And thus, as already mentioned, they [primarily Lutherans and Zwinglians] deny that we possess the evangelical order nor would they permit us to exercise it (if we did attend their preaching), but teach and presume that we also, as those who err, should remain silent in their preaching regardless of what we would have to speak to edification whether or not their preacher defaults from the truth, one must be silent, even though according to 1 Cor. 14 the listeners must judge the preacher's doctrine. All judgment and everything, yes everyone in his conscience, is bound to the preacher and to his teaching, whether it be good or evil (to accept the same in conscience to believe and to do), and not the teaching of Christ and of his Holy Spirit. (12)I think this is an interesting piece of history. I've heard several times from brothers who said to me "you say you've discovered some new truth that everyone else missed. That makes you no different than a Mormon or Jehovah's Witness". Well for all you who say and think that, this goes to show otherwise. Turns out it's not new, just that most of the historical record has been burned along with the faithful brothers who wrote these truths by the hands of reformers and catholics alike.
Later, the writers say that requiring everyone but the preacher to remain silent "annuls, transgresses and resists… yes, forbids and then also frustrates and impedes the rivers of living water."
I guess the saying is true: he who wins, writes the history.
I'd like to look into the history of the Anabaptists more. Any recommendations?
Start here: http://frankviola.org/2010/11/02/the-anabaptists/
ReplyDeleteThere are a few things listed. I'd like to start looking at this stuff too, as my family moved to the US via Canada from Europe and were Mennonite. Could be interesting.
Shane,
ReplyDeletethanks for the link! I will definitely check out the list. Your fam had quite the trek to get here. I look forward to reading about your findings as well.