Christianity and War

In a nation torn in two by the strife of the Civil War, there were some who dared to question whether Christians could possibly participate in the killing. In 1863, soon after the Battle of Gettysburg, John M. Brenneman wrote to explain Anabaptist convictions against participation in warfare. He began by explaining that a true Christian is one who follows Christ’s example, who is obedient to Christ, and who is filled with the Spirit of Christ. Having established this definition, he uses it to show that war is completely inconsistent with a Christian profession. The life of peace, love, and nonresistance is the life of obedience and following Jesus, and the only way of living which is truly spiritual. War and peace; sword and cross; world and Christ. Which will we choose? “This volume will serve well the current generation of those who want to follow Jesus, together.” —Leonard Gross Director Emeritus, Mennonite Church Archives