Postmodernity creates opportunity for Mennonites to develop own theology

Anabaptist Theology in Face of Postmodernity: A Proposal for the Third Millennium J. Denny Weaver. Telford, Pa.: Pandora Press U.S., 2001, 219 pp.

In this well researched and argued book, the second in the C. Henry Smith Series, Weaver presents a critique of the commonly held assumption that Mennonite theology is appropriately built on a general theology derived from mainline Christendom. He argues that the realities of Postmodernity have destroyed the credibility of a general theology and created, in its place, an openness to (and acceptance of) numerous specific theologies; thus, providing one of the greatest opportunities in several centuries to envision the church specifically shaped by the story of Jesus.

Weaver states that Mennonite theology can now, in light of postmodern realities, assert itself on equal footing with the theology of Christendom. Consequently, he suggests the development of a specific theology unique to an Anabaptist reading of Scripture. He argues that a theology in general begins with a theology that has already made non-violence peripheral – an unacceptable position for Mennonite believers. His argument is strong, making use of a wealth of past and present Mennonite scholarship.

He stresses that to work with an Anabaptist core theology that depends on the presumed universality of Christendom’s credal theology is to work out of the assumptions of modernity. Weaver believes that we misinterpret Anabaptists when we interpret them only in terms of their use of theological categories inherited from Christendom. The realities of Postmodernity permit the Mennonite community, despite its relative small size, to decide and discern as a unique people what is central to their faith.

Weaver’s work breaks fresh ground in proposing a new grid through which Mennonites can both view and develop their theology. He parallels some of the work of black and woman theologians to Mennonite theologizing in ways that are provocative and insightful. In posing an alternative to the theology of Christendom, Weaver calls for a departing from the theological method of Christendom and for the continued development of a particular Mennonite theology shaped by the story of Jesus.

Cal Bergen was senior pastor at Fort Garry MB Church and is now part of the church planting team Faithworks in Winnipeg.