Are there times that we are called to absorb evil on behalf of others? Are we to resist evil? Much of Anabaptist history focused on non-resistance — even to evil. How does that contrast with our current expectation of nonviolent resistance? On September 27th, Bob Nolty brought those questions, as well as stories of nonresistance. He references 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 and Matthew 5:38-48, talks about Chief Joseph and his commitment to nonviolence, the Cherokee removal of the 1820’s and 30’s, as well as Anabaptist history and theological interpretation.

And he leaves us with questions for contemplation:

Does God ask us to change dominant culture?

Must we renounce every form of coercion?

Can we change dominant culture with purely non-coercive means?

And for group discussion:

1. Does the ethic of nonresistance apply differently to privileged people than to oppressed people?
2. Can nonresistance be compatible with caring for your brothers and sisters?
   

.

.

.

Watch the video below as Bob brings these thoughts foreward.

download video here

.

Hear audio only:

download audio here