Anabaptist Perspectives
Religion & Spirituality
About
Providing Anabaptist insight and teaching through videos, podcasts, and our website.
Episodes
- The Human Way God Gave Us the Bible. What About the Apocrypha? - Stephen Russell
Stephen Russell examines the historical process by which the Bible was formed, addressing questions about its accuracy, completeness, and the inclusion of the Apocrypha.
- The Rich Sacramental Theology of Persecuted Anabaptists (While Reformation Wars Raged) - Dean Taylor
Dean Taylor explains the Anabaptist theology of sacraments during the Reformation, highlighting how their beliefs differed from Catholic and Protestant teachings, often resulting in persecution. This episode is number 317 of the Anabaptist…
- An Anabaptist Defense of Dispensationalism (You Don’t Have to Be Zionist) - Julian Stoltzfus
Julian Stoltzfus argues that God has specific future plans for ethnic Israel involving a revival of faith in Christ, distinct from political support for the current Israeli nation-state. This episode explores the fulfillment of promises to…
- Why I Left the Catholics, and How We Misunderstand Them - Stephen Russell
Stephen Russell, a former Roman Catholic with priestly ambitions, discusses his reasons for leaving Catholicism for Anabaptism. He clarifies key Catholic doctrines like prayer to saints and the Eucharist, highlighting areas where he believ…
- Early Church Texts Led Me to Adopt, then Reject, Infant Baptism - David Bercot
David Bercot explains his change of view on infant baptism, detailing how his study of early church texts, including Origen's Commentaries on Romans, led him to reject the practice he once upheld as an Anglican priest.
- Shamanism, Drugs, Atheism, and Finding God in China - Nils
Nils recounts his early life in the Netherlands, marked by atheism, drugs, and the occult, and contrasts it with his eventual redemption and finding of God while living in Shanghai, China. His spiritual journey spanned across two continent…
- Communism’s “Utopia” Couldn’t Fill the Void. Neither Could Capitalism. - Saimir Braho
Saimir Braho recounts his life under Albania's extreme Communist regime and his eventual turn to faith, highlighting the failures of atheistic worldviews and humanity's need for God.
- Why America is at War with Iran, the End Times, and the Quran - Chris Stoltzfus
Chris Stoltzfus shares insights on the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran, discussing historical context and offering guidance on prayer and engagement with Muslims. This episode is part of the Anabaptist Perspectives series, which expl…
- Did God Authorize America to Wreak Vengeance on the World? - Marlin Sommers and Jaran Miller
Jaran and Marlin explore how Anabaptists should engage with current events and earthly kingdoms, referencing Romans 13 and discussing US actions in Venezuela. The episode examines differing views on nonresistance and divine justice.
- Extend Your Tables into the Wilderness of the World - Bryant Martin
Bryant Martin explores the theology and practice of hospitality as effective ministry, sharing ways to create welcoming spaces for others. He founded Sowers Harvest Cafe and discusses reaching a hopeless world.
- What the Early Church Taught on Sacraments (what the sources say) - Dean Taylor
Dean Taylor examines historical Anabaptist perspectives on baptism and the Eucharist, drawing connections between early church teachings and modern application.
- 40 Years Inside America’s Military-Industrial Complex (I Had Above “Top Secret” Clearance) - Vince Lewis
Vince Lewis shares his experiences within the U.S. military-industrial system, including 26 years as an Air Force officer and 14 years in defense weapons development. He discusses his eventual shift in perspective regarding war and Christi…
- Mennonite Communion Anxiety: Causes and Solutions - Marlin Sommers and Verlon Miller
Verlon Miller and Marlin Sommers explore the causes of anxiety surrounding communion in Mennonite churches and offer solutions, explaining traditional observations and encouraging a joyful approach to the Lord's Supper.
- Jesus Didn’t Invent “Kingdom of God” in 30 A.D. What Did It Mean Before? - Paul Lamicela
In episode 305, Paul Lamicela discusses the multifaceted meaning of the 'kingdom of God,' arguing against oversimplification. He traces its significance through Scripture, from Old Testament saints to the early church and its relevance tod…
- Life, Death, Chemo, and Cancer - Arvin Martin
Arvin Martin shares his personal experience with cancer, exploring themes of God's love and care amidst the suffering it causes. This episode is part of the Anabaptist Perspectives series.
- Anabaptists and the Sacraments: It’s Complicated! - Dean Taylor
Dean Taylor returns to Anabaptist Perspectives to discuss the Anabaptist view of sacraments, exploring historical debates and their implications for contemporary church practices.
- I Grew Up in the North Korea of Europe - Saimir Braho
Saimir Braho shares his life story, detailing his upbringing in Communist Albania, a nation once called Europe's "North Korea" due to its strict isolation. He describes the religious repression under the regime and his eventual embrace of…
- The Nicene Creed Guards the Bedrock of Our Faith - Stephen Russell
This episode of Anabaptist Perspectives features Stephen Russell explaining the origins and importance of the Nicene Creed over its 1700-year history. Russell advocates for its continued use in Christian faith and churches, drawing paralle…
- Islam Explained by a Former Muslim - John Ghanim
John Ghanim, born into a Muslim family in Yemen, shares his journey leaving Islam and fleeing the country. In this episode, he explains Muslim beliefs, offers strategies for outreach to Muslims, and details his reasons for viewing Islam as…
- I Came to Christ. My Hippie Husband Was Indifferent - Heiko and Sabine Klien
Heiko and Sabine Klien recount their paths to faith in Christ, highlighting the impact of encountering Christian love and the transformative power of Scripture in their lives and marriage. The episode was recorded at the Kingdom Connect Co…
- I Grew Up in a Mennonite Church but Missed the Point - Sam Baer
Sam Baer recounts his experience of growing up Mennonite, leaving Christianity, and his eventual return to faith in Christ, including rejoining the church. The episode was recorded at the Kingdom Connect Conference in Switzerland.
- Redeeming the World Instead of Preserving America - Bryant Martin
Bryant Martin explores how to engage with political topics from an Anabaptist perspective, emphasizing nonviolent community service over government participation and addressing the concept of a "Christian nation." The episode discusses ove…
- We Lost All Faith Under Communism. The Sermon on the Mount Brought Me Back - Zoltan Dohi
Zoltan Dohi recounts growing up in the Eastern Bloc where Christianity was persecuted, leading to a loss of faith. He rediscovered faith through the principles of the Sermon on the Mount, eventually leading him to read the Bible and find i…
- No, the Early Church Did Not Teach Penal Substitutionary Atonement - David Bercot
David Bercot examines early church writers and argues they did not teach penal substitutionary atonement (PSA). He suggests PSA is a modern interpretation imposed on historical texts, contrasting it with the beliefs of the ante-Nicene Fath…
- Walking Minefields Is My Ministry — Removing Landmines from Farmers’ Fields - Jared
Jared details his ministry of clearing landmines from agricultural areas, viewing it as a practical expression of Christ's love and the principle of loving one's enemies. This work aligns with the biblical concept of transforming implement…
- Mennonite Confessions of Faith: 1921 vs 1963 vs 1964 - Edsel Burdge
Edsel Burdge examines Mennonite confessions of faith from 1921, 1963, and 1964. The episode covers the background, writers, and community reception of these theological statements.
- I Thought Christianity Was for Weak Minded People - Christina Baer
Christina Baer recounts her path to Christianity from a secular upbringing, influenced by the Bible and believers. She discusses joining the church and the communal aspects of faith, in this 292nd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives.
- New Age Spiritualist Encounters the Power of Jesus’ Name Over Hauntings and Spirits -Enda
This episode features Enda, who shares his experiences in the New Age spiritualism movement and involvement in dark activities. He explains his eventual turn to Christianity, detailing how he left his former worldview and embraced the Gosp…
- Spiritual Warfare Is More Than Just Rebuking Satan - Rick Rhodes
Rick Rhodes shares principles for Christian spiritual warfare, addressing its nature, appropriate engagement, and effects on daily life on episode 290 of Anabaptist Perspectives.
- I Grew Up as a Muslim in Yemen. This Is Why I Left Islam. - John Ghanim
John Ghanim recounts his experience growing up in a conservative Muslim family in Yemen. He shares his journey of developing doubts about Islam during his pilgrimage to Mecca, fleeing Yemen, encountering Christianity in Europe, and ultimat…
- War is Evil. Former B-52 Bomber Pilot Explains Why. - Vince Lewis
Vince Lewis, a former B-52 bomber pilot and USAF officer, shares his journey to Anabaptist nonresistance after leaving the Air Force. He explains the doctrine of nonresistance and its significance for Christian beliefs.
- I Started a Business in Greece to Help Refugees Begin a New Life - Randall Graber
Randall Graber shares his experience moving to Greece to assist refugees by establishing the business Lesvos Woodcraft, which provides employment opportunities and aids in rebuilding lives. He discusses cultural integration and the challen…
- I Divorced My Husband, But God Rebuilt Our Marriage - Charlette Lewis
Charlette Lewis recounts her experience as a military wife, her decision to divorce, and how she later found Christ, leading to the restoration of her marriage and family. This episode is the 286th of Anabaptist Perspectives.
- Facing Leviathan: Dealing With the Chaotic & Unpredictable - Kyle Stoltzfus
This episode of Anabaptist Perspectives features Kyle Stoltzfus discussing how Christians can respond to the chaos and uncertainty of the modern world, such as through war, disease, and natural disasters. The discussion is informed by Mark…
- The 7 Articles that Defined the Peaceful Radical Reformation - Stephen Russell & Dean Taylor
This episode of Anabaptist Perspectives features Stephen Russell and Dean Taylor discussing the Schleitheim Confession, the first Anabaptist statement of faith from 1527. They examine its content, historical importance, and lasting influen…
- Why Jesus Does Not Let Us Take (any) Oaths - Zach Johnson
Zach Johnson explores Jesus' injunction against taking oaths, referencing personal experiences and historical Anabaptist confessions. He encourages listeners to abstain from oaths in all aspects of life.
- Confessing Your Sin Will Bring Healing - Dwight Peavy
Dwight Peavy recounts his personal journey from being trapped in sin and on the brink of despair to experiencing salvation and a life of fellowship through God's intervention. This episode discusses addiction and mutual support within the…
- How I Became a Vietnam War Bomber Pilot and How Christ Redeemed Me - Vince Lewis, Ret. Lt. Col, USAF
Lt. Col. Vince Lewis, a 24-year USAF veteran and Vietnam War pilot, discusses his transition from military service to Anabaptist nonresistance after embracing Christianity. He commanded a B-52 and held top security clearance before dedicat…
- Peter Called Lot Righteous. Why Don’t We? - Glenn Martin
Glenn Martin discusses the biblical figure Lot, whose righteousness is affirmed by the apostle Peter. Martin shares research that suggests a potentially overlooked perspective on Lot and the biblical narrative, as presented on the Anabapti…
- 28 Years as an Amish-Mennonite Pastor in Ireland - Dan Yoder
Dan Yoder reflects on his 28 years serving as an Amish-Mennonite pastor in Ireland, detailing the lessons learned and specific challenges encountered during his mission and church planting work in a cross-cultural environment.
- What to Do When We Disagree with an Early Church Father? - Kyle Stoltzfus
Episode 278 of Anabaptist Perspectives features Kyle Stoltzfus discussing how to approach early church writings and address disagreements with church fathers. The episode examines the proper engagement with these historical texts.
- Yes, the Early Church Taught Penal Substitutionary Atonement - Dean Taylor
Dean Taylor contends that early church texts demonstrate the presence of penal substitutionary atonement, alongside Christus Victor. He specifically examines the writings of Origen, Eusebius, and Chrysostom, suggesting that Anabaptists hav…
- Rapture, Tribulation, Millennium: What Does Revelation Teach?
This episode of Anabaptist Perspectives features Paul Lamicela discussing the Book of Revelation. He addresses audience questions, clarifying concepts such as the rapture, tribulation, and millennium.
- What Happened to the Anabaptists that Didn’t Leave Europe?
In episode 275 of Anabaptist Perspectives, Yuriy Kravets shares insights into Anabaptist history, focusing on those who did not leave Europe and those who fled persecution to the East. The discussion explores the scattering of Anabaptists…
- My Experience with Teacher Burnout (And How to Avoid It)
Ruth Anna Kuhns shares her personal experience with teacher burnout, offering tools to promote sustainable teaching and reduce turnover. This episode, the 274th of Anabaptist Perspectives, emphasizes the benefits of thriving teachers for c…
- Why I Left the Army and What I’ve Learned Since Then
Tania Taylor shares her experiences enlisting in the US Army with her husband, their subsequent embrace of nonresistance and enemy love during the Cold War, and their decision to seek conscientious objector status. She recounts her childho…
- Gospel Allegiance Calls Us Beyond the Salvation Wars
Matthew Bates proposes translating the biblical term 'faith' as 'allegiance' to better represent its relational meaning and connection to Jesus as King. This perspective emphasizes the gospel as a proclamation of kingship and faith as a re…
- Why I Could No Longer Serve My Anglican Parish in the UK
Hew Gregory-Smith, a former Anglican vicar from the UK, shares his personal testimony about encountering challenges to his beliefs, which led him to explore Anabaptist teachings and eventually join a Mennonite church in Ireland.
- Do Anabaptists Affirm Early Church Creeds?
Jaran, Marlin, and Reagan discuss the Anabaptist engagement with the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed, addressing listener questions about what early Anabaptists believed regarding these creeds.
- I Survived the Vietnam War, Now I’m Enlisted with Jesus
Fred Saldana, a US Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, discusses his experiences in combat, his struggle with trauma, his conversion to Christianity, and his eventual adoption of the belief in nonresistance.