For thy neighbors' good: Anabaptist soteriology, separation, and social salvation

Anabaptists have long been recognized and well regarded for their commitment to radical discipleship in the example of Jesus. This discipleship includes a commitment to nonviolence, help for the neighbor in need, and a separated and visible church. These commitments carry soteriology significance because Anabaptists believe that discipleship is a requirement for salvation, and salvation is manifested in one's actions.;For centuries, there was no conflict between these three commitments. Assistance for the neighbor could be rendered in a nonviolent way by members who were part of a separated community. However, as modern Anabaptists left those separated communities to work at service and relief projects around the world, they began to realize that perhaps they could offer greater and more effective relief for those who suffer if they partner with "worldly" (i.e., non-church) organizations. Yet because those organizations may not be committed to Jesus' nonviolent ethics. do Anabaptists jeopardize their salvation by working with or through them---even for the sake or more effective service ministry to help those who suffer?;This dissertation takes up that question. After examining (through a soteriological lens) the writings of several 20th-century Anabaptist theologians regarding the proper relationship between church and world, this project proposes a new understanding of salvation. This model of cooperative salvation highlights some aspects of traditional Anabaptist theology. such as a high theological anthropology and the belief that regenerated believers become actually righteous. At the same time, it re-imagines other traditional concepts, such as sin and community, to suggest that every community is tainted by the stain of social sin. Because even the church community is fallen, complete separation from the world is not a realistic option.;Anabaptists have a responsibility to care for those who suffer and to work to change the systems and structures that cause that suffering. In an effort to better help those who suffer, they must be willing to partner with non-church organisations to work toward the alleviation of that suffering, which is the goal of social salvation. However, Anabaptists remain committed to Jesus' nonviolent example. Therefore, they must take great care to discern with which worldly organisations they should partner. Therefore, the final section of this dissertation offers sonic initial questions that may help with this discernment process.