Josh wrote:one important part of the CM response to divorce+remarriage is, it's not forced on others, and should not be. this would quickly become legalistic, the heart of it lost.
I have been around my share of CMs who felt at complete liberty to force their view of divorce and remarriage on others.
Once myself and some other people would invite guests to a men's Bible study. Once I did so to a man who was divorced and remarried. When a born-and-raised CM present found this out, he referred to "your real wife", called the man an adulterer (which left the man very confused as he had never heard of a teaching against divorce and remarriage in his particular situation before), and told the person he was [going] to hell.
After that, I decided not to invite anyone divorced or D&R'd to Bible study anymore.
isn't it sad that this was the first time in this man's life he ever heard of the idea? i have no doubt this was the case. i pray for this widespread ignorance to end! how can people make wise decisions in complete ignorance?
i would hope you would continue to invite men to join you; if i were you, i would share some insights about what to expect, prior to the visit. if there is interest, these interactions can be overcome, they might be welcome! some would want to know more, even if it was new+difficult thinking for them.
strange as it may seem, this awkward moment, if the Holy Spirit chooses, might open a new door for your friend. i empathize with your discomfort. it really is up to the Holy Spirit to determine.
awkward and wrong happen, there is no setting guaranteed to never fail.
Anabaptist or other.
having said that, my understanding is based on what i've read from CM's on MD-MN.
these have been careful and consistent about sharing their understandings while not putting those expectations on others. which i think is as fair as it can be.
i have come across various non-Anabaptist ones in my life who are not nearly as charitable as that.
some visiting my home, or passing out tracts in public places. you likely have, too.