Podcasts about anabaptist

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 Mount in the believer's life and its potential to transform a broken world.Special thanks to Credo Schloss Unspunnen for the filming location and hospitality. This episode was recorded at the Kingdom Connect Conference in Switzerland; find more information at https://kingdomconnecteurope.org.This is the 296th 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

What do the Formula of Concord and Scripture have to say about other factions and sects? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio's Concord Matters, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including the questions concerning other factions and sects that are addressed in December's readings. How does this last reading sum up the year-long study? Who were the Anabaptists, and what were their false teachings? Who were the Schwenkfeldians, New Arians, and Anti-Trinitarians? What do we learn from understanding each of these groups? Find the full reading plan from The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2024/reading-plan, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord. December | Other Factions & Sects Week 1: Ep XII 1–11 (p. 500–501) SD XII 1–27 (p. 616–617) Week 2: Ep XII 12–19 (p. 501–502) SD XII 28–36 (p. 617–618) Week 3: Ep XII 20–31 (p. 502) SD XII 37–40 (p. 618–619) Week 4: Off for Christmas! As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

In this episode, we compare the church in the book of Acts with the church Joseph Smith built—showing how the LDS ‘restoration' actually rebuilds the hierarchy, temples, and priesthoods Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers fought to remove. It's not a return to the New Testament but a reversal of the freedom Christ brought.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --SUMMARYLatter-day Saints teach that after the apostles died, the church fell into total apostasy—losing authority, truth, and the gospel—and that Joseph Smith “restored” the original church in 1830.But when we compare the Bible, early church history, and the medieval church, a clear pattern emerges: the LDS system doesn't look like the church in the book of Acts. It looks like the institutional system that developed centuries later.This episode walks through that history and shows why Mormonism isn't a restoration of the New Testament—it's a rebuilding of the very system Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers worked to correct.1. What the Early Church Actually Looked Like (Book of Acts)No templesNo priestly hierarchyNo prophet-presidentNo exclusive priesthood lineageBelievers met in homes, prayed, broke bread, and studied ScriptureLeadership was shared among elders/pastorsEvery believer was a priest (1 Peter 2)Access to God came directly through Jesus, not through mediatorsBottom line: The early church was simple, Spirit-led, and centered entirely on Jesus.2. How the Church Drifted in the Middle AgesBy the 4th century, especially after Constantine:The church became tied to political powerBishops became rulersPriests acted as mediatorsSalvation was tied to rituals and sacramentsA single head (the Pope) claimed God-given authorityThis system dominated medieval Christianity and buried the gospel under layers of tradition and hierarchy.3. The Reformation: Returning to ScriptureLuther, Calvin, Zwingli, and the Anabaptists didn't invent a new church.They removed the medieval layers and returned to:Scripture aloneGrace aloneChrist aloneFaith aloneReal renewal happens when ordinary believers open the Bible again.4. Joseph Smith Recreates the Medieval SystemDespite claiming to “restore” the church, Joseph Smith introduced:A layered priesthood (Aaronic & Melchizedek)A prophet-president with final authorityTemple rituals and restricted accessOrdinances required for salvationCentralized headquarters claiming exclusive truthThis mirrors the medieval Catholic model, not the church in Acts.5. The LDS Temple: The Most Striking IronyJesus

In this episode, we compare the church in the book of Acts with the church Joseph Smith built—showing how the LDS ‘restoration' actually rebuilds the hierarchy, temples, and priesthoods Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers fought to remove. It's not a return to the New Testament but a reversal of the freedom Christ brought.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --SUMMARYLatter-day Saints teach that after the apostles died, the church fell into total apostasy—losing authority, truth, and the gospel—and that Joseph Smith “restored” the original church in 1830.But when we compare the Bible, early church history, and the medieval church, a clear pattern emerges: the LDS system doesn't look like the church in the book of Acts. It looks like the institutional system that developed centuries later.This episode walks through that history and shows why Mormonism isn't a restoration of the New Testament—it's a rebuilding of the very system Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers worked to correct.1. What the Early Church Actually Looked Like (Book of Acts)No templesNo priestly hierarchyNo prophet-presidentNo exclusive priesthood lineageBelievers met in homes, prayed, broke bread, and studied ScriptureLeadership was shared among elders/pastorsEvery believer was a priest (1 Peter 2)Access to God came directly through Jesus, not through mediatorsBottom line: The early church was simple, Spirit-led, and centered entirely on Jesus.2. How the Church Drifted in the Middle AgesBy the 4th century, especially after Constantine:The church became tied to political powerBishops became rulersPriests acted as mediatorsSalvation was tied to rituals and sacramentsA single head (the Pope) claimed God-given authorityThis system dominated medieval Christianity and buried the gospel under layers of tradition and hierarchy.3. The Reformation: Returning to ScriptureLuther, Calvin, Zwingli, and the Anabaptists didn't invent a new church.They removed the medieval layers and returned to:Scripture aloneGrace aloneChrist aloneFaith aloneReal renewal happens when ordinary believers open the Bible again.4. Joseph Smith Recreates the Medieval SystemDespite claiming to “restore” the church, Joseph Smith introduced:A layered priesthood (Aaronic & Melchizedek)A prophet-president with final authorityTemple rituals and restricted accessOrdinances required for salvationCentralized headquarters claiming exclusive truthThis mirrors the medieval Catholic model, not the church in Acts.5. The LDS Temple: The Most Striking IronyJesus

Shawn and James look over the Bible translations survey they sent out over a year ago. They look at what translations people use personally, what people's “official” church translation is, and how open churches are to changing to a translation other than the KJV.The findings are interesting, though not completely surprising. People's personal beliefs and use of different Bible translations differ quite a bit from how they perceive others' beliefs or their church's willingness to switch from the KJV.YouTube – What Are Mennonites Like Today?YouTube – Useful Charts: History of Anabaptists & QuakersWebsite for contact information for Traditional Text Bible (not an official website)Anabaptist World article about the Traditional Text BibleLink to analysis of survey

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 with Dean TaylorDavid Bercot's series on the atonementDictionary of Early Christian BeliefsChristus Victor: An Historical Study of the Three Main Types of the Idea of AtonementOrthodox Study Bible with the SeptuagintThis is the 295th 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Send us a textThanksgiving Day as a national holiday in America dates back to 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaim the 4th Thursday in November a yearly day of thanks.  "It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."However the tradition of giving thanks to God for his providential care goes back to the Pilgrims who had come over from Holland on the Mayflower. Governor Bradford reports that Plymouth had been stricken with a severe drought. "Upon which," said William Bradford "they set apart a solemn day of humiliation, to seek the Lord by humble and fervent prayer, in this great distress." That same evening it began "to rain with such sweet and gentle showers as gave them cause of rejoicing and blessing God… For which mercy, in time convenient, they also set apart a day of thanksgiving." They had lived for 10 years in Holland to escape religious persecution from King James toward the Separatists. There they had contact with Anabaptist and Sephardic Jews who observed a feast of thanks known as Sukkot  (Feast of Tabernacles or booths). Our Thanksgiving festival probably goes alway to the Torah indirectly through the Pilgrims having such a feast in 1621. George Webb records a prayer like the one they would have offered on that November 29.O Lord our God and heavenly Father, which of Thy unspeakable mercy towards us, hast provided meate and drinke for the nourishment of our weake bodies. Grant us peace to use them reverently, as from Thy hands, with thankful hearts: let Thy blessing rest upon these Thy good creatures, to our comfort and sustentation: and grant we humbly beseech Thee, good Lord, that as we doe hunger and thirst for this food of our bodies, so our soules may earnestly long after the food of eternal life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, Amen. George Webb, "Short direction for the daily exercise of the Christian," London 1625. Courtesy of Plimoth Plantation Bible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

A pastor reconnects with a troubled parishioner only to find prophecy and madness entwined in tragedy.Nathan Perrin (he/him/his) is a writer and Anabaptist pastor in Chicagoland. He holds an MA in Quaker Studies, and is a doctoral student studying Christian Community Development at Northern Seminary. His doctorate work centers on creating a writing program for nonprofits and churches to use to help under-resourced communities process trauma. His work has been published in the Dillydoun Review, Bangalore Review, Collateral Journal, Esoterica Magazine, etc. His forthcoming novella Memories of Green Rivers will be released in winter 2026 by Running Wild Press. He is also a screenwriter for an unannounced indie comedy series. For more information, visit www.nathanperrinwriter.comYou can read "A Prophet's Hometown" at https://www.kaidankaistories.com.Website: kaidankaistories.comPlease feel free to contact me through the website contact form.Follow us on: InstagramFacebookBlueskySubstack

The Anabaptists is a new name given to true Christian believers by those who wanted to make it acceptable to persecute them, though there was nothing new about these believers. Even while noting the patient and kind conduct of such believers, those in authority deemed it "best" to run them out of town or kill them. All of the Bible News Press recordings are hosted on The Happy Homeschool website. All scriptures mentioned are listed on the blog post. For links mentioned, please go to: https://thehappyhomeschool.com/the-pilgrim-church-an-audiobook-chapter-9-part-one/To sign up for the BNP email newsletter go here: https://thehappyhomeschool.com/edify-one-another

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 prophet Isaiah describes.Because of the sensitive nature of the work Jared is doing, we cannot name the location or the organization he and his family are serving with. If you would like to request information about this or support their work, please email Anabaptist Perspectives. Special thanks to Jared and his team for showing their work to Anabaptist Perspectives and for keeping us safe around these instruments of death.This is the 294th 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Strength to Strength welcomes Dean Taylor for another episode on the Radical Reformation.In this episode of Strength to Strength, Dean Taylor revisits the Radical Reformation through the lens of the sacraments—Baptism and Communion—and challenges many of our modern assumptions about them. Too often, he argues, the early Anabaptists are dismissed as anti-sacramental. In reality, their vision was profoundly sacramental—rooted in a realized Incarnational real presence that placed Christ Himself, not stopping with mere ceremony or institution.Drawing from both the Early Church and the Radical Reformers, Dean explores how this Incarnational presence was meant to be embodied in a people who looked like Jesus—not ending in dogmatic definitions or legalistic systems, but in the lived result of putting the teachings of Jesus into embodied practice on the earth. When that living presence fades, he warns, Christianity drifts into abstraction—devout in language, but detached from life. Such a faith, he argues, remains at least partly Gnostic until the real presence of Christ is manifested in a tangible way within the body. History bears witness to the tragic outcome: a faith adorned with piety yet emptied of compassion, capable of sanctifying violence and uniting church and state in complete contradistinction to the teachings of Christ.Dean does not claim the Anabaptists had the last word on sacramental theology. He acknowledges that each Christian tradition contributes valuable insights and encourages believers to learn from one another outside of sectarian lines. Yet he contends that the divisions of the Reformation often obscured something vital: a living theology of the Incarnation.An interactive question-and-answer period follows.https://strengthtostrength.org/sacred-roots-the-anabaptists-the-sacraments-and-the-words-of-jesus/

This episode shows how the church moved from state-controlled religion to voluntary, Scripture-governed communities—and how the Baptists, Congregationalists, Evangelical Free, and eventually Methodists emerged.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --How England's Reformation Took a Very Different PathWhile Luther and Calvin led theological reform on the continent, England's story began with politics.Henry VIII wanted a male heir, the Pope refused to annul his marriage, and the king broke from Rome.The Act of Supremacy (1534) created the Church of England—but it simply replaced the pope with a king. It wasn't a movement of revival; it was a power play.After Henry, England spun between Protestant and Catholic identities depending on the monarch. Edward VI pushed Protestant reforms, Mary I violently restored Catholicism, and Elizabeth I settled for a middle-way Anglicanism. The constant whiplash raised a crucial question:If kings can change doctrine overnight, where does true faith come from—crown or conscience?Puritans, Separatists, and the Search for a Church Governed by ScriptureTwo groups rose in response:Puritans — Anglicans who wanted deeper biblical reform.Separatists (Pilgrims) — Puritans who believed the system was beyond repair.King James I shut down most Puritan reforms (except authorizing the King James Bible). He made Anglican worship mandatory by law, and that pressure pushed both groups out of England.The Separatists, who fled first, would shape the future of the church in profound ways.The Birth of the Baptists and CongregationalistsThe Gainsborough Group escaped to Amsterdam and encountered the Anabaptists—believers who rejected state-run religion and emphasized personal faith. John Smyth and Thomas Helwys embraced these ideas and in 1609 founded the first Baptist church. They insisted:Faith must be personalBaptism belongs to believersLocal churches should govern themselvesGovernment must never control conscienceHelwys returned to England in 1612 and founded the first Baptist church on English soil, writing boldly to the king, “You have no power over the souls of your subjects.”Another group—the Scrooby Separatists—fled to Holland, then boarded the Mayflower and founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. Their self-governing church became the root of Congregationalism, shaping early American values of freedom, conscience, and community.Europe's Crisis and the Rise of PietismMeanwhile, Europe erupted into the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) over forced religion. Millions died. When the war finally ended, the dream of a unified Christendom...

This episode shows how the church moved from state-controlled religion to voluntary, Scripture-governed communities—and how the Baptists, Congregationalists, Evangelical Free, and eventually Methodists emerged.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --How England's Reformation Took a Very Different PathWhile Luther and Calvin led theological reform on the continent, England's story began with politics.Henry VIII wanted a male heir, the Pope refused to annul his marriage, and the king broke from Rome.The Act of Supremacy (1534) created the Church of England—but it simply replaced the pope with a king. It wasn't a movement of revival; it was a power play.After Henry, England spun between Protestant and Catholic identities depending on the monarch. Edward VI pushed Protestant reforms, Mary I violently restored Catholicism, and Elizabeth I settled for a middle-way Anglicanism. The constant whiplash raised a crucial question:If kings can change doctrine overnight, where does true faith come from—crown or conscience?Puritans, Separatists, and the Search for a Church Governed by ScriptureTwo groups rose in response:Puritans — Anglicans who wanted deeper biblical reform.Separatists (Pilgrims) — Puritans who believed the system was beyond repair.King James I shut down most Puritan reforms (except authorizing the King James Bible). He made Anglican worship mandatory by law, and that pressure pushed both groups out of England.The Separatists, who fled first, would shape the future of the church in profound ways.The Birth of the Baptists and CongregationalistsThe Gainsborough Group escaped to Amsterdam and encountered the Anabaptists—believers who rejected state-run religion and emphasized personal faith. John Smyth and Thomas Helwys embraced these ideas and in 1609 founded the first Baptist church. They insisted:Faith must be personalBaptism belongs to believersLocal churches should govern themselvesGovernment must never control conscienceHelwys returned to England in 1612 and founded the first Baptist church on English soil, writing boldly to the king, “You have no power over the souls of your subjects.”Another group—the Scrooby Separatists—fled to Holland, then boarded the Mayflower and founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. Their self-governing church became the root of Congregationalism, shaping early American values of freedom, conscience, and community.Europe's Crisis and the Rise of PietismMeanwhile, Europe erupted into the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) over forced religion. Millions died. When the war finally ended, the dream of a unified Christendom...

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 Fundamentals49:33 - 1963 Mennonite Confession of Faith1:01:20 - 1964 Mennonite Confession of Faith1:20:11 - Distribution and Reception1:25:51 - Writing New StatementsTexts Mentioned:1921 Garden City Fundamentals1963 Mennonite Confession of Faith1964 Mennonite Confession of Faith (print)1964 Mennonite Confession of Faith (online)Manual of Bible Doctrines by Daniel KauffmanBible Doctrines edited by Daniel KauffmanDoctrines of the Bible by Daniel KauffmanIntroduction to Theology by J. C. WengerSeparated unto God by J. C. Wenger“Comparison of the 1921 Garden City Christian Fundamentals and the 1964 Mennonite Confession of Faith” By Edsel BurdgeTogether in the Work of the Lord: A History of the Conservative Mennonite Conference by Nathan YoderIn His Steps by Charles M. SheldonInadequacy of Evolution as a World View by Chester LehmanDealing Redemptively with Those Involved in Divorce and Remarriage Problems by J. C. WengerThis is the 293rd 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect on Facebook.

Description How and why do we teach science in a time when for years we've been battling in the world of science trying to prove God's existence? With what mindset do we approach the natural world? How are we seeing creation, and how does this shape the way we see the Creator? Rob Layne is quite interested in exploring some of what's going on deep under the hood in science. In this episode, you'll find some ideas for what to cover in science and how to teach it. You'll also hear Rob attempting to describe what an Anabaptist approach to science might look like. He speaks from a background in education that includes teaching and working for Christian Light. Let me give you a little more context. Broadly speaking, Protestants and Anabaptists have somewhat divergent understandings of the relative importance of the hands and the head. On practice and reason. Rob highlights a problematic part of trusting too much in reason, in having things worked out in our heads compared to prioritizing a life of obedience and accepting a level of not understanding or having thorough reasoning for our practice. It almost goes without saying, but let's not forget the reality that God did give us heads as well as hands, and there's also a danger of giving too little time and attention to using our heads well. But back to the issues, where do we look for proofs of the Bible and God. Should we be looking to science? Do unanswered questions produce doubt? What do the examples of Christ and the Scriptures show us about the way God reveals Himself to the world? Maybe there's something in the world of science for us to reclaim and revive.   Links This episode was first published on The Dock as “Why Teach Science?” https://thedockforlearning.org/lecture/why-teach-science/ More recordings from CASBI 2012: https://thedockforlearning.org/series/casbi/casbi-2012/

In this episode, we trace how the Reformation rediscovered the gospel—from Luther's 95 Theses to the rise of Protestant movements—and how God used ordinary people, Scripture, and the printing press to bring His Word back to the world.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Episode SummaryBy the early 1500s, the Catholic Church had become powerful, wealthy, and deeply political. Salvation was treated like a transaction through rituals and indulgences, and the gospel was buried under centuries of human authority. The Bible was locked away in Latin, unreadable to most people. But God was preparing a movement of rediscovery—the Protestant Reformation.In this episode, we'll see how men like Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, John Knox, and the lesser-known Anabaptists helped bring Christianity back to the simple gospel of faith in Jesus Christ.The Reformation wasn't rebellion—it was rediscovery. It was a return to the gospel buried under layers of religion.The Reformation BeginsMartin Luther, a German monk, struggled with guilt and never felt good enough for God. While reading Romans 1:17, he discovered that righteousness is a gift from God—received by faith, not earned by works. Around that time, the Church was selling indulgences to raise money for St. Peter's Basilica, claiming that people could buy forgiveness. Outraged, Luther wrote his 95 Theses and nailed them to a church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517.The document spread quickly thanks to the newly invented printing press, and a movement was born. Luther stood before church authorities and declared, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. Here I stand. I can do no other.” While hiding from persecution, he translated the Bible into German so ordinary people could read it for themselves.Other Reformers Across EuropeWhile Luther led in Germany, others joined the cause across Europe:Ulrich Zwingli in Switzerland preached directly from Scripture, opposed indulgences, and emphasized simple, Bible-centered worship.John Calvin in France and later Geneva wrote The Institutes of the Christian Religion, organizing Christian theology and emphasizing God's sovereignty, grace, and the authority of Scripture.John Knox in Scotland, a student of Calvin, boldly preached the gospel to kings and queens and helped establish the Presbyterian Church, governed by elders with Christ as its head.William Tyndale in England translated the Bible into English so people could read it in their own language.The Reformation spread rapidly, dividing Europe between those who followed the old system and those who embraced this rediscovered gospel of...

In this episode, we trace how the Reformation rediscovered the gospel—from Luther's 95 Theses to the rise of Protestant movements—and how God used ordinary people, Scripture, and the printing press to bring His Word back to the world.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Episode SummaryBy the early 1500s, the Catholic Church had become powerful, wealthy, and deeply political. Salvation was treated like a transaction through rituals and indulgences, and the gospel was buried under centuries of human authority. The Bible was locked away in Latin, unreadable to most people. But God was preparing a movement of rediscovery—the Protestant Reformation.In this episode, we'll see how men like Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, John Knox, and the lesser-known Anabaptists helped bring Christianity back to the simple gospel of faith in Jesus Christ.The Reformation wasn't rebellion—it was rediscovery. It was a return to the gospel buried under layers of religion.The Reformation BeginsMartin Luther, a German monk, struggled with guilt and never felt good enough for God. While reading Romans 1:17, he discovered that righteousness is a gift from God—received by faith, not earned by works. Around that time, the Church was selling indulgences to raise money for St. Peter's Basilica, claiming that people could buy forgiveness. Outraged, Luther wrote his 95 Theses and nailed them to a church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517.The document spread quickly thanks to the newly invented printing press, and a movement was born. Luther stood before church authorities and declared, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. Here I stand. I can do no other.” While hiding from persecution, he translated the Bible into German so ordinary people could read it for themselves.Other Reformers Across EuropeWhile Luther led in Germany, others joined the cause across Europe:Ulrich Zwingli in Switzerland preached directly from Scripture, opposed indulgences, and emphasized simple, Bible-centered worship.John Calvin in France and later Geneva wrote The Institutes of the Christian Religion, organizing Christian theology and emphasizing God's sovereignty, grace, and the authority of Scripture.John Knox in Scotland, a student of Calvin, boldly preached the gospel to kings and queens and helped establish the Presbyterian Church, governed by elders with Christ as its head.William Tyndale in England translated the Bible into English so people could read it in their own language.The Reformation spread rapidly, dividing Europe between those who followed the old system and those who embraced this rediscovered gospel of...

Folks from our congregation who went to the Anabaptism 500 day-long event in Zurich, Switzerland tell histories, stories, experiences and places with us. Jonas & Laura Beachy brought us the historical backdrop to our 500 year anniversary. Nancy Chupp brought us thoughts on "Who Are These People" from today, back to the 70's, and back to the 1500s. She reflects on the lack of women's stories and how she didn't know any early Anabaptist women's names - and now she does. John Flickinger brought us insights into Mennonite World Conference and what Mennonites look like around the globe, and milling around outside big churches. Finally, Doug Basinger brought details about the experience itself and about how Mennonites have spread their history and stories. You should ask them all to share their photos, and to explain about that stolen baptismal font.Stories begin at minute markers:Jonas & Laura Beachy, history - 3:22Nancy Chupp, Who Are These People (especially the women) - 16:12John Flickinger, Global Mennonites in Zurich - 24:25Doug Basinger, Zurich event and Mennonite stories - 31:02 Acts 8.26-40Resources:Poem: Sarah Kinsel, “You are like trees planted by streams of water,” Drawing Near: A Devotional Journey with Art, Poetry & Reflection, ed. Eileen R. Kinch and John D. Roth (Herald Press, 2025), 180.Image: detail from Matthew Regier, “Trees of Living Water,” Drawing Near: A Devotional Journey with Art, Poetry & Reflection, ed. Eileen R. Kinch and John D. Roth (Herald Press, 2025), 179.

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 hospitality. This episode was recorded at the Kingdom Connect Conference in Switzerland; find more information at https://kingdomconnecteurope.org.Tirzah's Story This is the 292nd 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Enda was raised in home that had little interest in Christianity. In his years of searching for meaning, he joined the New Age spiritualism movement and became involved in various forms of dark activities. Eventually, Enda discovered the light of Scripture and turned away from the evil in his former worldview. Enda explains why he left the New Age movement and how the light of the Gospel conquered the darkness of his past life. Susie's TestimonyThis is the 291st 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

In this special Reformation Day episode, Matt sits down with Tony Petersen, pastor at Mountain View Church in Clovis, and Ryan Loewen, assistant professor of theology at Tabor College, for a deep dive into Martin Luther's world-changing legacy. Together they unpack the tension and turmoil of the 1500s, from indulgences and corruption in the medieval church to Luther's rediscovery of grace and the birth of Protestantism. They trace how Luther's courage and his translation of Scripture reshaped faith for everyday believers, setting off waves of reform that continue to ripple through the church today.The conversation also explores how Luther's influence helped spark the Anabaptist movement, and how early Anabaptists carried the Reformation's emphasis on Scripture, discipleship, and surrender to Christ even further. Tony and Ryan connect the dots from those early reformers to our modern faith, reflecting on what still needs reforming in the church today and how followers of Jesus can live as “permanently submerged” people—fully surrendered to Christ and guided by His Word.

MB ORIGINSIn this episode of RenewalCast, hosts Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf dive into the origins of the Mennonite Brethren movement, tracing their heritage back through the Anabaptist reformation. They explore the radical reformation that emerged alongside Luther and Zwingli, focusing particularly on Menno Simons and his journey from Catholic priest to Anabaptist leader. The discussion covers key theological distinctives including believer's baptism, separation of church and state, and the emphasis on discipleship and sanctified living. They also address areas where early Anabaptists went astray, including Menno's "celestial flesh" view of Christ, while affirming their commitment to orthodox Christian doctrine through the historic creeds. The episode concludes with sobering accounts of persecution faced by early Anabaptists who were willing to die for their convictions about biblical authority and believer's baptism.

Through the ancient prophet Isaiah, God speaks to a people in exile: You are precious, you are honored, I love you. Through contemporary Anabaptist prophets of art and poetry (see credits below!), we too hear God's voice reminding us that we are precious, honored, and loved. We name clearly the bodies that are particularly targeted with assault and violence in our country and world: trans bodies, Black bodies, Indigenous bodies, and other bodies of color, femme bodies, homeless bodies, migrant bodies, and more. And we honor that assault and violence takes many forms -- that a great many of us bear wounds in our bodies, spirits, minds, and dignity -- wounds that are real in individuals and communities. We also know that harm harms everyone, very much including those who perpetrate harm. We all need the embrace of Divine Love for the cessation of systems of harm and the flourishing of life. God speaks to each one: “You are precious, you are honored, I love you.” May we live as though it's so.Sermon begins at minute marker 1:08Isaiah 43.1-4Resources:Poem: Debra Gingerich, "Passing through Waters, or Visit to Switzerland," Drawing Near: A Devotional Journey with Art, Poetry & Reflection, ed. Eileen R. Kinch and John D. Roth (Herald Press, 2025), 39.Dona Park website, with more art and info: https://donapark.com/ “Defund the Police? An abolition curriculum” by Mennonite Church USA, featuring the artwork of Dona Park.Refugee Artisan InitiativeImage: detail from Dona Park, “When You Pass Through the Waters,” Drawing Near: A Devotional Journey with Art, Poetry & Reflection, ed. Eileen R. Kinch and John D. Roth (Herald Press, 2025), 38.

For many, the term “anarchy” connotes chaos, disorder, even violence. Yet some anarchists are pacifists. And some are even Christian. The earliest Christian communities, some scholars believe, had certain anarchist tendencies, such as making decisions through group consensus, versus top-down hierarchy. Later on, of course, the church became more structured and hierarchical. But those anti-institutional threads of tradition never quite went away. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, when the concept of anarchy became formalized, various groups explicitly identifying as Christian anarchists emerged, in Russia, Europe, and the United States. While anarchism might work for less structured Christian groups, like Anabaptists or Quakers, it seems an uncomfortable fit for Catholics, given the church's emphasis on rules and hierarchy. So does this mean that Catholics can't be anarchists? What would Catholic anarchism even look like? On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to journalist and Catholic worker Renée Roden about whether Catholics can be anarchists. Roden has written extensively on the Catholic Worker movement, and on economic and labor movements, She is a frequent contributor to U.S. Catholic, as well as to The Nation, Religion News Service, The Associated Press, Washington Post, Commonweal, Sojourners, America, and Notre Dame Magazine. She also writes frequently for catholicworker.org and its newsletter, Roundtable. You can learn more about this topic, and read some of Roden's work, in these links: “Christian anarchism is as old as Christianity itself,” by Renée Roden “The Anarchism of the Catholic Worker,” by Renée Roden “A Short History of Religious Anarchism,” by Kevin Daugherty “Divine revelation leads to revolution,” by Alice Camille  

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 podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Sign-up for our monthly email newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

October 11, 2025Strength to Strength welcomed Dean Taylor for a conversation on the Radical Reformation—that fascinating yet often misunderstood period that followed the medieval and magisterial reformations.Historians have sometimes described it as “the left wing of the Reformation,” suggesting that its participants, especially the Anabaptists, were radicals who discarded all tradition in pursuit of spiritual purity.But that's not quite right. The irony of the so-called “Radical Reformation” is that its most enduring voices from the Anabaptists were precisely those who refused to throw everything away. Admittedly, there was great diversity among the movements of the sixteenth century—among Catholics, Magisterial Reformers, and Anabaptists alike. Yet those who survived and continued—whose faith communities we still recognize today—did so because they preserved what was ancient, true, and enduring.Now that said, the early Anabaptists did indeed call for a radical return to the early church. Their reform was not a revolution of rejection but a restoration of essence—a re-centering of Christian life upon Christ Himself. In an age of upheaval, they offered something desperately needed: a return to the simplicity of apostolic faith, a community shaped by obedience and love rather than by coercion or power.Dean will conclude that this balance—a kind of catholic spirit in the best sense of the word, coupled with genuine solidarity with the Anabaptist witness—is essential if we are to represent a faithful, enduring testimony in our own century.An interactive question-and-answer period follows.https://strengthtostrength.org/sacred-roots-the-radical-reformation-a-model-for-our-time/

Baptists are often dismissed as anti-creedal individualists or confused Anabaptists. Walter Strickland shows instead their rich protestant heritage and why their convictions are not merely sectarian. PARTNER WITH US - https://solamedia.org/partner/?sc=AS2502V When you become a partner today, you'll receive two remarkable books as our thanks: Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Dr. Michael Horton and Praying with Jesus by Pastor Adriel Sanchez. We believe these books can guide you into a clearer understanding of the Spirit's work and a richer prayer life. FOLLOW US YouTube | Instagram | X/Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter WHO WE ARE Sola is home to White Horse Inn, Core Christianity, Modern Reformation, and Theo Global. Our mission is to serve today's global church by producing resources for reformation grounded in the historic Christian faith. Our vision is to see reformation in hearts, homes, and churches around the world. Learn more: https://solamedia.org/

Cody Cook welcomes to the show John Roth, a scholar of the Radical Reformation and former editor of the Mennonite Quarterly Review. John and Cody explore the enduring relevance of Anabaptism at its 500th anniversary, focusing on its emphases on community, nonviolence, decentralization, and stewardship. Roth also discusses the Anabaptist Community Bible, a unique project blending scholarly insights, historical voices, and lay reflections, inviting readers into a communal hermeneutic. The conversation delves into Anabaptist distinctives—like love for neighbor and rejection of coercive power. Roth also shares the inspiring story of Elsie Baumgartner, an early Anabaptist who cited Psalm 24:1 to challenge national borders, reflecting a theology of God's universal sovereignty. With humor and depth, they navigate the Anabaptist Community Bible's hermeneutical diversity, its artistic elements, and its call to participatory faith. Available at mennomedia.org or Amazon, this Bible offers a fresh lens for Christians seeking a decentralized, diverse, and Spirit-receptive approach to scripture.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★

October 11, 2025Strength to Strength welcomed Dean Taylor for a conversation on the Radical Reformation—that fascinating yet often misunderstood period that followed the medieval and magisterial reformations.Historians have sometimes described it as “the left wing of the Reformation,” suggesting that its participants, especially the Anabaptists, were radicals who discarded all tradition in pursuit of spiritual purity.But that's not quite right. The irony of the so-called “Radical Reformation” is that its most enduring voices from the Anabaptists were precisely those who refused to throw everything away. Admittedly, there was great diversity among the movements of the sixteenth century—among Catholics, Magisterial Reformers, and Anabaptists alike. Yet those who survived and continued—whose faith communities we still recognize today—did so because they preserved what was ancient, true, and enduring.Now that said, the early Anabaptists did indeed call for a radical return to the early church. Their reform was not a revolution of rejection but a restoration of essence—a re-centering of Christian life upon Christ Himself. In an age of upheaval, they offered something desperately needed: a return to the simplicity of apostolic faith, a community shaped by obedience and love rather than by coercion or power.Dean will conclude that this balance—a kind of catholic spirit in the best sense of the word, coupled with genuine solidarity with the Anabaptist witness—is essential if we are to represent a faithful, enduring testimony in our own century.An interactive question-and-answer period follows.https://strengthtostrength.org/sacred-roots-the-radical-reformation-a-model-for-our-time/

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 he shares that story in this episode.John's websiteJohn's Ministry SiteInvestigating Islam with Jay SmithUnveiling Islam with David WoodSpecial thanks to Credo Schloss Unspunnen for the filming location and hospitality. This episode was recorded at the Kingdom Connect Conference in Switzerland; find more information at https://kingdomconnecteurope.org.This is the 289th 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Today's episode is a a mix of light and dark. We first dive into answering one of your questions about what God has been teaching us lately. We discuss some hard things we've been experiencing such as self-reflection, rejection, and conviction. We share two stories from our Anabaptist heritage that will hopefully strenghthen your faith. BUT . . . stick around til the end as we jump on the fun "unfortunately I" trend. Discover some of our guilty pleasures and see if you relate with any of them as a homemaker! So glad you're here today! Spread the word and share with a friend.A huge thank-you to our sponsors!Voetberg Music Academy:Use our code HOMEMAKER20 to get 20% off every month your family is enrolled and learn music in a way that sticks.https://www.voetbergmusicacademy.com/Watch our first 3 seasons: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqdjqwDnpIMx_GhVzCWsT4LF-1EsRhwJm&si=8hmyDW0lI4-yWhQ-Please subscribe! You can also find this podcast on Spotify and iTunes!Megan's vest: https://amzn.to/42C7S0RJayna's vest: https://amzn.to/3KODaLMMegan's skirt:https://collabs.shop/jvg3ftCookie recipe: https://share.google/sWVKBYWHvqYz6uyEuTry out Hello Fresh:https://www.hellofresh.com/freebox/MzM4Mzg5ODEzLTAtNC0xNi1VUwSong we were referring to: https://youtu.be/vtQoccaOTdA?si=Q5g_fTzOE4KFqiiiShop Megan's lifestyle brand FoxSparrow over at www.meganfoxunlocked.comShop Megan's Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/meganfoxunlockedShop Jayna's Amazon Storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/jaynalynnhandmade?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_aipsfshop_aipsfjaynalynnhandmade_8JT0JHV8AH0KP8VJX5XN&language=en_USSign up for Scribd: (audiobook library): https://www.scribd.com/gitx/a33qb4(If you use this link you'll get a free month trial!)Chairs: https://www.walmart.com/ip/SINGES-Acc...Wallpaper: https://glnk.io/4x0x0/meganfoxunlockedgmailcomUse code MEGAN35Lamp: https://amzn.to/46Dyuy7Mustard throw: (the softest thing you've ever felt!) https://amzn.to/39CgZG2Contact/Collab: meganfoxunlocked@gmail.comP.O. BOX- send us some mail!P.O. BOX 9Akron, PA 17501Follow us on Instagram:Honey I'm Homemaker: https://www.instagram.com/honeyimhomemaker/ Megan: https://www.instagram.com/meganfoxunlocked/Jayna: https://www.instagram.com/jaynaburkholder/Megan's Business: https://www.instagram.com/shopfoxsparrow/Jayna's Business: https://www.instagram.com/jaynalynnhandmade/0:00 Top secret shennanigans5:20 Does a new kitchen make your food taste better? 10:20 Is Christianity old-fashioned17:00 How much are we a part of this world?19:00 A priest who didn't read his Bible22:20 A fugitive saves his persuer 24:20 Willing to do the small things for God29:30 Miscarriage after miscarriage 33:50 Unfortunately I love . . . Some links are affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my channel!Music from YouTube and Epidemic Sound

On this episode Dan and Kevin cover: Dwarf Metal, a programming note, The Long Walk, fast food, The Saxons, The Franks, Vestial Virgins, grounding, Moesha, phasing out, Anabaptist, beastiality, war time, accidents, a bad radio voice, the process, safety coffins, and much, much more!!Please like, subscribe, and follow where ever you listen.The Beard StrugglePodUp!PatreonMerchBuy Us A CoffeeYouTubeInstagramBlue SkyTiktokThe Sassholes Insta!!Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/curiosityLicense code: 7QU9IW0B2IJBFZJYMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/christian-larssen/suburban-honeymoonLicense code: 1OKNVEXYPW8QAYSHMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/bass-vibesLicense code: YYUZSRCQDGQROBB4Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/kick-backLicense code: QMHHB6U0M6H9WWENRead lessMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/tickling-the-ivoriesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Sign-up for our monthly email newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Sermon / Reflections Richard Beyler, Lisa Hughes, Janna Moats

Doug Kaufman directs the Anabaptist Climate Collaborative, an organization that leads climate justice initiatives from an Anabaptist faith perspective. Doug and his team support Mennonite and other Anabaptist churches, helping to build networks, train leaders, and empower climate-related initiatives. Doug describes environmental work as a form of peacemaking, a way of countering the slow violence of actions that cause and exacerbate climate change. Thanks to Doug for geeking out with me on theology and offering some glimpses of Mennonite climate work.Explore some of Doug's writing on climate advocacy here.In this episode, we highlight several Anabaptist faith communities who are pursuing climate justice through simple, sustainable living:* The Taftsville Chapel and their climate initiative called the Schoolhouse for Simple Living* Doug's “Mennonite cookbook canon”:* More-with-Less Cookbook by Doris Longacre* Simply in Season by Mary Beth Lind and Cathleen Hockman-Wert* Extending the Table by Joetta Handrich Schlabach* Sustainable Kitchen by Heather Wolfe and Jaynie McCloskey This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com

Hey friend — I wanted to share a short, personal reflection on Charlie Kirk and why I think Christians need to stop being quiet about public life. He combined sharp knowledge of current events with a deep biblical grounding, and that kind of clear, respectful engagement is exactly what our Gen Z kids are asking for. Growing up Anabaptist taught me the tension between church and state, but now I think we should lovingly step into the conversation, do Matthew 25 in our communities, and model calm, informed debate. I hope this sparks you to join the conversation and helps "relish" the chance to make faith matter in public life.

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 lives: Lesvos WoodcraftSpecial thanks to Credo Schloss Unspunnen for the filming location and hospitality. This episode was recorded at the Kingdom Connect Conference in Switzerland; find more information at https://kingdomconnecteurope.org.This is the 287th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.This is the xxxth 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

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 relationships in her life.Vince's StoryThis shorter clip tells of his conversion and their remarriage. This is the 286th 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

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 use us in an out-of-control world?Facing Leviathan by Mark SayersThis is the 285th 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

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 documentary series. More videos in the series will publish hereMore on Michael SattlerFull text of the Schleitheim Confession on The Dock for LearningThis is the 284th 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

What happens when the church trades the way of Jesus for the way of empire? In this episode of Shifting Culture, I talk with theologian and activist Drew Hart about his latest book, Making It Plain. We trace the long history of Christendom, the Doctrine of Discovery, and the legacies of white supremacy that continue to shape American Christianity today. But this isn't just a conversation about what went wrong. Drew offers a hopeful vision he calls Anablactivism - a merging of Anabaptist discipleship and the prophetic witness of the Black church. Together we explore how these traditions, born on the underside of oppression, can help us recover a faith that looks like Jesus: rooted in solidarity, committed to justice, and pursuing God's Shalom in our neighborhoods and the world. If you've wrestled with Christian nationalism, wondered how to disentangle faith from power, or longed for a discipleship that takes Jesus seriously, this conversation will both challenge and inspire you.Rev. Dr. Drew G. I. Hart is an associate professor of theology at Messiah University where he has directed the Thriving Together: Congregations for Racial Justice program in central PA since 2021. He co-hosts Inverse Podcast with Australian peace activist Jarrod McKenna and is the author of Trouble I've Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism (2016), Who Will Be A Witness?: Igniting Activism for God's Justice, Love, and Deliverance (2020), and he co-edited and contributed to Reparations and the Theological Disciplines: Prophetic Voices for Remembrance, Reckoning, and Repair (Nov. 2023). His newest book is Making It Plain: Why We Need Anabaptism and the Black Church (September 2, 2025). Drew regularly speaks at colleges, conferences, churches, and community groups across the country. He is married to Renee and is the father of three sons.Drew's Book:Making it PlainDrew's Recommendations:God's Apocalyptic InsurrectionThe Lamb of the FreeSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowThe Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

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 283rd 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Luke 10: 25-28 This week volunteers from the RMC congregation shared dramatic readings, acting out some of the experiences of the founding figures in Anabaptist/Mennonite history that suffered persecution and even martyrdom. This continues our series celebrating 500 years of Anabaptism. The sincere faith and devotion of these individuals to Anabaptist principles are a source of inspiration and encouragement, despite woes and troubles, to follow the path of love set before us by the example of Christ.

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 YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Sign-up for our monthly email newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

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 in enemy love and nonresistance. He then joined the Anabaptists, leaving the military after a career of 40 years. Book about Vince LewisThis is the 281st 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

New York Times bestselling and multi-award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. Wanda's written more than 100 books, with over 12 million copies sold, and her work has been translated into 4 languages. Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists.  Wanda's ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are read and trusted by many Amish people, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the Amish and their customs.  Martha Bolton is a prolific author of 89 books, a nominee for an Emmy, Writers Guild Award, and Dove Award, and a co-author of three NY Times bestselling books. She was also Bob Hope's first full-time female staff writer and wrote for his primetime TV specials as well as during 15 years of his personal appearances and special events, penning lines for a virtual Who's Who in entertainment, sports, and politics. She also co-authored the award-winning Dear Bob...Bob Hope's Wartime Correspondence with the GIs of WW2.Martha's stage work includes writing the script for the musical “The Confession,” based on Beverly Lewis' bestselling Confession trilogy. She also co-wrote “Half-Stitched” with director/composer Wally Nason, which is based on Wanda's bestselling book The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club. Martha also wrote the shows Josiah for President and The Home Game for Blue Gate Musicals, both of which have accompanying novels written by Martha.Wanda and Martha collaborated on their recently released book, The Rise and Fall of Miss Fanny's Biscuits: A Cozy Amish Mystery, which I've had the pleasure to read and can tell you it's an absolute gem of a mystery novel. If you like clever stories set in a world that I think most folks don't know in detail, then I highly recommend Miss Fannie's Biscuits to you.  Of note, The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits has also been adapted into a stage musical. 

In this Freedom Fest 2025 presentation, The Anarchist Anabaptist author Cody Cook explores the historical and philosophical alignment between Christian principles and libertarian anarchism. Rooted in the early church's and 16th-century Anabaptism's rejection of state violence and coerced faith, the talk highlights shared values like voluntaryism, nonviolence, and decentralization. Despite tensions, such as differing views on self-defense and capitalism, these traditions mutually enrich each other. The speaker encourages studying Anabaptist communities as models of voluntary societies and promotes their books.Watch LCI's whole presentation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4t4Lb61Cfzw?si=uXu1-xRSyWN6iA5fAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

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 retellingStrength2StrengthThis is the 280th 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 newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

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 thought.Our interview with Allen Roth on church plantingSign-up for our monthly email newsletter which contains new and featured content!Join us on Patreon or become a website partner to enjoy bonus content!Visit our YouTube channel or connect 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 at anabaptistperspectives.org.The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.