Archives for September, 2010

New book offers first introduction to Amish spirituality and religious beliefs

On Oct. 2, 2006, the world was stunned by the killings of five Amish schoolgirls in a small schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pa. Within hours, the Amish community forgave the gunman and rallied around his family. It was an act of compassion and forgiveness so powerful, so unbelievable, and for many, so questionable that it led three authors who know the Amish well to write a book about the role of forgiveness in Amish culture, "Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy."

New book offers Burkholder’s essays on ‘prophetic peacemaking’

Goshen College Professor Emeritus of Religion J.R. Burkholder's life and work as ethicist, church leader and social change agent spanned and influenced dramatic changes in 20th-century Mennonite peace theology and ecumenical engagements. A collection of 30 of his most insightful essays on pacifism, patriotism, public witness, Mennonite ethics, health care, stewardship, vocation, service and other issues of discipleship have been collected and edited into the new book Prophetic Peacemaking (Herald Press).

Learning Arabic prepares Goshen students for semester in Egypt

As a group of 19 Goshen College students prepared to depart for a semester of study and service in Egypt on Sept. 2 -- the first time the college has sent a group to the Middle East -- President Jim Brenneman offered them words of encouragement: "This is a historic moment. A little over two years ago we had this dream that one day Goshen College students would be able to bridge that great divide between ... the Muslim and the Christian worlds. ... It's an opportunity of a lifetime for you all," he said. "As-salaamu Aleikum (Peace be unto you)." After a second, the group of students replied, "Wa-Aleikum As-salaam (And unto you, peace)."