When Zwingli was killed on October 11, 1531, he wore what every Swiss soldier wore, a helmet and a sword. And in spite of Luther’s vile suggestion that Zwingli was a combatant at Kappel-am-Albis, he was in fact not. He never drew that sword. But you can still see the gash in his helmet where he was first stricken and stunned, knocked to the ground, and then lanced through, perishing with Scripture on his lips… ‘do not fear those who can kill the body…’
Zwinglius Redivivus 
He still had no business wearing the sword or being there. Even to be a chaplain in a war is a sin.
LikeLike
the anabaptists and mennonites were, and are, wrong about that. providing spiritual aid to soldiers is just as important as providing spiritual aid to old women and homeless people and the hungry.
LikeLike
I believe that being a chaplain in the military may be the first and only way that these young men and woman have about hearing the good news of Jesus. They need just as much spiritual counseling as any other person. It is wrong to say the military should not have chaplains. I know of at least one pastor in my area who was called for active duty for a year oversees to be a chaplain. His church stood with him and eagerly waited for his return.
LikeLike
and rightly. the ‘all wars are bad’ and ‘all soldiers are evil’ and ‘all participants in warfare are godless’ line of simons thought is simply unbiblical.
LikeLike
very interesting, so what sources indicate that Zwingli “never drew that sword”? And if he was not going to draw it why carry it? Genuinely interested. Thanks.
LikeLike
because he simply never drew it ever. having seen the horrors of marignano in 1515 he hated the thing. but was required by law to have it. ‘those who live by the sword…’ etc. he took that seriously.
sources- the earliest biography of zwingli, written 1531.
LikeLike
Interesting that the Anabaptists condemn Zwingli on this count, but have nothing to say about Barth taking up arms for a brief period of time in WWII.
LikeLike
thats because barth is their patron saint.
LikeLike
fascinating, so what was he doing, was he standing between the sides and calling for peace or just trying to stay out of the way?
LikeLike
he was doing what all chaplains do- praying and counseling and administering the lord’s supper and making himself available for any and all who wished his help. you cheeky kiwi.
LikeLike
@ Emerson: i think the anabaptists feel sore about Zwingli because of his persecution of them, or if that didn’t happen either, at least the reports of such persecution. 🙂 it can sour a relationship somewhat.
LikeLike
‘if that didnt happen either’..
your not so subtle suggestion that zwingli was out there swinging away with his sword exhibits a woeful ignorance of the happenings at kappel and a thorough buying into the lutheran propaganda.
LikeLike
sorry jim, i think you are reading a tone into my posts that is not intended, i am at present completely earnest in my questions, as you have pointed out it is an area in which my knowledge is not comprehensive. if you tell me the most reliable sources say that he did not draw his sword and was instead walking around the battlefield I accept that as authorative until I have stronger evidence otherwise.
LikeLike
i was actually more suggesting, if i was misinformed about his battlefield antics, was i also misinformed about his more inquisitorial ones?
LikeLike
you are indeed. zwingli – contrary to popular misinformation- never executed anyone. nor did he have the power to if he had even so wished.
LikeLike
well i know he didn’t sign the deed or pull the trigger, so to speak, but what about the business with Hubmaier? Did he dissaprove of the persecution of the anabaptists?
LikeLike
his aim was to persuade them. the magistrates aim, on the other hand, was to squash what they perceived to be persons who would bring the same kind of problems that the loons had brought to munster! munster is the key to understanding both the swiss and german horror of the anabaptists and their so called ‘peaceful’ methods. at munster, those people behaved so violently and atrociously that all of europe was disgusted and sickened.
the magistrates of zurich werent about to let that cancer spread to their borders.
as to hubmaier- that guy changed his mind so many times no one knew where he stood. not even him.
LikeLike
hmmm. now you’ve lost me. But thanks for the lesson on Zwingli. I just note that you dodged the question of whether or not Zwingli approved of their persecution. But I can see I need to do some more reading on the subject. Pax.
LikeLike
i didnt dodge your question at all. as far as reading goes, i commend to your attention potter’s fantastic biography and of course locher’s massive tome.
LikeLike
It was shakespeare who once said in his classic ‘Julius Caesar’ that the evil men do lives after them but the good is oft buried with their bones. I believe a lot of good came out of Zwingli’s life that has not received the recognition and commendation to the tune that other reformers received. On this 11 the October may we remember that the rich biblical heritage we now have is because of the hard and tough contentions and decisions that many made centuries ago. Some scholars died holding fast onto the hope that what they believed was worth dying for. Today we sluggishly stand on the shoulders of these giants.
LikeLike
Not only Munster Jim,
The peasant revolt at large. Thomas Munzer had his hands deep in this- I agree with Luther when he calls it a rather godless- sedition. The Swiss Anabaptists (Manz, Conrad Grebel, Stumpf etc..) were corresponding with Munzer. If you read Grebels letter (no.63) it is clear that he and the Swiss brethren were indignant about Munzer’s violence. But it would be really difficult-given the fact that the Anabaptists had no clear ties to the state or the church or even each other- to distinguish between a political fanatic and a spiritual enthusiast. Hans Hut is a good example of someone who vacillated between the two.
Honestly, the more I read into Zwingli the more it becomes apparent to me that he was in the right and the Anabaptists in Zurich were in the wrong.
LikeLike
And as for Barth being their patron saint,
I would say more so Bonhoeffer. Again, not a word about his attempt on Hitler’s life. Or if it is mentioned, it is again quickly brushed over. After all, he wrote “the Cost of Discipleship” right? Works righteousness is the Shibboleth that will get you anywhere in our community.
LikeLike
Doug wrote: “I believe that being a chaplain in the military may be the first and only way that these young men and woman have about hearing the good news of Jesus. ”
Um, that’s really quite doubtful. At least in the US. The Netherlands? Maybe.
LikeLike