July 14, 2008
My PhD mentor, Dave Black, has told us why he loves the Anabaptists in an essay called appropriately “Why I Love the Anabaptists“. I’ve noticed some of the items on his list as I’ve been reading some Anabaptist writings as well. I think the most important aspect of their writings to me is that they do not separate life into the secular realm and the spiritual realm. “Holiness” and “worship” are not just for church meetings for the Anabaptists. Similarly, “grace” is not just for salvation, but it represents a way of life – living in God’s grace and offering his grace to others.
Yes, I disagree with some of the Anabaptists at certain points. But, I’m encouraged by their desire to live out their faith day by day – both with other believers and among the world.
Related posts:
Any good works on the Anabaptist?
Lionel,
One good book about the Anabaptists would be Verduin’s The Reformers and Their Stephchildren. Lately I’ve been reading some of the writings of the Anabaptists themselves, but Verduin’s book is a good place to start.
-Alan