Finding home

Between Worlds: Reflections of a Soviet-born Canadian Mennonite Harry Loewen. Pandora Press, 2006.

Perhaps what makes autobiography interesting is that we discover, as we read, that we are not alone.

The first section of Harry Loewen’s autobiography gives a brief overview of Russian–Mennonite history and then describes a difficult childhood in Russia during the Stalin years. Many will identify with the Loewen family’s struggle to survive, escape to Germany, and eventually find a home in Canada, all of it accompanied by risk, violence, betrayal, and death.

Loewen writes about these years with a refreshing honesty and is unafraid to pay tribute to strong women who had to make compromises to keep their families alive. Six-year-old Harry’s childhood innocence was shattered when he witnessed his father being taken away by the secret police. His father’s last words to him were, “You are the oldest, be good to Mother and help her as much as you can.” In the absence of any organized church, Harry learned the Christian faith at home. He was inspired by his mother’s indomitable spirit.

The second section tells of discovering Mennonite roots, a sense of belonging in Canada, and a love of studying and teaching. Harry Loewen’s love of learning took him through Coaldale MB Bible School, on to Mennonite Brethren Bible College, and culminated in a doctorate from the University of Waterloo. He taught at Wilfrid Laurier University and then, in 1978, was invited to become founding Chair of Mennonite Studies at the University of Winnipeg. In this role, Loewen fostered interest in Mennonite literature and history through writing and teaching.

Like many who came through the events of WWII in Europe, Loewen finds he has a broader worldview than those who passed these tumultuous years safely in Canada, as well as a deeper appreciation of his Mennonite heritage, which he calls “beautiful and important.” This theological perspective is reflected in the third section, which contains reflective essays on matters of vital concern to Loewen’s understanding of Anabaptist faith. He bemoans what he sees as the loss of the Anabaptist peace position, community building, and discipleship in favour of a tepid evangelicalism.

After an eventful career and raising three sons, Loewen and his wife Gertrude retired to Kelowna, B.C. Their home and most of his library burned to the ground during the wildfires of 2003. Once again, homelessness and the importance of home as the centre of one’s existence dominated their lives, though their loss was alleviated through the help and love of caring friends and family.

Many readers will enjoy this personal glimpse between worlds, as well as learning more about the Russian–Mennonite story.

Helen Rose Pauls is a member of Sardis Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C.