Anabaptist Theological Perspectives

Jerry Eicher of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives examines “the invitation to life,” contrasting a propositional gospel with an invitational, participatory call to sacrifice and repentance. Drawing on contemporary moments like the Charlie Kirk memorial and voices from Voddie Baucham, John MacArthur, Tucker Carlson, and Jordan Peterson, Eicher probes how modern preaching shapes—and sometimes obsc...

Host Jerry Eicher of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives reflects on Charlie Kirk’s recent assassination, praising Kirk’s lack of bitterness, spiritual freedom, and extraordinary effectiveness reaching young people, and situates his work against the broader damage Eicher attributes to evolutionary theory in academia. Eicher contrasts Kirk’s political-but-God-first approach with the nonpolitical po...

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Jerry Eicher of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives examines the practice of head veiling for women, tracing its near-2,000-year history, the 1960s feminist challenge, and how the issue shifted from mainstream to fringe. He unpacks the spiritual and cultural stakes behind a seemingly simple cloth. This episode includes a close reading of 1 Corinthians 11—exploring Paul’s language about...

Host Jerry Eicher (Anabaptist Theological Perspectives) leads a solo deep dive into the doctrine of creation ex nihilo — creation out of nothing — and its implications for Christian theology. The episode examines the long-standing Greek philosophical model (Plato) that treats “nothing” as non‑being, and contrasts that with thinkers who challenged this foundation, notably Martin Heidinger and the w...

Host Jerry Eicher of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives examines the biblical and historical practice known as the “Holy Kiss” (or kiss of peace/love), surveying Paul’s and Peter’s references, early church rituals, and contemporary Mediterranean parallels. Eicher shares his experience with New Order Amish communities — the mouth‑to‑mouth practice, hygiene and proprie...

Jerry Eicher of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives examines the problem of offenses through the parable of the sower, showing how “stony ground” — buried hurts and bitterness — prevents the Word of God from taking root. He engages with Jordan Peterson’s idea of aiming upward and contrasts cultural therapies (digging up the past, legal atonement) with an Anabaptist approach rooted in Cain and Abel...

In this episode of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives, Jerry Eicher delves into the critical discussion surrounding faith and works, spotlighting a thought-provoking point raised by Steve Stutzman of Straight Path Ministries. The conversation focuses on the often-overlooked concept of rewards for good works and questions why this idea has faded from contemporary Christian discourse. Jerry examine...

Join host Jerry Eicher from Anabaptist Theological Perspectives as he delves into the intriguing question of whether artificial intelligence could become demonic. This episode provides a thoughtful exploration of AI's spiritual implications, inspired by concerns raised within certain conservative circles about AI's potential to be possessed by demonic forces. Throughout the discussion, Jerry exami...

In this enlightening episode, Jerry Eicher from Anabaptist Theological Perspectives delves into a complex blend of historical, theological, and philosophical exploration. Inspired by parts of his original book, "Why Heaven Chose to Suffer," he unveils insights from his newly released work, "Where Faith Stands Alone." This conversation is paired with reflections on the influence of Calvinism, espec...

In this episode of "Anabaptist Theological Perspectives," Jerry Eicher delves into the complex relationship between the church and the nation of Israel. He explores the theological concept of replacement theology, which suggests that the church has supplanted Israel in God's plans. Jerry challenges this notion by emphasizing the continuity of God's promise to Abraham, as outlined in Genesis 12, an...

I am being interviewed by Ricardo Guerra a sports writer from Brazil. In this episode, we explore the captivating world of the Amish community in Lancaster, delving into their unique way of life that balances religious beliefs and philosophical thoughts. Our discussion centers on how they maintain a distinct cultural identity amidst modern societal chaos by freezing culture in mid-19th century val...

This episode of Anabaptic Theological Perspectives with Jerry Eicher introduces a new sermon format for the podcast titled "A Road to Nowhere." Originally a podcast episode, it is now available as a sermon called "Reflection on Media, Responsibility and the Parable of the Sower." Listeners can explore deep insights into the intersections of modern media, our responsibilities as consumers, and how...

In this thought-provoking episode of "Anabaptist Theological Perspectives," host Jerry Eicher delves into the Parable of the Sower, focusing specifically on the metaphor of the "wayside" from Luke chapter 8. Jerry discusses the symbolism behind the seed falling by the wayside, drawing parallels to modern issues of spiritual disassociation and nihilism. The episode explores how contemporary culture...

In this enlightening episode, we delve deep into the biblical story of Elijah, exploring the complexities of fervency in spirit and the modern concept of burnout. The discussion begins with a reflection on the fervor of spirit in the Christian context and how it parallels with today's understanding of burnout. We analyze the story of Elijah from the Book of Kings and connect it to insights from th...

In this episode of "Anabaptist Theological Perspectives," Jerry Eicher delves into a thought-provoking Vanguard article by Joseph Hursh, "A Workable Lifestyle: Mission Work Without Compromise." The discussion centers on reimagining mission strategies that move away from colonial and servanthood models, using the Dominican Republic as a case study. Mr. Hursh argues for the importance of developing...

Join Jerry Eicher in exploring a sermon titled "Fervency and Burnout," delivered at Oakill Mennonite Church. Originally preached 35 years ago, this episode revisits the prophet Elijah's story, presenting a thought-provoking take on his unparalleled zeal and subsequent emotional crash after his victory at Mount Carmel. The discussion delves into Elijah's actions driven by fervor without explicit di...

In this episode of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives, Jerry Eicher delves into the complex history and current state of Christian missions. Drawing from his own experiences in the third world, Eicher explores the traditional models of mission work under colonial powers like the British Empire, highlighting how political influences shaped the spread of Christianity across Asia, Africa, and the Pa...

In this thought-provoking episode of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives, host Jerry Eicher delves into a critical analysis of Betty Friedan's influential book, The Feminine Mystique. First published in 1963, the book played a seminal role in shaping the feminist movement and, consequently, had far-reaching effects on Western culture and the church. Eicher explores the resurgence of opposition to...

In this episode of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives, Jerry Eicher explores the provocative ideas presented by Professor Brent Strawn from Duke Divinity School during a recent lecture series. The focus is on Strawn's proposal to read the Old Testament as poetry rather than as narrative, offering a fresh take on dealing with its inherent complexities. Join us as we delve into Strawn's argument, c...

Join us for an enlightening episode as celebrate Easter with a poignant poem. Written and read at a sunrise service at Oak Hill Mennonite Church, the poem explores profound themes of redemption and suffering, shedding light on the unexpected nature of the divine. Expect a moving narrative about the Holy Writ, prophets' revelations, and the humble arrival of the servant of the Most High God. This e...

Join Jerry Eicher as he delves into the complex and contentious topic of free will from an Anabaptist theological perspective. This episode begins the exploration of free agency and personal choice, emphasizing the Anabaptist belief in genuine self-agency to make free choices. Eicher critiques the Calvinist viewpoint of predestination and shares his astonishment over its influence on Anabaptist ch...

Join Jerry Eicher in an enlightening episode of "Exploring Further," where we delve into the profound theological debates surrounding the concept of new birth in Anabaptist and Reformed theology. This episode seeks to answer the complex question: Is the self totally depraved? Jerry argues in favor of the Anabaptist belief that a true believer experiences a literal new birth in Christ, contrasting...

In this thought-provoking episode, Jerry Eicher explores the controversial topic of why the Old Testament God has been sanitized within Christian theology. Delving into his Anabaptist background, Jerry contrasts traditional Anabaptist beliefs with the theological influence of figures such as Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. He discusses the deep-rooted impact of Greek philosophy on modern Christian t...

In this enlightening episode, delve into the Anabaptist theological perspective on what it truly means to be "born again." While some might assume there is little distinction between Protestant and Anabaptist beliefs in this regard, we uncover the profound contrasts, particularly in how each tradition perceives regeneration and justification. Join us as we start with the writings of Menno Simons,...