Previous | Next 

CURRENTLY IN BOOKS Mennonite statesman J. M. Klassen “David Toews Was Here 1870–1947” CURRENTLY IN BOOKS Mennonite leader’s faith, theology compatible with MBs Abe Dueck “J.J. Thiessen: A Leader For His Time” Short stuff

“I used to tell myself that Mennonite Brethren have not grown numerically because we embrace the notion of serious discipleship. Jesus Himself said that few would find the narrow way.  . . . Then I decided our problem is not with our theology, but the way we’ve chosen to live it out. As a body, many Mennonite Brethren have ignored or chucked elements of our Anabaptist distinctives for the sake of expediency and personal comfort. . . . These days I see an element of truth in both positions. But I see the locus of our problem as having a different origin: me. Mennonite Brethren have not grown because I have not done much to help. I haven’t moved beyond my comfort zone, haven’t enlarged my circle of friends, haven’t befriended many strangers. It has had little to do with my theology. It has to do with the condition of my heart. Truth be known, I don’t love my neighbour as myself – let alone as Jesus loves them.” —Don Ratzlaff, The Christian Leader, April, 1996

Previous | Next 

Last modified December 2, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.