Nonviolence and refusal of war

The tradition historically defends nonviolence, reconciliation, and conscientious objection to war.

84%

Confidence

Supportive

Contrary

Neutral

What it is: Christian nonviolence is one of the beliefs most associated with Mennonites, including historical refusal of war and caution in the face of the lethal use of force.

How the tradition understands it: Many Mennonites understand that following Jesus requires love for enemies, reconciliation, forgiveness, mediation of conflicts, and conscientious objection to armed military service.

Basis and context: The reading of the Sermon on the Mount, the example of the passion of Christ, and the Anabaptist heritage consolidated this stance over centuries.

Debates and variations: There are differences between nonresistance, active pacifism, peacebuilding, and limited participation in state structures, especially in contemporary contexts.

Supportive

1 Peter 2:21-23

mennonites,bible,christ,non-retaliation,discipleship

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 5:38-48

mennonites,bible,sermon-on-mount,nonviolence

Sermon on the Mount passage on non-retaliation and love of enemies.

Reference: Matthew 5:38-48.
Content: Jesus teaches not to retaliate and to love enemies.
Use in debate: One of the central biblical bases for Mennonite nonviolence.

Romans 12:17-21

mennonites,bible,peace,nonviolence,reconciliation

Do not repay evil for evil and overcome evil with good.

Reference: Romans 12:17-21.
Content: Paul counsels not to seek vengeance and to respond to evil with good.
Use in debate: Important for Mennonite ethics of reconciliation and nonviolence.