Bluffton University

Anabaptism at 500

By commemorating Anabaptism at 500, Bluffton University reflected on its faith heritage as a Mennonite institution. Such reflection helped us explore the 2024-25 civic engagement theme of “Faith and Memory in Challenging Times;” strengthen our community’s commitment to our enduring values of discovery, community, service and respect; and contribute to the conversation at Bluffton about the distinct faith commitments and practices that will endure on the Bluffton campus.

Among the commemorative events were Forum presentations by Dr. John D. Roth, “What is the Good Life,” and Eric Kurtz, who shared the history of Mennonite Central Committee.

Dr. John Roth | “What is the Good Life?”

During Bluffton University’s Forum on Tuesday, March 18, Dr. John D. Roth, emeritus professor of history at Goshen College and project director of MennoMedia’s Anabaptism at 500 initiative, reflected on what tradition teaches us about life’s most challenging question: What is the Good Life?

“Human beings are created for relationships,” said Roth. ”At the core of our view, we yearn to live in intimacy, harmony, transparency and trust with God, each other and the natural world. That’s our deepest purpose in life, to live in love.”

Roth’s reflections were rooted in his own journey as a historian, emphasizing that history is not just a collection of facts but a map of human experience. He explained how understanding history helps us make sense of the present and navigate the challenges we face today.

“The good life is not just about personal fulfillment. It is about contributing to the healing of the world. It’s about making God’s love and truth visible in the world through acts of service, forgiveness and compassion.”

“What is the star that will orient your life?” asked Roth. “What will give your choices meaning, rather than just being impulsive or random? The good life is about aligning your life with what truly matters, and in the Anabaptist tradition, that means living a life of love, truth and healing.”

Roth offered a message of hope and encouragement to the next generation of leaders, urging them to take the time to ask the big questions, to seek alignment with their true purpose, and to contribute to the healing and restoration of the world. “You are loved fully and unconditionally,” said Roth. 

“As you move forward in your studies and in life, remember that the good life is rooted in the grace and love that God offers.”

 

Eric Kurtz | “Lessons for Today from Mennonite Central Committee’s History”

Eric Kurtz, a Goshen College graduate and executive director of Mennonite Central Committee Great Lakes, shared the history of Mennonite Central Committee at Bluffton University’s Forum on Tuesday, March 11.

Mennonite Central Committee addresses issues such as mass incarceration and restorative justice, welcoming the stranger, racism and sexism in the community, peacemaking, climate
change and reducing gun violence. MCC serves 45 countries worldwide. Kurtz touched on the topics of racism, immigration and armed conflict during his Forum.

“MCC embodies what is means to be Anabaptist,” said Kurtz. “MCC focuses on the Anabaptist principles of peace, nonviolence, service, simple living and following Jesus.”

MCC has a commitment to dismantling racism. The organization was able to carry out this commitment by sharing the story of the Henrietta Dismukes Hospital. The hospital was a premier hospital for African-Americans in the 1930s.

“Our greatest tool is hope. Hope is not the same thing as optimism; you can have hope without being optimistic.”

Through the work of Mennonite Central Committee, the staff is able to work with individuals and families experiencing forced migration and displacement.

“The main drivers of forced migration are natural disasters, increasing climate change, violence and conflict and economic recessions,” said Kurtz. “One of MCC’s goals is to prevent
migration by helping people make a living.”

MCC also aids in munitions disposal for countries who have experienced armed conflict. Kurtz mentioned his work in the country of Laos, specifically, which led to many international agreements concerning post-conflict munitions disposal.

Listen to all presentations