Mennonite theologian explores foundations of classical Christian thought

Mennonites and Classical Theology: Dogmatic Foundations for Christian Ethics A. James Reimer. Kitchener, Ont.: Pandora Press & Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2001. 650 pp. $65.00.

In Mennonites and Classical Theology, Mennonite theologian James Reimer presents “a kind of intellectual autobiography” spanning over 20 years. This collection of previously published essays offers the reader an opportunity to gain insight into the developing thought of a leading contemporary Mennonite scholar. Reimer engages a series of conversation partners ranging from philosophers George Grant and Martin Heidegger to Mennonite theologians John Howard Yoder and Gordon Kaufman. These conversations are part of his quest to engage the “classical imagination” in the course of Mennonite theologizing. Reimer studies modern and postmodern theology as a Mennonite seeking to adopt the classical creeds and wisdom of early Christian thought.

Reimer is guided by “three theological facts”: (the evangelical fact) one’s need of forgiveness and a personal encounter with God; (the Anabaptist–Mennonite fact) the importance of moral and ethical obedience to Scripture and Jesus’ teachings: and (the Roman Catholic fact) a respect for the larger elements of religious life, including its traditional, sacramental and mystical dimensions. This latter emphasis supports his desire not so much to develop a Mennonite theology as to contribute to the larger historical and ecumenical structure of Christian theology.

Reimer also provides insight into a wide range of topics, including “the modern university”, spiritual warfare”, “angels, demons and the Holy Spirit” and “homosexuality”. In all of this, he is not building a system of Christian ethics but rather is seeking to gather the foundational stones from classical Christian thought upon which Mennonite ethics may stand. Mennonites and Classical Theology is well worth the attention of anyone who shares Reimer’s passion.

Gerry Ediger teaches Christian history at Canadian Mennonite University and is a member of McIvor Ave. MB Church in Winnipeg.