker quotes denies Jesus’ command: “Jesus didn't teach us to love our enemies…We live in a real world.”
- He contrasts this with Mennonites and others: “No, Jesus told us to love our enemies.”
- He says many pastors framed the Revolution as “a holy cause…a just war,” portraying Britain as “evil, wicked men.”
- He highlights the spiritual claim some made: “the angels are on our side because we have truth and justice.”
- He calls this “pretty amazing…when you are…violating the teaching of Christ to overthrow the lawful government.”