Anabaptism at 500
Join us in spring 2025 as we look back at 500 years of Anabaptism with readers theatre,
an early Anabaptist Bible exhibit, book celebrations and much more.
Recordings of past events
Micah Dodson ’27, Bill Hanefeld, Jr. ’05, Dr. Melissa Friesen, Dr. Paul Neufeld Weaver
’81 and Deborah Yoder ’23 participated in a panel discussion of Anabaptism in the
faith journeys of Bluffton University faculty, staff, students and alumni. Jan. 28,
2025
“Becoming Anabaptist: Personal Faith Stories and Reflections”
Dr. Gerald J. Mast presented Bible reading and discussion practices among the earliest
Anabaptist Bible circles. Feb. 7, 2025
“The Bible and Anabaptist Beginnings”
Dr. John D. Roth, spoke on the Catholic and Protestant influences on Anabaptist biblical
interpretation. March 9, 2025
“The Role of the Bible in the Early Anabaptist Movement”
Dr. John D. Roth, shared opportunities for celebration and repentance during Anabaptism
at 500 and lessons from the Lutheran/Mennonite dialogue. March 9, 2025
“Repentance as Good News”
Dr. John D. Roth, Dr. Gerald J. Mast, Dr. Raymond F. Person, Lydia Brenneman and Rev.
Carrie Mast ’95 reflected on their involvement in compiling the Anabaptist Community
Bible. March 9, 2025
“Anabaptist Community Bible Book Celebration”
Eric Kurtz explored the significance of Mennonite Central Committee in the Anabaptist
story. March 11, 2025
“Seeking Peace in Challenging Times: Lessons for Today from Mennonite Central Committee”
Carrie Phillips discussed early Anabaptist Bibles in Bluffton’s Mennonite historical
collections along with the activities by which she introduces students to the material
culture of these Bibles. March 14, 2025
“Early Anabaptist Bibles in the Musselman Library Historical Collections”
Dr. John D. Roth asks what it means to live a good life from the perspective of Christian
faith as expressed in the Anabaptist tradition. March 18, 2025
“What is the Good Life? Insights from 500 Years of Anabaptism”
Bluffton-connected poets Dr.Jeff Gundy, Sheri Hostetler, Carita Keim, and Dr. Shannon
McKeehan who contributed to the new devotional book Drawing Near joined us along with
co-editor Dr. John D. Roth to celebrate the book’s release by reading and reflecting
on their work. March 23, 2025
“Book Celebration: Drawing Near”
Pastor, philosopher, and publisher Rev. Dr. Maxwell Kennel advocated for an Anabaptist
spiritual and social posture of faithful dissent that is persistently self-critical.
March 25,025
“Bound to Remember: 500 Years of Anabaptist Critique”
Math professor Dr. Steve Harnish explored the Anabaptist roots and Bluffton College
ties of quantum physicist and 1927 Nobel Prize winner Arthur Holly Compton. March
28, 2025
“The Mennonite and the Quantum Physicist, An Early Slice of Bluffton College History”
Theatre professor Dr. Melissa Friesen directed this readers’ theatre performance about
early Anabaptist dissenter Jacques d’Auchy’s confrontation with the Spanish Inquisition
in 1559. April 13, 2025
“I Have Not Forsaken the Word of God”
Camille Lively, director of music, First Mennonite Church directed a choral concert
focused on Anabaptist music.
“Five Centuries of Anabaptist Singing—a Musical Odyssey”
Communication professor Dr. Gerald Mast discussed the writings of early Anabaptist leader Menno Simons, focusing on Simons’ theological
critiques and his vision for a nonviolent, alternative Christian community. Sept. 29, 2025
"Shunning Babylon: Menno Simons' Critique of Christian Empire"
These events made possible with the generous support of Lowell and Marty Hostetler.