Studies In Anabaptist And Mennonite History

""A major contribution to our understanding of Anabaptist history and the ongoing construction of Anabaptist identity."" -- Mennonite Quarterly Review.

Klassen brings them to light and life by focusing on an unusual oasis of tolerance in the midst of a Europe convulsed by the wars of religion.

C. Arnold Snyder’s full-length biography and analysis of the thought of Michael Sattler, the noted Anabaptist leader, martyr, and author of The Schleitheim Articles. This book is another case study in Anabaptist origins, as well as a being a biographical study of Michael Sattler. It is particularly stimulating in breaking new ground around the Roman Catholic (Benedictine) roots of Swiss and South German Anabaptism. This study, therefore, constitutes a major advance in Anabaptist historiography. The author of this volume is gentle, unassuming, and deceptively modest in his approach, but clear and incisive in his findings. The book is a model of careful historical method and scholarship. In stimulating the kind of fresh analysis and research indicated, the author has placed all of his colleagues in the field in his debt, and added significantly to our understanding of the early sixteenth century.

Through Fire and Water presents the Mennonite faith story within the sweep of church history. This engaging text uses stories of men and women, peasants and pastors, heroes and rascals, to trace the radical Reformation from sixteenth-century Europe to today's global Anabaptist family. Written in an accessible and nonacademic style, this revised edition updates the story and incorporates new historical research and discoveries. "A superbly written introduction to Anabaptist-Mennonite history in contexts ranging from Kansas to Congo." —Perry Bush, Bluffton University "An accessible and engaging read for those who know little about Mennonites, and also for those who think they are familiar with this complex story of faith, culture, and action." —Marlene Epp, Conrad Grebel University College "Captivating personal stories, set alongside an honest portrayal of the Mennonite journey." —Doug Heidebrecht, Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies

In Anabaptism Revisited, distinguished Anabaptist scholars offer essays on important issues in Anabaptist and Mennonite Studies. Many essays focus on sixteenth and seventeenth century studies. They address various aspects of such key Anabaptist topics as baptism, the sacraments, conversion, and the ÒinnerÓ versus the ÒouterÓ word. Several essays bridge the gap between past theologies and the current applications. These essays focus on current trends in the life and thought of Mennonites, who are among contemporary descendants of the Anabaptists. Topics discussed include pluralism, changing identity, and the free church. In addition to offering material at the cutting edge of Anabaptist research, this volume honors Anabaptist scholar C.J. Dyck. Included are biographical vignettes from his life and a bibliography of his works.

American Mennonites and Protestant Movements describes the key religious values in a major Mennonite settlement over a period of three centuries in its encounter with other religious movements: Pietism, revivalism, Fundamentalism, and institutionalization. The author analyzes how Mennonites both resisted these influences and were changed by them. The book also documents the codification of practice in the twentieth century and how restrictions waned as a growing emphasis on peace and service emerged. The author demonstrates that the key values shaping the Mennonite community are religious, not simply ethnic, and are consistent with their sixteenth-century character. These conclusions are based on a careful study of their value patterns, nonverbal behavior, issues and personalities in confrontation, and in the conduct of their community behavior. This book will help a new generation of Mennonites who wish to discover their heritage and spiritual identity. For Christian believers outside the Anabaptist tradition it will clarify long-standing ambiguities about the Mennonites.