THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE IN WAR

THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE IN WAR

Introduction

IN DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE THE BRETHREN CHURCH HAS HELD TO THE BIBLICAL TEACHING OF NON-RESISTANCE IN WAR FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.

lb. Year after year in national and district conferences there has been a reaffirmation of the Brethren position on this point.

Taken from the "Brethren Annual", October 29, 1949, Page 27, Col. 1, bottom.

2. "That we reaffirm our historic position with regard to war, namely, that the Brethren Church from her origin has maintained that the use of violence or physical force, as a means to an end, on the part of God's children, is contrary to Holy Writ. We urge that, in this period of peace, this position be presented in our churches by preaching, teaching, and the printed page, in order that our membership may be instructed concerning it and be prepared during a time of peace to know what Biblical position they ought to take in a time of war."

2b. The general teaching of the church has been one on this point from her origin, and the disagreement of a few pastors and people, or many, has not changed this position.

This point of doctrine is written into the charter of Grace Theological Sem­inary and appears in its statement of faith. Every member of the Board of Trustees gives assent to this doctrine by signing the statement of faith each year. And the same is true for the faculty of Grace Theological Seminary. In the faculty there has been a united testimony on this point from the beginning. And today every member of the faculty believes this doctrine and witnesses to it. By consulting the Message, of the Brethren Ministry it will be discovered that this doctrine is written into that very short creedal statement. It is highly important, therefore that every man aspiring to the Brethren ministry acquaint himself with this doctrine and be prepared to react honestly to the question whether he believes it or not.