Roth to sign new book, ‘Beliefs: Mennonite Faith and Practice,’ at local store March 12
GOSHEN, Ind. – Ask any person randomly on the sidewalk – outside of Elkhart County – what they know about the Mennonites and chances are their answer will include Mormons, black clothes and buggies, or general confusion.
In the new book by Goshen College Professor of History John D. Roth, “Beliefs: Mennonite Faith and Practice” (Herald Press, 2005), the confusion is dispelled with clear and engaging language as Roth gives a brief account of what Mennonites believe today. From the beginnings of the Anabaptist (or Mennonite) movement in the 16th century, to biblical interpretation, baptism, understandings of the church, ethics and the complex question of denominationalism, Roth provides a solid framework for on-going conversations about faithful discipleship in the Mennonite church today.
In addition to teaching at Goshen College, Roth also serves as director of the Mennonite Historical Library and editor of “Mennonite Quarterly Review.” He has edited and authored several books, including “Choosing Against War: A Christian View” and “Engaging Anabaptism: Conversations with a Radical Tradition.”
Local readers will be able to purchase and have their copy of “Beliefs” signed by Roth on Saturday, March 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Provident Bookstore in Goshen. The cost of the book is $9.99.
“Beliefs” has already received praise from scholars. Theologian Stanley Hauerwas from Duke Divinity School said, “John Roth has written a wonderful introduction to Mennonite life and theology. With admirable candor he exposes the controverted and undecided aspects of Mennonite ecclesial practices and theology. This book will serve not only to introduce Mennonite life to Mennonites but to anyone wanting to know what makes Mennonites Mennonites.”
Goshen College, established in 1894, is a four-year 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 https://www.goshen.edu/.
Editors: For more information, contact News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.