Anabaptist relations with the state, forms for the coexistence of sovereignties

grantor: University of TorontoAnabaptists and the state each lay claim to sovereign authority, one on behalf of God, the other on behalf of the people. In what form is it possible for such claims to coexist? Political liberalism would require a focal conception of justice to structure relations between the two. Yet this is not to be expected here. Another approach would examine the conformity of each institution's set of norms with the other's. Yet each pursues interests that go beyond conformity or nonconformity with particular norms. Those interests are: faithfulness, autonomy, transformation and the creation of shared spaces. It is possible to structure relations between Anabaptists and the state so that their pursuit of these interests is mutually supportive. In this way, the self-government of Anabaptists can be channeled towards the common good.L.L.M