How did Anabaptists view participation in government?

Anabaptists held a distinct perspective on participation in government that stemmed from their deeper theological beliefs and commitment to following the teachings of Jesus. They believed that the kingdom of God should be separate from secular authority, which led them to conclude that Christians should avoid holding political office or engaging in government as a means of upholding their spiritual integrity. They viewed any form of violence or coercion, often associated with state authority, as fundamentally incompatible with their understanding of Jesus’ teachings.

This aversion to political involvement was rooted in their emphasis on living a life of peace, community, and voluntary association, where one's primary allegiance remained to the church and fellow believers rather than to temporal governments. Anabaptists practiced a form of radical discipleship that required them to distance themselves from the worldly structures of power, which they believed could corrupt the faith and lead to moral compromise.

Consequently, while some contemporary groups might consider civic engagement important or even necessary, Anabaptists maintained a consistent stance against participation in government roles, highlighting their commitment to a life fully dedicated to the principles of their faith.