Anabaptist Perspectives

It is impossible to live without tradition. How can we minimize the liabilities? How can we use tradition for our benefit? “The most destructive traditions that are there claim not to be traditions. Our job is many times to excavate a little bit behind and say, ‘Well, there is actually continuity here. This is a tradition too: here are the strengths, here are the liabilities.” This is the final ep...

What is the importance of knowing Hebrew? Why would one go to Cambridge to study language? Vince Beiler explains how understanding the original languages of the Bible helps us to understand it better. “So much [of] what you see in the Hebrew Bible is an open ended discussion, an invitation to think about something on a much deeper level.” Buy: “Genesis: The Story We Haven’t Heard” https://amzn.to/...

Does being human require tradition? What are examples of tradition in Scripture? Kyle Stoltzfus explains the necessity of tradition in Christianity. “This is about benefiting from, appreciating, and participating in a cultural legacy larger than oneself. The central burden is that we are recipients of spiritual and moral wealth. We can respond in a variety of ways to this: indulgently, critically,...

Daniel felt God’s call to serve in China. While planting churches in China, he started applying parts of the Bible that are frequently associated with Anabaptism. Listen to Daniel’s encouraging journey of being sold out to Christ and his work. In an upcoming episode Daniel shares more stories of the Chinese church. Buy David Bercot’s books: https://scrollpublishing.com/products-category/books-by-d...

We all have a cultural heritage. How does it affect us? What are right ways to view our heritage? Kyle Stoltzfus wants us to recognize traditions that are helpful and essential in Christian living. “When we build with heritage, we recognize tools that we have been handed. We learn to exercise ourselves and apply ourselves to the tools that we actually have in our hands.” In future episodes, Kyle w...

What church culture nurtures Christian growth? How do we integrate newcomers into church? Ernest Eby is passionate about church and outreach. Diversity and equality are necessary for flourishing in Christian maturity. Earnest describes three church cultures which either encourage or discourage the maturing of members. “[Christian Growth is] growing in knowledge of the Scriptures, growing in wisdom...

Josh Good’s episode on voting provoked a lot of discussion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYooZM6TDlc One listener charged that using the word “President” to describe Jesus is a severe demotion of his kingly status. Kyle Stoltzfus, Marlin Sommers, and Reagan Schrock evaluated the charge on an episode of our patron only podcast, which was released back in January on Patreon.com/anabaptistperspect...

What are benefits of having intellectual pursuits? What are some of the challenges that come along with focusing on the intellect? Michael Hochstetler talks about the process he went through trying to balance attentiveness to the intellect, emotions, and spirit. He encourages those with intellectual interests to reach out and to show interest in those with less intellectual interests. “Do I want p...

How is Christianity distinct from world religions? What does Anabaptism add to Christendom? Stephen Russell discusses two ways that Christianity is different than world religions: entry by choice and separation from governments. He considers how the early church, early Anabaptists, and the church today view these topics. Stephen also discusses the importance of Christian community. This is the 124...

How can we study the Bible with those who do not have a Christian background? Which parts of the scriptures do these people find the hardest to understand? Ernest Eby, from State College Pennsylvania, shares his experience helping others understand the Bible. "If people can tell that you care, they are going to be more open to Bible studies and they are going to be more likely to become part of th...

How does studying science challenge a Christian’s faith? In what ways do conservative Anabaptists tend to view science wrongly? In this episode, John Mark Kuhns discusses how higher education and the study of science affected his faith in God. John Mark encourages us to correctly understand how science works to find truth. This episode is the second part of an interview with John Mark. This is the...

How should Christians view secular science? In what ways does properly understanding nature affect the way we live? John Mark Kuhns, a teacher at Faith Builders Christian School, has a record of pursuing the sciences. In this episode, he discusses how Christians should view and be involved in science. John Mark specifically discusses evolution and creation care. This is part one of a two-part seri...

Why are the early church beliefs important today? How can studying early church writings help to clarify scripture for us? In this episode, David Bercot shares the most important lessons that he has learned through studying church history. David encourages us to not view the early church writings as scripture, but as insight into how the authors understood scripture. Visit Scroll Publishing: https...

Joel Martin shares his story in this episode about deciding to stay Anabaptist. As a youth, Joel was discontented with the level of spiritual life that he saw in Anabaptist churches and planned to leave. Before he left though, a few events happened in his life that caused his perspective to change. Joel ends the episode by briefly sharing about the work that he is doing with All-Nations Bible Tran...

How can an individual help to strengthen their church? How can we help people to begin to love their church? In this episode, Val shares his heart for the local church and gives practical direction for ways to be a blessing in one’s brotherhood. Val encourages Christians to view the church as the people that they will spend eternity with. Visit Kitchi Blessings Ministries: https://www.kitchiblessi...

This episode is part two of an interview with Bryant Martin about hospitality. Here Bryant moves from describing the importance of hospitality to telling personal stories about how he has seen being hospitable work out. Bryant finishes the interview by quoting Rosaria Butterfield, “Radical, ordinary, and daily hospitality is a basic building block for vital Christian living. Start anywhere but do...

What is the importance of hospitality for Christians? How can one show a spirit of hospitality beyond just inviting others into their house? Bryant Martin, owner of Sowers Harvest Café, shares about the example of hospitality that Jesus left for his disciples. Bryant quotes Mark Glanville saying, “We learn from Jesus fellowship meals that our tables should be places of radical welcome, especially...

Who was Justin Martyr? What were convictions that he stood up for? David Bercot presents an overview of Justin Martyr’s life and writings in this episode. Justin was zealous for living a life that was sold out to Christ, yet he had a kind and generous heart. Read Justin’s “First Apology” https://bit.ly/3j2Mb1S Read Justin’s “Second Apology” https://bit.ly/39y9z4l or buy both Apologies: https://amz...

What opportunities for ministry can be had by working in the fire service or EMS? How can one fight the negative influences that can be present in these companies? Here Merle Weaver shares about his ministry working in the Fivepointville Fire Company. Merle shows us how working in these emergency services can be a light to one’s community. He also encourages those involved in the service to mainta...

There are a lot of difficulties that our society is facing today. What do these reveal about our culture? How can we come out well on the other side of these difficulties? In this episode, Kyle Stoltzfus describes what he has observed through the COVID-19 and race crises that happened in 2020. Kyle discusses how to view, and interact with, greater society during this time. Buy “After Virtue”: http...

How does one properly discern between what is true and what is false? How can we engage in constructive conversations with those to whom we disagree? In this episode, Peter Goertzen discusses how to have discernment between what is truth and what is false. He describes different types of right and wrong facts. Peter encourages us to be sure we are allowing God to work in us as we interact with tho...

What can the humanities add to Anabaptism? How do we correctly respond to secular views within the humanities? In this episode, Josh Nisley discusses how the field of the humanities can help us to better understand the world. He encourages us to not too quickly dismiss what others believe, but to seek to understand, critically engage with, and present our own beliefs to them. Download, The Mind of...

What is it like to live in Jerusalem? How does watching the Israel-Palestine relations firsthand affect one’s view? In this episode, Josh shares life lessons that he learned while living and working in Jerusalem. Josh encourages us to remember that the narrative behind the interactions of Israelis and Palestinians is complex. This is the 109th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, a...

This episode is a sequel to the episode released last week, consider watching it first if you have not already. In today’s episode, Clyde Zimmerman shares stories from his experience overseas while helping with the SALT program described in the previous episode. He presents practical examples of the way that SALT helps communities, and tells stories of interactions where he has seen God’s hand at...

In this episode, Clyde Zimmerman describes the ways in which he was been involved in helping with community development across the globe. He recounts how he has been able to assist those in impoverished areas, and shares lessons he has learned as he has observed people from across the globe. Learn more about SALT: https://christianaidministries.org/program/salt-microfinance-solutions/ “King Jesus...