The Christian and the Sword

Peter Walpot

Can a Christian participate in war? The Christian and the Sword is a penetrating, biblical examination of this question - as relevant today as when it was written in 1577. Walpot, an anabaptist leader, was unwilling to adopt Augustine's Just War theory. The Anabaptists' teachings on war and Christian discipleship were nothing short of revolutionary - seditious, in fact - and those who followed them were hounded by Catholics and Protestants alike. When caught by the authorities, thousands were subjected to harsh interrogations, torture, and execution.