Anabaptist Perspectives

How can Christians think about and practice community well? Kyle Stoltzfus describes two perspectives that orthodox Christians have represented, the Evangelical view and the "resident aliens” view. Kyle looks at the strengths and weaknesses of both perspectives and encourages us to embrace ways of thinking that are distinctly Christian and that differ from the prevailing culture. The Benedict OptionResident Aliens A Community of CharacterGrowing in the Life of Faith The Nature of Confession  This is the 187th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with us on Facebook Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more about us!The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives

Anabaptists easily outline high ideals. Living them is a continuing challenge which we need to embrace. Chester Weaver articulates a version of the Anabaptist Vision and the challenges to living it out. Chester adapts themes from Harold Bender’s “The Anabaptist Vision” and Stephen Dintaman’s reflections on “The Spiritual Poverty of the Anabaptist Vision.” Harold Bender’s “The Anabaptist Vision”Stephen F. Dintaman, “The Spiritual Poverty of the Anabaptist Vision,” The Conrad Grebel Review 10 no. 2 (Spring 1992): 205–8. (Unfortunately, this essay does not seem to be available online, but it is widely referenced in other writings.) This is the 186th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with us on Facebook Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more ab

We are tempted to divide life and exempt parts from Christ’s rule. Chester Weaver decry’s these various dualisms as deadly threats to Christian life. Unless profession and behavior come together, unless work and worship unite, unless our Christianity affects our money, wholeness and integrity are threatened.  This is the 185th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with us on Facebook Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more about us!The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

How can Christians see risks and even failure as beneficial? Kyle Stoltzfus encourages us to embrace paths where we don't know the outcome and leave growth and increase up to God. We should remember that, “There is a God. I'm not him. Thank God for that." This is the 184th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with us on Facebook Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more about us!The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Salvation is not a ticket to heaven, but the life of God planted in human hearts. The Holy Spirit brings us into God’s life and enables us to do His work in the world. Chester Weaver explains this through various paired ideas. “Truth walks on two legs.”This is the 183rd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with us on Facebook Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more about us!The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Anabaptists, like most of American society, are much more conscious of abuse than we were a few decades ago. There have been improvements in how we respond. There have also been changes in our response that are not necessarily for the better. Roseanne Bauman describes the way individuals and churches tended to respond in the past and comments on how responses in our communities have shifted.  Becoming a Church That Cares Well for the Abused: https://www.churchcares.com/  Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment: https://www.netgrace.org/  Anabaptist Awareness Symposium on Sexual Abuse: https://www.anabaptistawareness.org/  From Forgiven to Forgiving: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1949737179/   The Cost of Discipleship: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0684815001/    This is the 182nd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with u

Someone discloses abuse. How do I respond? Roseanne Bauman urges us to honor their courage in speaking, to listen well and talk little, and to connect them to someone who has appropriate experience to walk with them. This is the first in a series of two episodes where Jaran Miller interviews Roseanne about responding to sexual abuse. Becoming a Church That Cares Well for the AbusedGodly Response to Abuse in the Christian EnvironmentAnabaptist Awareness Symposium on Sexual Abuse This is the 181st episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with us on Facebook Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more about us!The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite

Is it unhealthy to celebrate something that lifts up individuals or that marks a division among believers? How do we view Anabaptist history in relation to other Christian traditions? Long-time Mennonite historian John Roth calls us to “right remembering” of history, the good, the bad, and the mixed. There is much to celebrate in Anabaptism past and present, but we do well to recognize the shadow sides of our strengths as well as what we have received from other traditions. Learn more about Anabaptism at 500 and the Anabaptist Community Bible Project.This is the 180th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with us on Facebook Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more about us!The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily

The gospel is about all that God created us to be. Not just managing sin, but living life with God and ruling creation with Him. Without downplaying the barrier of our sin that is overcome in Jesus’ death and resurrection, Kyle Stoltzfus urges us to see the large, rich picture that God has in mind for our living “in Christ.”  In light of that, our practical struggle against sinful actions, becomes a fight for our true selves which are found in Christ. The phrase "gospel of sin management" and the analogy of the barcode come from Dallas Willard’s book, The Divine Conspiracy.This is the 179th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with us on Facebook Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more about us!The views expressed by our guests are solely their

“We don’t get to choose what story we are living in, but we can choose what character we will be.” New Testament scholar Paul Lamicela helps us see ourselves in the story of Lot’s family in Sodom and the story of David and Goliath. (Hint, we are not primarily David or Goliath in that story!) Also discussed is how Jesus saw Himself in the story of Israel in the wilderness.  If you enjoyed this episode, check out Paul’s stimulating overview of Galatians.Redeemed from the Present Evil Age —YouTube —PodcastSee Paul’s website for more information on his course “Understanding the Biblical Storyline,” as well as his course on Galatians.  This is the 178th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with us on Facebook Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn

Twain’s biting satire exposes the temptation to think God is on “our side” of a war. Sadly, Mark Twain himself was not a believer, but his insight into Christian hypocrisy and the perversions that come with tying religion to nationalist or imperial causes is well worth listening to. Let’s follow the Lord of peace and flee all attempts to enlist God in human war-mongering. The War Prayer is in the public domain and the text can be found online. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_War_Prayer  This is the 177th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with us on Facebook Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more about us!The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Well

 “There is nothing, nothing harder to do in my life than church.” Dean Taylor responds to audience comments on deep disappointment with Anabaptism and on difficulties in understanding the bible due to textual complications and lack of historical context. We will often be surprised at the results if we are willing to be humbly and honestly up front with our church leaders. Dean also argues for the trustworthiness of what is known as the “Majority Text” or “Byzantine Text” of the New Testament. These comments came in response to the inaugural episode of Anabaptist Perspectives. https://anabaptistperspectives.org/episodes/the-essence-of-anabaptism  In a previous episode Dean responded to questions about Baptism, Communion, and taking the Bible straightforwardly. https://anabaptistperspectives.org/episodes/without-a-complicated-interpretation  This is the 176th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anaba

How can we engage in mission as “little Christs” and not as Americans? Kai Steinman and Rebekah Mui encourage us “learn Christ” in His humility, service, and laying down of Himself. Christ, when He is lifted up, will draw people to Himself.  While our guests acknowledge the dangers of empire and arrogance, they encourage all who reach out in humility for the sake of Christ. “Empire is a culture just as much as the kingdom of God is a cultural”   “Good solders will be there with bread and firewood and the gospel”   This is the 175th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with us on Facebook Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more about us!The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily re

Western missions were tied to imperialism and colonialism. Kai Steinman and Rebekah Mui discuss the interweaving of empire, Christendom, and mission with all its dark sides. At the same time, they call our attention to the beauty of Christ’s kingdom shining among the ashes. The China Mirage by James Bradley The Way of the Cross by Guy Hershberger Rebekah discusses and quotes extensively from Hershberger’s book in this essay.Stuart Murray, “After Christendom: Does the Label Matter?” Find more of Rebekah’s work at https://kingdomoutpost.org/ This is the 174th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Visit our YouTube channel Connect with us on Facebook Read essays from our blog or listen to them on our podcast, Essays for King JesusSubscribe on your podcast provider of choiceSupport us or learn more about us!The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not nec

Are Christians naïve to advocate accepting immigration? Staff members, Jaran Miller, Reagan Schrock, and Marlin Sommers respond to listener comments and discuss pertinent biblical teaching and practical realities. Also, a listener asked how to access our videos without using YouTube. See below for links to our Telegram/CloudVeil channels. Jesus, a Refugee by Josh Nisly: https://youtu.be/uxcCaCZ6cAg Anabaptists and Muslims by Dean Taylor: https://youtu.be/UMb98f5rEgc Cultivating Spiritual Creativity by Reagan Schrock: https://anabaptistperspectives.org/essays/cultivating-creativity-in-gods-kingdom/ Anabaptist Perspectives Telegram Channel for Episodes: https://t.me/AnabaptistPerspectives Anabaptist Perspectives Telegram Channel for Articles: https://t.me/essaysforkingjesus This is the 173rd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.  Visit our https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspecti

How can we see Bible study as a tangible way to know God? Kristi Mast shares how she moved from intimidation at Bible study to delight in seeing God through scripture. She also reflects on cultural factors that can make serious biblical engagement more difficult for women in conservative circles.  She calls all of us to study the Bible together in our pursuit of knowing God.  This is the 172nd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.  Visit our https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ (YouTube channel) Connect with us on https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ (Facebook) https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ (Read essays from our blog) or listen to them on our podcast, https://essays-for-king-jesus.captivate.fm/listen (Essays for King Jesus) Subscribe on your https://anabaptist-perspectives.captivate.fm/listen (podcast provider of choice) https://anabaptistperspect

Galatians is about God’s New Creation, as Paul Lamicela helps us see. This episode probes major themes in Galatians in light of Jesus bringing the newness that redeems us from the present evil age. For much more detail listen to Paul’s four espisode series on the Think Truth podcast https://think-truth.org/2022/01/18/galatians-series-the-big-picture/ https://think-truth.org/2022/01/31/galatians-series-the-spirit-church-rules-and-culture/ https://think-truth.org/2022/02/09/galatians-series-abraham-and-the-promise/ https://think-truth.org/2022/02/28/galatians-series-allegories-and-metaphors/ See Paul’s website for more information on his upcoming course on Galatians as well as his course “Understanding the Biblical Storyline.” www.biblicalstoryline.org This is the xxxth episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.  Visit our https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ (YouTube channel) Connec

The internet is an “attention economy.”  Websites sell your attention to advertisers and use sophisticated algorithms to personalize your feed.  Myron Eby and Verlon Miller discuss the downsides of an internet built around selling ads, and encourage us toward some ways to combat those dangers by intentionally seeking good sources of information.  https://amzn.to/3Ih5Hnt (12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You   ) https://amzn.to/3plaNXd (Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked)  Triston Harris – https://www.humanetech.com/ (Center for Humane Technology) https://www.humanetech.com/the-social-dilemma (The Social Dilemma) This is the 170th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.  Visit our https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ (YouTube channel) Connect with us on https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ (

What is Digital Minimalism? Does it describe conservative Anabaptist groups? Verlon Miller and Myron Eby discuss Mennonite and Amish hesitations about new information technology and the pros and cons of churches choosing to selectively adopt new technologies.  https://amzn.to/3Au1awd  (Digital Minimalism) by Cal Newport This is the 169th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.  Visit our https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ (YouTube channel) Connect with us on https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ (Facebook) https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ (Read essays from our blog) or listen to them on our podcast, https://essays-for-king-jesus.captivate.fm/listen (Essays for King Jesus) Subscribe on your https://anabaptist-perspectives.captivate.fm/listen (podcast provider of choice) https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate/ (Support us) or https://anabaptistp

Does internet filtering work? Is it just a cop-out from the hard work of cultivating a pure heart? Verlon Miller and Myron Eby discuss various tools designed to protect us from the dark side of the internet. They also discuss these tools in relation to the role of community and also guarding our hearts.  This is the 168th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.  Visit our https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ (YouTube channel) Connect with us on https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ (Facebook) https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ (Read essays from our blog) or listen to them on our podcast, https://essays-for-king-jesus.captivate.fm/listen (Essays for King Jesus) Subscribe on your https://anabaptist-perspectives.captivate.fm/listen (podcast provider of choice) https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate/ (Support us) or https://anabaptistperspectives.org/about (lea