Anabaptist Perspectives
Providing Anabaptist insight and teaching through videos, podcasts, and our website.
Episodes
I Was Raised Mennonite. By 18, I Was in Prison. - Pete Schmitt
Pete Schmitt was raised in an Old Colony Russian Mennonite community. At 16, he decided to leave the church. After getting involved in drugs and other destructive behaviors, Pete found himself in prison for accidentally taking another person’s life. All throughout this time, he was ignoring God’s attempts to get his attention. It was only after spending time in prison that Pete finally came back t
What Did Patriotism Look Like for Mennonites in 1776? - Romaine Stauffer
When the American colonies rebelled against the British Empire, Mennonites and other nonresistant peoples were caught in a difficult situation. Romaine Stauffer explains how refusing to bear arms in the Revolutionary War affected the Mennonites, including her direct ancestor, Christian Burkholder. Romaine describes how the Mennonites stood for their beliefs, even at great cost.Romaine’s book, Loya
What Happened to Nonresistant People During World War I? - Chester Weaver
In 1918, America joined World War I. At that time, there were not options for Mennonites that refused to fight. What happened to the thousands of Mennonite young men that were drafted into the war effort? Chester Weaver tells the stories of the persecution and threats they endured for refusing to take up the sword; two of these men became some of the last Anabaptist martyrs in America.Tania’s Stor
What It Actually Feels Like to Live with Bipolar Disorder
At age 13, Arlyn Kauffman started to experience some symptoms of depression, but he did not know what was happening. At age 18, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Arlyn explains what it is like for him to live with bipolar disorder, what he has discovered through the process, and how it affects him to this day.Episode with Michael Hochstetler on relating to those who have experienced traumaTh
Scripture Lectors, Evangelists, & Martyrs: Early Anabaptist Women - Carita Keim
Many early Anabaptist martyrs were women. Who were they and why did they give their lives for what they believed? What can we learn from their stories of faithfulness? Carita Kiem explains who these women were and helps us to see what their lives were like. She discusses the sources that tell us what we know about their suffering, including the writings of those who were persecuting them.Conrad Gr
Abuse, Crime, Prison. Now I Minister to the World I Came From. - Patrick Matthews
Patrick Matthews came from a hard life on the streets. Involved in gangs and crime from an early age, he eventually landed in prison for his choices. While there, God finally broke through his hard heart, and Patrick experienced redemption. In this episode, Patrick shares how his life has changed and how he is now on a journey to continual healing despite his difficult past. Now, Patrick focuses o
Here’s Why the 500-Year-Old Anabaptist Story Matters Now - Dean Taylor and Stephen Russell
Anabaptist Perspectives has produced a 10-part documentary series about the first 100 years of Anabaptism. In this roundtable, Dean Taylor and Stephen Russell explain why this story from 500 years ago deeply matters to us today. What were the critical choices these radical reformers made that challenge us in our daily walk with Christ? How can their decisions inform our lives and how we relate to
I Sacrificed Children as a Witch Doctor. Now I Serve Jesus. - Mambadu
Mambadu was a witch doctor and animist priest in Sierra Leone for 11 years and was overseer of 13 villages and their priests for six of those years. When Mambadu lived in darkness, he was involved in sacrificing children, calling down curses, and using dark powers to control the natural elements.Mambadu tells how the Gospel arrived in his village for the first time and how the power of Christ tran
Millions of Christians Can’t Get a Bible. What Happens When You Change That? - Joe Fleming
What would your faith be like if you didn’t have access to the Bible? Joe Fleming explains how (and why) this is reality for countless Christians across West Africa and beyond. Joe shares stories from his years of missions experience, where he has witnessed the power of God’s Word to bring people to Christ and into spiritual maturity. The Word of God is living and powerful, and we should never tak
History of the Mennonites in Central America (1968-2026) - Phil Yoder
Phil Yoder moved with his family to Costa Rica in 1968, when he was a teenager. The early days after moving were difficult. Shortly after his family arrived, a volcanic eruption forced them out of their home. Their business venture didn’t work out, and they struggled to find somewhere to live. All of this was in addition to the challenges that come with adapting to a new culture and language. From
I Was Born Hindu in India’s Lowest Caste. The Gospel Brings Persecution. - Markus Meena
Markus Meena was born into a difficult situation in northern India. His parents were unable to care well for him and sent him to an orphanage, hoping he would have a better life there. Markus tells the story of how he found Christ and gave his life to ministry. He explains the basics of Hindu beliefs and tells about the suffering that came to him and his family as a result of their conversion to C
What’s Actually Worth a Church Split? We Need Theological Triage - Paul Lamicela
Are all theological issues of equal importance? Or should we give greater emphasis to some issues, and be more willing to give and take on others? Paul Lamicela makes the case for theological triage, a framework that defines how core various theological concepts are to orthodox Christianity.The study center Paul started (Lancaster Anabaptist Study Center)“A Call for Theological Triage and Christia
We Need Catechesis! Quit Baptizing People Before They Are Ready! - Stephen Russell
What is catechesis, and why does it matter for our churches? Mr. Russell returns to the podcast to discuss how we prepare people for joining the church, how the early church did this, and what he believes that preparation process should look like.Here is a previous episode with David Bercot on infant baptismThis is the xxxth episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel
I Was the Result of Abuse. God Gave Me Purpose and Helped Me Forgive My Biological Dad - Grant Bontrager
What would it be like to feel like your whole life was an accident? What if you didn’t know who you really were? Grant Bontrager always knew as a child that he was different. One day, the reality of just how different he really was crashed into his life. Born as the result of abuse, Grant tells how Christ redeemed his story by entering into the intense pain that came to Grant and his family throug
Is the World Actually Getting Better? - Jaran Miller & Marlin Sommers
It is common to hear people lament about how the world is getting worse and worse, and as we look at the news and what is happening around the world. Yet there are secular optimists who make a strong, data-driven case that in many ways the world is better than in the past. Marlin and Jaran engage with this idea and the concept of Christian optimism. They also look at how this interacts with histor
The Human Way God Gave Us the Bible. What About the Apocrypha? - Stephen Russell
How did we get the Bible that we have today? What are the “missing books” of the Bible? Can we trust that the Bible we have is accurate and complete? Stephen Russell explores how we got the Bible in its present form and how the canon of Scripture was recognized.Church History in Plain LanguageThe Bible Was Not Written in English. Why Is That Important? - Andrew LamicelaHere is a previous episode w
The Rich Sacramental Theology of Persecuted Anabaptists (While Reformation Wars Raged) - Dean Taylor
The sacraments of the church were some of the most fundamental issues in the Reformation debates. Dean Taylor explains how intense these differences in theology were and how the Anabaptists were often persecuted and executed for not fitting with the standard Catholic or Protestant teaching of the time. So, what did the first Anabaptists believe about the sacraments?Dean’s previous episode on the a
An Anabaptist Defense of Dispensationalism (You Don’t Have to Be Zionist) - Julian Stoltzfus
Does God still have special plans for ethnic Israel? Julian Stoltzfus argues that God made specific promises to Abraham and David that will be fulfilled in a future millennium. This will involve genuine heart revival and faith in Christ on the part of Israel and will happen in God’s time not ours. There is no reason Christians should politically support the current Israeli nation state.Article on
Why I Left the Catholics, and How We Misunderstand Them. - Stephen Russell
Stephen Russell was raised a Roman Catholic and had ambitions of becoming a priest but ultimately left and joined the Anabaptists. In this episode, he explains the key doctrines that caused him to leave and where the Catholic church got several important points wrong. Mr. Russell explains some of the core Catholic beliefs, such as prayer to the saints and the Eucharist, while also showing how we o
Early Church Texts Led Me to Adopt, then Reject, Infant Baptism - David Bercot
When David Bercot was an Anglican priest, he believed in infant baptism and thought this was the position of the early church. Over time, he reevaluated this belief. In this episode he describes why he became convinced infant baptism was not the position of the early church.David Bercot's faith storyOrigen’s Commentary on Romans volume 1Origen's Commentary on Romans volume 2The Ante-Nicene Fathers
Shamanism, Drugs, Atheism, and Finding God in China - Nils
Nils grew up in the Netherlands and was militantly against Christianity; he fell deeply into the occult, drugs, and atheism. He explains why he believed this way and describes the darkness that comes from a life removed from Christ. Eventually, God redeemed Nils while he was living in Shanghai, China, though the whole of his journey into the church spanned across two continents.Saher’s Story Will
Communism’s “Utopia” Couldn’t Fill the Void. Neither Could Capitalism. - Saimir Braho
Saimir Braho lived under the extreme Communist rule in Albania, sometimes called the “North Korea” of Europe. Saimir experienced the tragedy of how far an atheistic worldview can drive a country away from the good God intends. For many years, Saimir himself did not believe in Christ, but over time he began to realize the deep failures of mankind when it turns its back on God and religion. In this
Why America is at War with Iran, the End Times, and the Quran - Chris Stoltzfus
On February 28, America and Israel began attacks on Iran. But why did this war start? What happened in the past to lead the world up to this moment? Chris Stoltzfus has studied Islam and the Middle East for years and he has spent time in Iran. He brings his extensive study and experience in the Middle East to this interview to bring clarity to a complex situation. Chris explains how we should resp
Did God Authorize America to Wreak Vengeance on the World? - Marlin Sommers and Jaran Miller
How should we engage with, and respond to, the many hot-button current issues, such as the American abduction of the president of Venezuela? The endless news cycle adds much confusion, and it can be hard to know how to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom, while also living within earthly kingdoms in this world. And what does Romans 13 have to do with this? Jaran and Marlin examine several recent eve
Extend Your Tables into the Wilderness of the World - Bryant Martin
Bryant Martin unpacks a theology of hospitality and gives practical ways we can “extend our tables in the wilderness” to reach into a broken and hopeless world. How can hospitality be effective ministry? How can we create life-giving spaces for the world around us?Bryant started Sowers Harvest Cafe; find more info here.Extend Cafés.The Ideal ResistanceDoing Business Differently by Bryant MartinRea
What the Early Church Taught on Sacraments (what the sources say) - Dean Taylor
There are many different interpretations of the sacraments throughout church history. Dean Taylor takes us on a journey through what the early church believed about baptism and the eucharist (Lord’s supper) and helps us think about how their beliefs can inform our lives and churches today.Dean’s previous episode on the sacramentsAnte-Nicene Fathers (online for free)Origen’s Commentary on Romans (V
40 Years Inside America’s Military-Industrial Complex (I Had Above “Top Secret” Clearance) - Vince Lewis
Vince Lewis completed two years of officer training followed by 24 years of being an officer in the United States Air Force. He then worked for 14 years in weapons development for the Department of Defense on projects such as the B-2 Stealth Bomber. Eventually, Vince came to a different understanding of war and saw how Christ’s followers are instead to love their enemies. Vince draws from his expe
Mennonite Communion Anxiety: Causes and Solutions - Marlin Sommers and Verlon Miller
Sometimes communion services in Mennonite churches can be a time of anxiety and bring up questions about assurance of salvation. Why is that? What is a proper way to think about and prepare for communion? Verlon Miller and Marlin Sommers explain how Mennonite churches traditionally have observed communion, and how we can come to the Lord’s Supper with joy rather than fear.Anabaptists and the Sacra
Jesus Didn’t Invent “Kingdom of God” in 30 A.D. What Did It Mean Before? - Paul Lamicela
Paul Lamicela makes the case that we often oversimplify the kingdom of God. He takes us on a journey through Scripture to discover a fuller picture of God’s kingdom. What did this kingdom mean to the Old Testament saints and the New Testament church? What does it mean today?Exile and the Storyline of the Bible The Crucified King by Jeremy R. TreatBiblical Storyline AcademyThis is the 305th episode
Life, Death, Chemo, and Cancer - Arvin Martin
Cancer affects or will affect most of us, whether it comes to us personally or to someone we love. Arvin Martin reflects on his own journey with cancer and offers some ways to think about God’s love and care through the pain cancer brings.Walking the Talk by Arvin MartinCancer StatisticsLosing Linda Mae: A Cancer Caregiving MemoirTrauma-Informed Churches - Janelle GlickThis is the 304th episode of
Anabaptists and the Sacraments: It’s Complicated! - Dean Taylor
Dean Taylor returns to the podcast to explain the sacraments and what this means for the life of the church. Historically, the Anabaptist view of the sacraments was a major issue in their breaking from the Catholics and Protestants. What were the issues at stake in those debates? What is the Anabaptist view of the sacraments? How should this inform how we live and do church?Dean’s episode on the a
I Grew Up in the North Korea of Europe - Saimir Braho
Albania was once the strictest and most isolated of the Communist countries and was sometimes called the “North Korea” of Europe. Saimir Braho was born in Albania during the Communist regime and witnessed the period of religious turmoil that came after the collapse of Communism. Saimir eventually embraced the truth of Christianity, despite living in a country in which talking about God had been g
The Nicene Creed Guards the Bedrock of Our Faith - Stephen Russell
The Nicene Creed has been a bedrock of Christian orthodoxy for 1700 years. But what is it and why was it written? Does the Nicene Creed still matter today? Stephen Russell describes what led to the formation of the Nicene Creed. He argues that we, like the early Anabaptists, should affirm and use the Nicene Creed in our lives and churches.In this episode Stephen briefly mentions catechesis (instru
Islam Explained by a Former Muslim - John Ghanim
John Ghanim was born to a conservative Muslim family and community in Yemen. Eventually, John left Islam and fled Yemen as a refugee. In this episode, John describes what Muslims believe, how we can better reach out to Muslims, and what showed him that Islam is a false religion.John’s testimonyJohn’s websiteJay Smith on Islam’s OriginsSpecial thanks to Credo Schloss Unspunnen for the filming locat
I Came to Christ. My Hippie Husband Was Indifferent - Heiko and Sabine Klien
Heiko and Sabine grew up in Germany in homes that did not foster relationship with Christ. Together they tell the story of their journey towards Christ. Before conversion, they experienced love from Christians which pointed to the truth of Christianity. After conversion, Scripture became a powerful force for change in their lives, and Jesus’ redemptive work saved their marriage.Special thanks to C
I Grew Up in a Mennonite Church but Missed the Point - Sam Baer
Sam Baer was raised in a Mennonite home, but he left Christianity altogether as a young man. Living in sin and in the world, Sam eventually came face to face with the reality of who Christ is. Sam explains how Christ brought him back, and how he experienced rejoining the church.The Bible ProjectChristina's StorySpecial thanks to Credo Schloss Unspunnen for the filming location and hospitality. Thi
Redeeming the World Instead of Preserving America - Bryant Martin
Americans are fascinated with politics. How can we engage our communities and neighbors in political topics while we hold to a faith tradition that embraces nonviolence and non-governmental participation? Bryant Martin tells how he was embarrassed about these beliefs in the past, and how he came to a clear understanding of serving society by engaging with it in nonpolitical ways. Bryant outlines w
We Lost All Faith Under Communism. The Sermon on the Mount Brought Me Back - Zoltan Dohi
Zoltan Dohi was born into a broken family behind the Iron Curtain. Christianity was heavily persecuted in the Eastern Bloc and was not practiced in Zoltan’s home. Zoltan recounts how the principles he learned from his grandparents about the Sermon on the Mount eventually bore fruit in his life; he began to read the Bible for the first time. He describes the incredible power of the Sermon on the Mo
No, the Early Church Did Not Teach Penal Substitutionary Atonement - David Bercot
What did the early church believe about the atonement? David Bercot takes us through the early church writers to show that they didn’t think of the atonement through the same frameworks we have about the atonement. David explains that the ante-Nicene Fathers did not teach penal substitutionary atonement (PSA); rather, PSA is a modern interpretation read back into the original texts.Our episode wit
Walking Minefields Is My Ministry — Removing Landmines from Farmers’ Fields - Jared
Jared describes his work of removing landmines left from the war which continue to make this region dangerous for local residents. He explains how this work is a tangible witness both to Christ’s love and to the power of radical enemy love for people whose lives have been torn apart by the horrors of modern warfare. This effort is a hands-on way of “turning swords into ploughshares,” as the prophe
Mennonite Confessions of Faith: 1921 vs 1963 vs 1964 - Edsel Burdge
20th Century North American Mennonites wrote several confessions of faith including statements formed in 1921, 1963, and 1964. Edsel Burdge introduces us to the background and writers of these confessions, and he comments on the conditions that lead to their creation. He also explores how these confessions have been received in the Mennonite community.Timestamps:1:44 - 1921 Garden City Fundamental
I Thought Christianity Was for Weak Minded People - Christina Baer
Christina Baer was raised in a secular home and didn’t give God or Christianity much thought. But through the power of the Bible and the influence of believers, she eventually came to know Christ. Christina shares her journey of joining the church and discusses the beauty and challenge of joining a community of believers.Special thanks to Credo Schloss Unspunnen for the filming location and hospit
Spiritual Warfare Is More Than Just Rebuking Satan - Rick Rhodes
There are many differing opinions about our interactions with spiritual warfare; Rick Rhodes outlines some principles for engaging in spiritual warfare as Christians. What is it, really? What are proper ways we should think about and engage with this topic, and how does spiritual warfare affect our daily lives?Rick Rhodes’ ministry websiteThis is the 290th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a pod
I Grew Up as a Muslim in Yemen. This Is Why I Left Islam. - John Ghanim
John Ghanim was born and raised in Yemen, in a conservative Muslim family and community. While on his pilgrimage to Mecca, John began to have doubts about Islam. Afraid of what his family would think, he kept those doubts secret, but he was convinced that Islam is not real. John fled the war in Yemen to a refugee camp in Europe, where he met Christians for the first time. John came to Christ, and
War is Evil. Former B-52 Bomber Pilot Explains Why. - Vince Lewis
Vince Lewis was an officer in the United States Air Force, and flew multiple combat missions. After leaving the Air Force, he found the Anabaptists and came to believe in nonresistance. In this episode, Vince explains what nonresistance is and why this doctrine is so important to all Christians.Vince Lewis’ TestimonyChristianity, War, and America’s Salvation StoryThis is the 288th episode of Anaba
I Started a Business in Greece to Help Refugees Begin a New Life - Randall Graber
Randall Graber moved his family to Greece, where they live and work with refugees from around the world. In this episode, Randall explains why they moved across the globe, the lessons of integrating across cultures, and the challenges refugees encounter while becoming part of a new community.Randall has spent years creating a business that provides jobs for refugees and helps them rebuild their li
I Divorced My Husband, But God Rebuilt Our Marriage - Charlette Lewis
Charlette Lewis married an Air Force officer and spent many years as a military wife. Through the difficulties of that lifestyle, she decided to give up on her marriage. Charlette filed for divorce and took the children to live on the opposite side of the country from her ex-husband. In this episode, Charlette tells the story of how she found Christ and how God restored and redeemed the relationsh
Facing Leviathan: Dealing With the Chaotic & Unpredictable - Kyle Stoltzfus
The modern world is full of technological wonders and advances in science. Yet despite human efforts to control the world, chaos and the unknown remain in our experiences through war, disease, natural disasters, and more. Kyle Stolzfus discusses how we can respond to the uncertainty and chaos of the world as followers of Christ. What is the proper response to chaos? What are ways that Christ can u
The 7 Articles that Defined the Peaceful Radical Reformation - Stephen Russell & Dean Taylor
The Schleitheim Confession was written in Switzerland in 1527 as the first confession of faith from the Anabaptists. It has continued to be important to the Anabaptists in the nearly 500 years that have followed. Dean Taylor and Stephen Russell unpack what it says, why it matters, and how it continues to affect us today.This roundtable discussion was filmed as part of the Anabaptist Origins docume
Why Jesus Does Not Let Us Take (any) Oaths - Zach Johnson
Why did Jesus enjoin us not to swear oaths? Zack Johnson shares what he learned from his personal experience with oaths of loyalty to Ecuador and the United States before he knew the significance of this prohibition. He challenges us to avoid oath-taking in all areas of life.John Calvin’s explication of the third commandmentSchleitheim ConfessionMathew Bates EpisodeZach’s First EpisodeThis is the
Confessing Your Sin Will Bring Healing - Dwight Peavy
Dwight Peavy was stuck in sin, but God intervened and saved him. Dwight recounts how he was on the verge of abandoning hope when God took him off his path of destruction and into a life of fellowship with God and his people.What Is Addiction? How Can We Help Each Other? by Michael HochstetlerOsceola Christian FellowshipThis is the 282nd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouT
How I Became a Vietnam War Bomber Pilot and How Christ Redeemed Me - Vince Lewis, Ret. Lt. Col, USAF
Vince Lewis was an officer in the United States Air Force for 24 years, flying multiple combat missions during the Vietnam War. He commanded a B-52 (a nuclear capable bomber) at Griffiss Air Force Base during the Cold War and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with top level security clearance. In this episode, Vince describes how he came to Christ while in the Air Force. He came to believe i
Peter Called Lot Righteous. Why Don’t We? - Glenn Martin
Lot is often regarded in a poor light, yet the apostle Peter described him as “righteous” (II Peter 2:7-8). Glenn Martin explains the research he did on Lot and explores the important pieces he believes we have missed. How was Lot righteous? Have we misunderstood this story? Is there another perspective that has been lost to history?Glenn Martin’s book: Righteous Lot? a historical retellingStrengt
28 Years as an Amish-Mennonite Pastor in Ireland - Dan Yoder
Dan Yoder has lived in Ireland for the past 28 years as part of a mission and church plant. He discusses lessons he learned while planting a church in a cross-cultural setting and addresses some of the specific challenges he encountered.This is the 279th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and though
What to Do When We Disagree with an Early Church Father? - Kyle Stoltzfus
This is the 278th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Anabaptist Perspectives has done a number of episodes on the early church and how their writings can inform and instruct us today. Kyle Stolzfus addresses some of the points previously discussed that drew pushback from listeners regar
Yes, the Early Church Taught Penal Substitutionary Atonement - Dean Taylor
It is often argued that the early church did not teach penal substitutionary atonement, but rather taught Christus Victor. Dean Taylor argues that penal substitutionary atonement thinking was present in the texts of early Christian writers such as Origen, Eusebius, and Chrysostom alongside Christus Victor teachings. Dean believes that Anabaptists have misunderstood the early church position on the
Rapture, Tribulation, Millennium: What Does Revelation Teach?
In previous episodes with Paul Lamicela, the audience asked many questions about the book of Revelation. Here Paul engages with some of these questions and defines some of the discussion around the rapture, the tribulation, and the millennium. Resources referenced in this episode:The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical CommentaryDiscontinuity to ContinuityProgressive CovenantalismThe Rise and Fa
What Happened to the Anabaptists that Didn’t Leave Europe?
Yuriy Kravets tells the story of his interactions with Anabaptists in different parts of the world and discusses portions of global Anabaptist history. Why did Anabaptists scatter to begin with? What happened to those who fled persecution to the East, instead of traveling west to America? What can we learn from the global Anabaptist community today?First Episode with YuriyThis is the 275th episode
My Experience with Teacher Burnout (And How to Avoid It)
Ruth Anna Kuhns shares from her personal experience as an educator who experienced teacher burnout. She shares tools for promoting sustainable teaching and avoiding unnecessary teacher turnover. Thriving teachers have greater opportunities to create engaging educational experiences for children.Our First Episode with Ruth AnnaThis is the 274th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, a
Why I Left the Army and What I’ve Learned Since Then
Tania Taylor enlisted in the United States Army along with her husband, Dean Taylor. They were stationed in West Germany during the Cold War, and during that time they came to believe in nonresistance and enemy love. She and her husband filed for conscientious objector status from the Army. After leaving the Army they joined a new church group with David Bercot. Tania tells of her childhood faith,
Gospel Allegiance Calls Us Beyond the Salvation Wars
The term “faith” in our English Bibles could often better be translated as allegiance—or so argues Matthew Bates. The term “allegiance” better captures both the authentic relational import of faith and its relationship to the royal gospel of Jesus, who is Christ the King. Taking seriously both the nature of the Gospel as a proclamation of kingship, and faith as a response of trusting loyalty, is a
Why I Could No Longer Serve My Anglican Parish in the UK
Hew Gregory-Smith was an Anglican vicar and missionary from the United Kingdom. Hew began a long journey of reexamining his beliefs after he encountered challenges to what he believed and taught. Eventually, this led him to the teachings of the Anabaptists, and he moved his family to Ireland to join a Mennonite church there. In this episode Hew shares his testimony of how he came to Christ, and wh
Do Anabaptists Affirm Early Church Creeds?
A listener asked: “Which early church creeds can Anabaptists affirm?” Jaran, Marlin, and Reagan discuss how the Anabaptists have engaged with the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed. What did the early Anabaptists believe about the Creeds?The Complete Writings of Menno Simons:Anabaptism in Outline:Song II from the Ausbund:Lecture on the Trinity with David Bercot:Christina Moss’ statement about An
I Survived the Vietnam War, Now I’m Enlisted with Jesus
Fred Saldana was a US Marine during the Vietnam War whose platoon saw intense combat during the Tet Offensive and other significant battles throughout the war. Wounded many times and awarded multiple Purple Hearts, Fred eventually left the Marine Corp full of bitterness, trauma, and anger. For years afterwards he searched for meaning, and ultimately encountered Christianity. In this episode, Fred
Do Reformation Debates Still Matter Today?
Do the debates about Christianity that stirred so much violence in the 1500’s still matter? Stephen Russell and Dean Taylor emphasize the importance of a believer’s church and the church refusing to adopt governmental power. “The same theology in similar circumstances will likely produce similar results”Love Is Like a Fire: Stephen Russell talks about Erasmus’s influence and legacy: Dean Taylor m
Our Beliefs Convinced Us to Join the Mennonites
Jeff and Deana Swanson spent years searching the Scriptures to find what Christ was calling them to. They share their story of looking for a community that they could plug into, and how they came to the Anabaptist worldview.This is the 267th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Sign-up fo
The Bible Was Not Written in English. Why Is That Important?
The English Bible is a translation of manuscripts in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. How did we get the manuscripts that Bible translations use? Why do we see differences between different translations of the Bible, and should this concern us? Andrew Lamicela pulls from his experience as a teacher of biblical Greek to explore why biblical languages matter to us today.NET Bible: Biblical Language Cente
Truthful, Peaceable, Subversive Allegiance to Jesus
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Charles Moore joins us to discuss a radical picture of truthful, peaceable, subversive allegiance to Jesus. The conversation is framed around Stanley Hauerwas’s latest book which Moore helped him produce. Moore also reflects on the significance of Hauerwas’s work for his own Christian journey and for the American church.Get the book “Jesus Changes Ever
What Is Addiction? How Can We Help Each Other?
There are many forms of addiction. What causes it? How can we relate to those suffering from an addiction, and what are tools for dealing with addictions? Michael Hochstetler, a counseling that focuses on helping those trapped in addiction, gives insight into how we as individuals and churches can properly care and help those in addiction.Essays For King Jesus:This is the 263rd episode of Anabapti
Woke, Anti-woke, Critical Theory, and Historical Apologies
The hosts of Anabaptist Perspectives respond to concerns that some of our guests are “woke” (or associated terms). This term can be used to identify awareness of social dynamics, to advocate for specific agendas regarding gender and sexuality, or as a catch-all term of critique. The currently popular “anti-woke” movement brings its own set of dangers. How can we think well about these terms, and w
What Do Mennonites Mean by “Plainness”?
Edsel Burdge walks us through plainness, starting with the Quakers, addressing concerns of plainness at various points of conservative Mennonite history, and makes a case for why considerations of plainness should matter to Christians today. Burdge thinks of plainness as an approach to life that identifies a person with God’s people while resisting pressures of wealth, consumerism, and sensuality.
Healthy Responses to Those Suffering Among Us
Trauma is complicated, with many different opinions and stigmas surrounding it. But what are basics all of us should know about trauma, to help us be more caring and gracious towards those that have experienced it? Michael Hochstetler is a counseling that speaks from his experience of helping those who have experienced trauma. Frank Reed Course: This is the 260th episode of Anabaptist Perspective
The American Mennonite Story, 1730-1930
How did Mennonite thinking develop in the two centuries after they arrived in North America? Edsel Burdge reflects on their concerns and the social conditions to which they responded.Shippensburg Christian Fellowship History Series: “Building on the Gospel Foundation” by Edsel Burdge and Samuel Horst: This is the 259th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that e
Calvinism, Unconditional Election & Free Will – Romans 9
Romans 9 is often used as an example for predestination and Calvinism. But does Paul actually teach predestination? Or did Calvin miss something significant in this passage? David Bercot explores the challenges of free will versus predestination, and shows a framework for what Paul was communicating in Romans 9.David Bercot’s Romans commentary:David’s previous episode on Romans:This is the 258th e
I Was Born an Ethnic Christian in Iraq. Then I Found Christ
Saher Haddad was a nominal Christian in Baghdad. He fled Iraq as a refugee and settled in the Netherlands, where he lost his faith. Over time, Saher came back to Christ, and in this episode tells the story of his faith journey. Saher lives in the Netherlands with his family.Episode on the church in the Middle East: This is the 257th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube
Why We’ve Misunderstood the Book of Romans Since 430 A.D.
Romans is often considered one of the hardest and confusing books of the New Testament. What is Paul telling us through this complex book? David Bercot breaks down what the early church believed about the book of Romans before the time of Augustine, and why it matters to our understanding of Romans today.David Bercot’s Romans commentary: I Was An Anglican Priest. Here’s Why I Left: This is the 256
Is Your Communication Worthy of Your Message?
Communication is something we do every day. But why does communication matter, and why should we try to do it well? Rick Rhodes describes how this should inform our churches and the way we present the message God has given us, while also giving many practical tips for learning to communicate better.Rick Rhodes’ communication conference:This is the 255th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcas
Why I Crossed the English Channel to Find a Church
In this episode Matthijs Blom shares his journey of searching for a fellowship of likeminded believers. And sheds light on the state of the Anabaptist church in Europe.Episode with sister Judy: This is the 254th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Sign-up for our monthly email newslette
When God Trusts Us to Care for Mental Illness
Supporting those suffering from mental illness is hard, complicated, and fraught with many opinions. Elizabeth shares some principles for how our communities can care for, and be gracious towards, those suffering from mental illness.Episode on Abuse in the Church:Trauma Informed Churches:This is the 253rd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines variou
Jesus’ Letters to the Churches Unlock Revelation
The book of Revelation can be confusing. Knowing the context for all the amazing scenes is important. In this episode Paul Lamicela discusses key points in the book of Revelation that provide context for it’s entirety.Paul’s Previous Episodes: What is Galatians All About?: Stepping Into Scripture's Stories: How to Read Revelation & Avoid the Mark of the Beast: The Nation-State of Israel &
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