We do not withhold our respect from God-ordained government. (Rom. 13:1) Our calling, however, is a completely different one; it brings with it an order of society utterly different from anything that is possible in the State and the present social order. That is why we refuse to swear oaths before any court of law; we refuse to serve in any state as soldiers or policemen; we refuse to serve in any important government post – for all these are connected with law courts, the police, or the military.
- Eberhard Arnold, July 1933
January 07,2025
- Eberhard Arnold Salt and LightIt is a simple thing: joy in everything that lives. Anyone who can rejoice in life, in other people, in the fellowship of church community – anyone who feels joy in the mutual relationships of trust and inner fellowship – such a person experiences what love is. Anyone who cannot feel joy cannot live.… Only where there is joy do love and justice dwell. We need the spirit of joy to overcome the gloomy spirit of covetousness, the spirit of unjust mammon and its deadly hate. We can only have such joy if we have faith, and if we believe that the earth has a future.
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Hands off anything that causes hatred or unpeace! We must live like Jesus. He helped everyone, soul and body. We cannot go along with anything that harms people. As friends of peace we have to stay clear of any business practice or political activity that is not as Jesus would have it. The whole of our life must be dedicated to love. Our calling is not to use governmental force but to live the life of Jesus, who only loved and never had anyone put to death.
- Eberhard Arnold, April 1934
Be not afraid, for naught will hurt you, the Lord himself is in the ship! Where Jesus is, no storm can harm you, no wind can throw you on the cliff.
- Eberhard Arnold