Roth explores future of Christian denominations through Afternoon Sabbatical, Feb. 12

GOSHEN, Ind. – John D. Roth, Goshen College professor of history and editor of “Mennonite Quarterly Review,” believes the Christian church is changing in a significant way and will discuss his ideas in a lecture called, “Boundaries and bridges: Do denominations have a future?” as part of the Afternoon Sabbatical series on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. in the Music Center’s Sauder Concert Hall.

Lecture: Afternoon Sabbatical – “Boundaries and bridges: Do denominations have a future?” by Goshen College Professor of History John D. Roth
Date and time: Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 1 p.m.
Location: Sauder Concert Hall, Goshen College Music Center
Cost: Free and open to the public
For more information: Call College Relations (574) 535-7565 or e-mail edutravel@goshen.edu

Religious sociologists, according to Roth, have long noted a steady decline in denominational loyalty, especially among the mainline Protestant churches. Whether measured in membership numbers, financial contributions, understanding of distinctive beliefs or trust in institutional leadership, all of the indicators suggest that traditional denominational structures are in the midst of a profound change.

As Roth sees it, a growing number of people are willing to say, “I’m a Christian in a generic sense,” but do not want to claim any sort of particular tradition. Roth’s presentation will raise questions such as: What are we to make of this development? Should the loss of denominational identity be celebrated, lamented or reversed? “I think it’s as basic as ‘what image do you have in your mind when you think of your denomination in relation to the broader Christian world?’” he said. “I find it very interesting that the traditional structures for organized religious life are changing and I’d like to give a context that I hope will elicit perspectives and opinions from the group.”

Many of the ideas he hopes to present come from taking part in recent ecumenical discussions between Mennonites and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Over the years, Roth has participated in numerous conversations with historians and theologians from other Christian traditions, especially Catholics, Reformed, Pentecostal and, most recently, with the “Emergent” church. Roth would like to "broaden conversation about these questions with people beyond the Mennonite Church and outside the academic world.” This Afternoon Sabbatical will include an emphasis on discussion with and response from the audience.

Some of the ideas presented and resulting from this ongoing discussion on the meaning of denominations will contribute to the book that Roth is working on, “Practices.” It will be part three of his collection on Anabaptist faith. The first two parts were books published by Herald Press, titled “Stories” (2006) and “Beliefs” (2005). He is also the author of “Choosing Against War: A Christian View” (Herald Press, 2002) and director of the Mennonite Historical Library.

Future events in the 2007-08 Afternoon Sabbatical series:

• March 11, 1 p.m., “Men Making Music” with Goshen College Men’s Chorus and Ensembles.
• April 15, noon, College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall, “International Luncheon: Cambodia” with Keith Graber Miller, professor of Bible, religion and philosophy and his wife Ann with whom he led the first SST unit to Cambodia. Cost: $20
• May 20 – Spring bus trip to South Bend, Ind. Cost: TBA

Goshen College is celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the Afternoon Sabbatical. A committee of area representatives and college personnel consider the knowledge and talent at Goshen College and among Elkhart County citizens and aim to select programs that will appeal to a wide variety of interests. The program began and continues from the idea that people can use a sabbatical from their daily lives to refresh their minds and spirits.

For more information on the Afternoon Sabbatical series or to register for an event, call the Goshen College Relations Office at (574) 535-7565 or e-mail edutravel@goshen.edu.

– By Kelli Yoder

Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.

###

Goshen College, established in 1894, is a residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college’s Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron’s Best Buys in Education, “Colleges of Distinction,” “Making a Difference College Guide” and U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” edition, which named Goshen a “least debt college.” Visit www.goshen.edu.