Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective
Regarding Creation, Lordship, Trinity, Sin, Salvation, and the nature of humans, the Mennonite confession of faith does not differ greatly from what I have seen in the protestant experience. But there are some differences.
From Article 10
The mission of the church does not require the protection of any nation or empire. Christians are strangers and aliens within all cultures. Yet the church itself is God's nation, encompassing people who have come from every tribe and nation. Indeed, its mission is to reconcile differing groups, creating one new humanity [10] and providing a preview of that day when all the nations shall stream to the mountain of the Lord and be at peace. [11]
From Article 11
Baptism by water is a sign that a person has repented, received forgiveness, renounced evil, and died to sin, [1] through the grace of God in Christ Jesus. Thus cleansed, believers are incorporated into Christ's body on earth, the church. Baptism by water is also a pledge to serve Christ and to minister as a member of his body according to the gifts given to each one. Jesus himself requested water baptism at the beginning of his ministry and sent his followers to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." [2] Baptism is done in obedience to Jesus' command and as a public commitment to identify with Jesus Christ, not only in his baptism by water, but in his life in the Spirit and in his death in suffering love.
The baptism of blood, or baptism of suffering, is the offering of one's life, even to death. Jesus understood the giving of his life through the shedding of his blood for others as a baptism. [3] He also spoke about his disciples' suffering and death as a baptism. [4] Those who accept water baptism commit themselves to follow Jesus in giving their lives for others, in loving their enemies, and in renouncing violence, even when it means their own suffering or death.
Christian baptism is for those who confess their sins, repent, accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and commit themselves to follow Christ in obedience as members of his body, both giving and receiving care and counsel in the church. Baptism is for those who are of the age of accountability and who freely request baptism on the basis of their response to Jesus Christ in faith. [5]
From Article 12
We believe that the Lord's Supper is a sign by which the church thankfully remembers the new covenant which Jesus established by his death. In this communion meal, the members of the church renew our covenant with God and with each other. As one body, we participate in the life of Jesus Christ given for the redemption of humankind. Thus we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
From Article 17
Conformity to Christ necessarily implies nonconformity to the world. [3] True faith in Christ means willingness to do the will of God, rather than willful pursuit of individual happiness. [4] True faith means seeking first the reign of God in simplicity, rather than pursuing materialism. [5] True faith means acting in peace and justice, rather than with violence or military means. [6] True faith means giving first loyalty to God's kingdom, rather than to any nation-state or ethnic group that claims our allegiance. [7] True faith means honest affirmation of the truth, rather than reliance on oaths to guarantee our truth telling. [8] True faith means chastity and loving faithfulness to marriage vows, rather than the distortion of sexual relationships, contrary to God's intention. [9] True faith means treating our bodies as God's temples, rather than allowing addictive behaviors to take hold. True faith means performing deeds of compassion and reconciliation, in holiness of life, instead of letting sin rule over us. [10] Our faithfulness to Christ is lived out in the loving life and witness of the church community, which is to be a separated people, holy to God.
From Article 20
Throughout history, human governments have asked citizens to swear oaths of allegiance. As Christians, our first allegiance is to God. [4] In baptism we pledged our loyalty to Christ's community, a commitment that takes precedence over obedience to any other social and political communities.
From Article 21
As stewards of God's earth, we are called to care for the earth and to bring rest and renewal to the land and everything that lives on it. [11] As stewards of money and possessions, we are to live simply, practice mutual aid within the church, uphold economic justice, and give generously and cheerfully. [12] As persons dependent on God's providence, we are not to be anxious about the necessities of life, but to seek first the kingdom of God. [13] We cannot be true servants of God and let our lives be ruled by desire for wealth.
(To be fair, most protestant churches would not argue this in theory- but the practice has tended to be a different matter. To be transparent, I have not been around a mennonite congregation at any length to know if practice is any different in a congregation-at-large.)
This is in bold because it is in such stark contrast to other churches.
Article 22. Peace, Justice, and Nonresistance
We believe that peace is the will of God. God created the world in peace, and God's peace is most fully revealed in Jesus Christ, who is our peace and the peace of the whole world. Led by the Holy Spirit, we follow Christ in the way of peace, doing justice, bringing reconciliation, and practicing nonresistance even in the face of violence and warfare.
Although God created a peaceable world, humanity chose the way of unrighteousness and violence. [1] The spirit of revenge increased, and violence multiplied, yet the original vision of peace and justice did not die. [2] Prophets and other messengers of God continued to point the people of Israel toward trust in God rather than in weapons and military force. [3]
The peace God intends for humanity and creation was revealed most fully in Jesus Christ. A joyous song of peace announced Jesus' birth. [4] Jesus taught love of enemies, forgave wrongdoers, and called for right relationships. [5] When threatened, he chose not to resist, but gave his life freely. [6] By his death and resurrection, he has removed the dominion of death and given us peace with God. [7] Thus he has reconciled us to God and has entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation. [8]
As followers of Jesus, we participate in his ministry of peace and justice. He has called us to find our blessing in making peace and seeking justice. We do so in a spirit of gentleness, willing to be persecuted for righteousness' sake. [9] As disciples of Christ, we do not prepare for war, or participate in war or military service. The same Spirit that empowered Jesus also empowers us to love enemies, to forgive rather than to seek revenge, to practice right relationships, to rely on the community of faith to settle disputes, and to resist evil without violence. [10]
Led by the Spirit, and beginning in the church, we witness to all people that violence is not the will of God. We witness against all forms of violence, including war among nations, hostility among races and classes, abuse of children and women, violence between men and women, abortion, and capital punishment.
We give our ultimate loyalty to the God of grace and peace, who guides the church daily in overcoming evil with good, who empowers us to do justice, and who sustains us in the glorious hope of the peaceable reign of God. [11]
Article 23. The Church's Relation to Government and Society
We believe that the church is God's "holy nation," [1] called to give full allegiance to Christ its head and to witness to all nations about God's saving love.
The church is the spiritual, social, and political body that gives its allegiance to God alone. As citizens of God's kingdom, [2] we trust in the power of God's love for our defense. The church knows no geographical boundaries and needs no violence for its protection. The only Christian nation is the church of Jesus Christ, made up of people from every tribe and nation, [3] called to witness to God's glory.
In contrast to the church, governing authorities of the world have been instituted by God for maintaining order in societies. Such governments and other human institutions as servants of God are called to act justly and provide order. [4] But like all such institutions, nations tend to demand total allegiance. They then become idolatrous and rebellious against the will of God. [5] Even at its best, a government cannot act completely according to the justice of God because no nation, except the church, confesses Christ's rule as its foundation.
As Christians we are to respect those in authority and to pray for all people, including those in government, that they also may be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. [6] We may participate in government or other institutions of society only in ways that do not violate the love and holiness taught by Christ and do not compromise our loyalty to Christ. We witness to the nations by being that "city on a hill" which demonstrates the way of Christ. [7] We also witness by being ambassadors for Christ, [8] calling the nations (and all persons and institutions) to move toward justice, peace, and compassion for all people. In so doing, we seek the welfare of the city to which God has sent us. [9]
We understand that Christ, by his death and resurrection, has won victory over the powers, including all governments. [10] Because we confess that Jesus Christ has been exalted as Lord of lords, we recognize no other authority's claims as ultimate.
From Article 24
We believe that the church is called to live now according to the model of the future reign of God. Thus, we are given a foretaste of the kingdom that God will one day establish in full. The church is to be a spiritual, social, and economic reality, [5] demonstrating now the justice, righteousness, love, and peace of the age to come. The church does this in obedience to its Lord and in anticipation that the kingdom of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord. [6]
From the Resolution on Military Tax Witholding, 1989
That, in cases where members have a conscience against paying the portion of their income tax used for military purposes, and where they are now able to resist the collection of that part of their taxes, we encourage our congregations to be supportive by:
a. Studying the pertinent biblical texts and praying together.
b. Negotiating financial assistance to those required to pay penalties.
c. Participating with the resisters in the opportunity to witness to the authorities.
d. Sharing in the sorrow and joy of being misunderstood by other Christians as well as those exercising power over us.
These statements are really hard-core and drip with conviction. They can not always be lived with integrity (ie: just this past month- Goshen College begin playing the National Anthem at sporting events. Silent protests are becoming louder- but they remain non-violent.) Still- at least the church would not fight you for calling it to remember these principles, and trying to live by them yourself.
-Claven J. Snow
From Article 10
The mission of the church does not require the protection of any nation or empire. Christians are strangers and aliens within all cultures. Yet the church itself is God's nation, encompassing people who have come from every tribe and nation. Indeed, its mission is to reconcile differing groups, creating one new humanity [10] and providing a preview of that day when all the nations shall stream to the mountain of the Lord and be at peace. [11]
From Article 11
Baptism by water is a sign that a person has repented, received forgiveness, renounced evil, and died to sin, [1] through the grace of God in Christ Jesus. Thus cleansed, believers are incorporated into Christ's body on earth, the church. Baptism by water is also a pledge to serve Christ and to minister as a member of his body according to the gifts given to each one. Jesus himself requested water baptism at the beginning of his ministry and sent his followers to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." [2] Baptism is done in obedience to Jesus' command and as a public commitment to identify with Jesus Christ, not only in his baptism by water, but in his life in the Spirit and in his death in suffering love.
The baptism of blood, or baptism of suffering, is the offering of one's life, even to death. Jesus understood the giving of his life through the shedding of his blood for others as a baptism. [3] He also spoke about his disciples' suffering and death as a baptism. [4] Those who accept water baptism commit themselves to follow Jesus in giving their lives for others, in loving their enemies, and in renouncing violence, even when it means their own suffering or death.
Christian baptism is for those who confess their sins, repent, accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and commit themselves to follow Christ in obedience as members of his body, both giving and receiving care and counsel in the church. Baptism is for those who are of the age of accountability and who freely request baptism on the basis of their response to Jesus Christ in faith. [5]
From Article 12
We believe that the Lord's Supper is a sign by which the church thankfully remembers the new covenant which Jesus established by his death. In this communion meal, the members of the church renew our covenant with God and with each other. As one body, we participate in the life of Jesus Christ given for the redemption of humankind. Thus we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
From Article 17
Conformity to Christ necessarily implies nonconformity to the world. [3] True faith in Christ means willingness to do the will of God, rather than willful pursuit of individual happiness. [4] True faith means seeking first the reign of God in simplicity, rather than pursuing materialism. [5] True faith means acting in peace and justice, rather than with violence or military means. [6] True faith means giving first loyalty to God's kingdom, rather than to any nation-state or ethnic group that claims our allegiance. [7] True faith means honest affirmation of the truth, rather than reliance on oaths to guarantee our truth telling. [8] True faith means chastity and loving faithfulness to marriage vows, rather than the distortion of sexual relationships, contrary to God's intention. [9] True faith means treating our bodies as God's temples, rather than allowing addictive behaviors to take hold. True faith means performing deeds of compassion and reconciliation, in holiness of life, instead of letting sin rule over us. [10] Our faithfulness to Christ is lived out in the loving life and witness of the church community, which is to be a separated people, holy to God.
From Article 20
Throughout history, human governments have asked citizens to swear oaths of allegiance. As Christians, our first allegiance is to God. [4] In baptism we pledged our loyalty to Christ's community, a commitment that takes precedence over obedience to any other social and political communities.
From Article 21
As stewards of God's earth, we are called to care for the earth and to bring rest and renewal to the land and everything that lives on it. [11] As stewards of money and possessions, we are to live simply, practice mutual aid within the church, uphold economic justice, and give generously and cheerfully. [12] As persons dependent on God's providence, we are not to be anxious about the necessities of life, but to seek first the kingdom of God. [13] We cannot be true servants of God and let our lives be ruled by desire for wealth.
(To be fair, most protestant churches would not argue this in theory- but the practice has tended to be a different matter. To be transparent, I have not been around a mennonite congregation at any length to know if practice is any different in a congregation-at-large.)
This is in bold because it is in such stark contrast to other churches.
Article 22. Peace, Justice, and Nonresistance
We believe that peace is the will of God. God created the world in peace, and God's peace is most fully revealed in Jesus Christ, who is our peace and the peace of the whole world. Led by the Holy Spirit, we follow Christ in the way of peace, doing justice, bringing reconciliation, and practicing nonresistance even in the face of violence and warfare.
Although God created a peaceable world, humanity chose the way of unrighteousness and violence. [1] The spirit of revenge increased, and violence multiplied, yet the original vision of peace and justice did not die. [2] Prophets and other messengers of God continued to point the people of Israel toward trust in God rather than in weapons and military force. [3]
The peace God intends for humanity and creation was revealed most fully in Jesus Christ. A joyous song of peace announced Jesus' birth. [4] Jesus taught love of enemies, forgave wrongdoers, and called for right relationships. [5] When threatened, he chose not to resist, but gave his life freely. [6] By his death and resurrection, he has removed the dominion of death and given us peace with God. [7] Thus he has reconciled us to God and has entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation. [8]
As followers of Jesus, we participate in his ministry of peace and justice. He has called us to find our blessing in making peace and seeking justice. We do so in a spirit of gentleness, willing to be persecuted for righteousness' sake. [9] As disciples of Christ, we do not prepare for war, or participate in war or military service. The same Spirit that empowered Jesus also empowers us to love enemies, to forgive rather than to seek revenge, to practice right relationships, to rely on the community of faith to settle disputes, and to resist evil without violence. [10]
Led by the Spirit, and beginning in the church, we witness to all people that violence is not the will of God. We witness against all forms of violence, including war among nations, hostility among races and classes, abuse of children and women, violence between men and women, abortion, and capital punishment.
We give our ultimate loyalty to the God of grace and peace, who guides the church daily in overcoming evil with good, who empowers us to do justice, and who sustains us in the glorious hope of the peaceable reign of God. [11]
Article 23. The Church's Relation to Government and Society
We believe that the church is God's "holy nation," [1] called to give full allegiance to Christ its head and to witness to all nations about God's saving love.
The church is the spiritual, social, and political body that gives its allegiance to God alone. As citizens of God's kingdom, [2] we trust in the power of God's love for our defense. The church knows no geographical boundaries and needs no violence for its protection. The only Christian nation is the church of Jesus Christ, made up of people from every tribe and nation, [3] called to witness to God's glory.
In contrast to the church, governing authorities of the world have been instituted by God for maintaining order in societies. Such governments and other human institutions as servants of God are called to act justly and provide order. [4] But like all such institutions, nations tend to demand total allegiance. They then become idolatrous and rebellious against the will of God. [5] Even at its best, a government cannot act completely according to the justice of God because no nation, except the church, confesses Christ's rule as its foundation.
As Christians we are to respect those in authority and to pray for all people, including those in government, that they also may be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. [6] We may participate in government or other institutions of society only in ways that do not violate the love and holiness taught by Christ and do not compromise our loyalty to Christ. We witness to the nations by being that "city on a hill" which demonstrates the way of Christ. [7] We also witness by being ambassadors for Christ, [8] calling the nations (and all persons and institutions) to move toward justice, peace, and compassion for all people. In so doing, we seek the welfare of the city to which God has sent us. [9]
We understand that Christ, by his death and resurrection, has won victory over the powers, including all governments. [10] Because we confess that Jesus Christ has been exalted as Lord of lords, we recognize no other authority's claims as ultimate.
From Article 24
We believe that the church is called to live now according to the model of the future reign of God. Thus, we are given a foretaste of the kingdom that God will one day establish in full. The church is to be a spiritual, social, and economic reality, [5] demonstrating now the justice, righteousness, love, and peace of the age to come. The church does this in obedience to its Lord and in anticipation that the kingdom of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord. [6]
From the Resolution on Military Tax Witholding, 1989
That, in cases where members have a conscience against paying the portion of their income tax used for military purposes, and where they are now able to resist the collection of that part of their taxes, we encourage our congregations to be supportive by:
a. Studying the pertinent biblical texts and praying together.
b. Negotiating financial assistance to those required to pay penalties.
c. Participating with the resisters in the opportunity to witness to the authorities.
d. Sharing in the sorrow and joy of being misunderstood by other Christians as well as those exercising power over us.
These statements are really hard-core and drip with conviction. They can not always be lived with integrity (ie: just this past month- Goshen College begin playing the National Anthem at sporting events. Silent protests are becoming louder- but they remain non-violent.) Still- at least the church would not fight you for calling it to remember these principles, and trying to live by them yourself.
-Claven J. Snow