Discipleship and following Jesus

Christian life is understood as concrete following of Jesus in ethics, community, and witness.

84%

Confidence

Supportive

Contrary

Neutral

What it is: Discipleship occupies a central place in Mennonite identity, which understands Christian faith as concrete following of Jesus and not only intellectual adherence to doctrines.

How the tradition understands it: Believing in Christ implies learning from him, imitating his way of life, loving enemies, practicing forgiveness, cultivating holiness, and participating in a community obedient to the gospel.

Basis and context: This emphasis was consolidated in 16th-century Anabaptism as reaction to forms of Christianity perceived as excessively linked to civil order or automatic cultural belonging.

Debates and variations: In different branches, discipleship can receive a more communal, more missionary, more pietist, or more ethico-political tone, but continues to be a structuring theme.

Supportive

1 Peter 2:21-23

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Christ suffers without retaliation and leaves example to disciples.

Reference: 1 Peter 2:21-23.
Content: The text presents Christ as example of suffering without retaliatory violence.
Use in debate: Central passage for the Mennonite ethic of following Jesus.

John Howard Yoder, The Politics of Jesus

mennonites,yoder,discipleship,nonviolence

Influential reading on the ethics of Jesus, discipleship, and nonviolence.

Reference: John Howard Yoder, The Politics of Jesus.
Content: The work defends the ethical normativity of Jesus for the life of the church and Christian politics, with emphasis on nonviolence and discipleship.
Use in debate: Very influential in Mennonite and Anabaptist circles, although also critically discussed.

Matthew 28:19-20

mennonites,bible,discipleship,baptism,mission

Make disciples, baptize, and teach.

Reference: Matthew 28:19-20.
Content: Jesus orders to make disciples, baptize, and teach them to practice his instructions.
Use in debate: Important for believer's baptism, discipleship, and mission.

Menno Simons, Foundation of Christian Doctrine

mennonites,menno-simons,doctrine,discipleship

Menno Simons develops doctrine and practice in key of discipleship and faithful church.

Reference: Menno Simons, Foundation of Christian Doctrine.
Content: The work exposes themes like new birth, church, baptism, obedience, and holy life.
Use in debate: One of the classic sources for Mennonite identity.