Non-Resistance: Brethren Value 7

One of the hardest values, for me as a Brethren, is this concept of non resistance. In our nation where we have a right to self defense in the Second Amendment, the idea of not meeting violence with violence, is very hard to grasp. The times we find self defense in the Scripture is when God commands it, or an earthly king gives permission (the Jewish feast of Purim). But how do we view this value? As hard as it to grasp, we must establish, briefly, a truth that is often missed in our American culture. There will be a flow on this in the following order: non violence from the beginning, through History, early Brethren, our nation today.

From the beginning of Christianity, Jesus taught His disciples about doing no violence. Do not attack, or avenge the self. It was, in the mind of Christ, the utmost importance to respond contrary to how the world would. "Eye for eye", says the world. "Love your enemies and pray for those who despitefully use you", says Jesus.

The night Jesus was arrested, Peter was kept from striking any further. Jesus even said that He could have twelve legions of angels (up to 72,000) that would fight for Him if He called. Before Pilot, He said that His followers do not fight because they are not of this world. Further in the New Testament, the call is to live, as much as we can, peacefully with all.

Going further into History, we do not see any Christians enlisted in any warfare or army. We do have record of Christians being martyered because they wouldn't join. This changed when Constantine made "Christianity" the emperial religion. We will not comment hon this in this post, but from that moment, Christians start to take a pro war stance.

The Brethren, as a movement, were and are three things: 1) Original Peace Movement, 2) Conscienctious Objectors, and finally, 3) Nonresistant. This presents itself throughout our History, but two names to illustrate this. The first is Johanas Naas. He was a tall man who was forced conscripted into the kings personal guard. The king only wanted men who were six foot or taller. Upon seeing Brother Naas, the conscriptor told him to report. He said he couldn't.

He was tortured for refusing and when the report reached the kings ears, Nass was brought before him. "Why Can't you serve?", came the question from the king. "Because", answered Brother Nass, "I cannot serve in your army when I am already recruited by a higher King in His." The king was so impressed by Nass, that he not only releaved him from his duty, but also wrote a script excusing him from any future duty.

The second big name, in the Brethern, is John Klien. Brother John lived in the US as the war between the states waged. He would travel from the North to the South, and back, visiting churches, preaching, and ministering as he could.

The North wanted him shot as a traitor to the Union cause, and the Confederates wanted him shot, thinking he was a spy. He took no sides in the war, instead preached on the freedom which is found in Christ. His personal views not withstanding, Brother John preached and ministered to all. He was eventually shot on a trail leading over the Blue Ridge Mountains, and today is recognized as one of many martyrs.

This could go on and on, filling this entire page. But Brethren do not believe in war and violence. Our path to victory comes on the trail of winning souls to Salvation. But some Brethren have also taken this view to some erroneous points.

First, there were some Brethren who dodged the draft for World War 1 and 2. This is problomatic because they ignored the Biblical call to honor authority. Second, in many Brethern circles, non violence drives them and becomea the major focus. Many abandon their kingdom work to pursue social justice and political work to try and end all wars. Lastly, many who hold to the belief that ALL war is bad, and that God NEVER called for war, twist the Bible and who God is.

They ignore the times God did call for war, or used destruction to extract His judgement. These Brethren set up for themselves a god of their own making. Coupled with the peace position, the mindset is that any war is evil, and because God is not evil, He never had or went to war. This ignores many passages that depict Jesus as a warrior, a conquring king, judge.

Brethren, today do still follow in this, but perhaps not as strongly. There are Brethren churches that fly the American flag, have military honor days, and celebrates the fourth of July, Memorial, and Veteren's day. Others still pursue peace in the unholy way. How we can balance this in the Scripture?
As Brethren, we recognize that war is not Jesus' first choice. We are called to love our enemies. However, we also recognize the role of government in God's eyes to defend and protect their nation and people against other powers that wish to harm. That involves the military. Therefore, we honor those who have willingly put their lives on the line, and even paid the ultimate price.

This is more of where my position would be. Recognizing that war does not solve things, but that defence is important to a nation. What about personal self defence? That, as well, has a broad stroke. There are those who would rather have their family and self killed so the attacker would not be sent into eternity without knowing Jesus. There are some who balance this by realizing God has given us the ability to defend the defenseless, and will do so. However, if it is just things, then take it. We can replace things.

While there are different approaches and opinions to this, the real end goal is not to kill if possible. The real desire is that through our life and testimoney many, even our enemies will find salvation.

Truly following Jesus' example is not easy. And each one should search their own heart and balance it with Scripture. We honor those who have and are serving, but we pray for salvation of our enemies so they may find TRUE peace through the prince of Peace.