Stories: How Mennonites Came to Be

by John D. Roth

Overview

John D. Roth's straightforward, accessible narrative invigorates this contemporary introduction to the Mennonite story. Whether readers are new to the Mennonite community or just yearning for a fresh telling of Anabaptist origins, Stories: How Mennonites Came to Be will serve as a compact digest of the church's history for generations to come.

Free downloadable study guide available here.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780836193381
Publisher:	MennoMedia
Publication date:	09/01/2006
Pages:	246
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

John D. Roth is professor of history at Goshen College, editor of Mennonite Quarterly Review, and director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism at Goshen College. He received his PhD from the University of Chicago. Roth’s many books include Choosing Against War: A Christian View, Beliefs: Mennonite Faith and Practice, Stories: How Mennonites Came to Be, and Practices: Mennonite Worship and Witness. Roth lives in Goshen, Indiana.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Conflict and Renewal in the Church Tradition     9
A Newborn Church: From Movement to Structure     21
A Catholic Church: Constantine and the Christian Empire     37
A Protestant Church: Revolt, Reform, Renewal     49
An Anabaptist Church: A Third Way Emerges     65
Mennonites in Europe: New Reforms, New Structures     87
Mennonites in South Russia: Migration and Assimilation     115
Mennonites in North America I: Negotiating the New World     139
Mennonites in North America II: A New Mosaic     165
Mennonites Around the World: To the Uttermost Parts of the Earth     189
Mennonites in the World: Relations with Other Christians     213
Conclusion: Conflict and Renewal in the Anabaptist-Mennonite Tradition     235
The Author     245

What People are Saying About This

Trollinger William Vance Jr

"One of the preeminent Mennonite historians of our time, Roth successfully weaves a complicated set of stories into a fascinating narrative that stretches from the early church to the present, and covers the globe. Stories is a remarkable achievement, a must-read for those who don't know the Anabaptist story, and for those who think they do."--(William Vance Trollinger Jr., Bluffton University)

Karl Koop

This work needs to be in print. It addresses contemporary issues, and linking the past and the present is a strength of this work."--(Karl Koop, Canadian Mennonite University)

Jonathan Showalter

"Roth weaves together narrative, biography, and theology in an engaging, compelling, and sometimes provocative fashion. This book is an invitation to consider how what happened back then can illuminate the task of following Jesus now. It will encourage and challenge anyone seeking to be a faithful follower."--(Jonathan Showalter, Rosedale Bible College)

Endorsement

"This work needs to be in print.... It addresses contemporary issues, and linking the past and the present is a strength of this work." —Karl Koop, Canadian Mennonite University

"Roth weaves together narrative, biography, and theology in an engaging, compelling, and sometimes provocative fashion. This book is an invitation to consider how what happened back then can illuminate the task of following Jesus now." —Jonathan Showalter, Rosedale Bible College