[Written by Robin Walton]
I am so excited that we are going to focus on Anabaptism's 500th anniversary this fall. If the 15 year old Robin could hear me say that she was excited about 16th century history, she would not believe it.
When I got the 500th anniversary special edition of Anabaptist World in the mail, I read it right away (not my usual practice). I studied Anabaptist history at AMBS, but this edition came to me in a moment when I was feeling very discouraged about state, national and even international trends and events. Through that lens, I could see the radical reformation as a political reformation just as much as it was religious. The radicals were refusing to baptize their children for newly embraced religious reasons, but that refusal created an upending of the political structure, the fabric of society. If children weren’t entered into the church’s roles, how could they be counted as citizens, be called up for conscription, be taxed, and so on. It was not just a new religious notion; it was a challenge to the superstructure of society. It was a refusal to cooperate with Empire.
I grew up in a household that was quite happy to go along with the status quo. They did not have any inclination to resist the government. I’m sure they griped about taxes, but they didn’t consider withholding them. Quite frankly, the way things worked, worked well for my white, lower middle class family. I don’t know exactly what my parents would think about what is going on today. It actually may have split the two of them into different political camps.
But I went a different way and found myself becoming more aware of injustice. Only now am I more fully aware of the way a concept like manifest destiny can worm its way into a person and give them comfort when uncomfortable things are done in the name of progress.
When I read about the radical reformers, I saw them resisting Empire. I feel feeble in what I can do about growing injustice, but framing a positive response as resistance is something I can embrace. My resolve toward resistance might move me to become more radical over time. It may cost me dearly. But the radical reformers showed me a Jesus way to respond. I see our congregation making decision after decision that I believe are the Spirit giving us opportunity after opportunity to respond in love and deep desire for a transformation of life on earth.
I hope when we consider our spiritual heritage this fall, that we see ourselves in a similar context. I hope we are encouraged and renewed. I hope we see ourselves more clearly and proceed with wisdom, strength, renewal and resolve.
