In this episode of Teleios Talk, Wendell Martens opens with a provocative question rooted in personal experience: what does true Christian peacemaking look like when violence threatens those we love? From high-school memories of non-resistance to reflections on nationalism, Remembrance Day, and loyalty to the state, we dig into the deep tension between cultural expectations and the way of Jesus. Can a disciple of Christ both honour soldiers and still reject the sword? Or must we choose between defending ourselves and embracing sacrificial love?

We explore how nationalism shapes Christian identity, and how Remembrance Day, war history, and modern politics complicate the believer’s allegiance. Looking at Scripture, the early church, and Anabaptist heritage, we reflect on how followers of Jesus have historically responded to war, violence, and national duty. From Roman soldiers to WW2 conscientious objectors, from Calvin to Charlemagne — the question stands: does our loyalty belong to the nation, or to Christ and His Kingdom?

Together we wrestle with a difficult but necessary question — Should I stay or should I go? Should Christians defend their nation with force, or lay down the sword and walk the road of peace? We’ll examine “swords into plowshares,” Biblical shalom, pacifism across denominations, and the calling to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Join us as we challenge idols of power and rediscover the cross-shaped pattern of Christlike peace in a world of militarism and nationalism.

Check out our books and small group studies: 

"Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz

“Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC

and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”

https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

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