Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective

by General Board of the General Conference Mennonite Church (Editor)

Adopted by the General Conference Mennonite Church and the Mennonite Church at Wichita, Kansas, July 1995. The 24 articles and summary statement were accepted by both groups as their statement of faith for teaching and nurture in the life of the church.

Genres: Theology, Religion

112 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1995

Reviews

[David Cassel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It did a really good job at summarizing the confessions into their general ideas. I think there were a couple parts where things could’ve been worded better but overall it did what it set out to accomplish.

[Kaitlin Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book given to us by our pastor to read in preparation for joining our church. What can I say folks, standard Confession of Faith material. Nicely formatted, accessible, and somewhat interesting.

[Timothy Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course, it is the expression of our tradition's beliefs so it is a very good book, brief but rich. That said, I find it sad that every denomination, including ours, finds it necessary to state in full book form the expression of our faith. It's not so much that I think the differences in denominations are not important, certainly they are, but, for example, there is not much here in conflict with the Apostles Creed, so why reinvent the wheelbarrow. The expression of our distinctiveness should take place, but the restatement of our points of agreement only serves to cloud our essential unity.

Read the Confession of Faith to figure out again what a Mennonite is and what we believes. We are different from mainstream evangelicals, but not much. Our points of divergence help to make us special, and perhaps on some points, even correct where others may be wrong. Of course that sickle swings both ways, and all are blind to their own errors.

[Denise Kettering · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a concise, yet comprehensive, treatment of universal Christian issues, items of practice specific to the Mennonites, descriptions of the life of discipleship, and clarifying the reign of God. As a book, it is not necessarily easy reading as there are 24 articles with many biblical references laced into each. This book does serve as a good reference to what Mennonites in the late twentieth and twenty-first centuries identify as important doctrines, ideas, and practices.

[Jim Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so impressed by what I discovered in this book: not so much a statement of beliefs held by one particular Christian denomination as a statement—heavily supported throughout by scripture verses—summarizing the teachings of Jesus himself. Primary among these is Jesus’ consistent, clear life of peacemaking and justice.

[Tim Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoever thought a "Confession of Faith" could be terrifically inspirational? I had to read it as part of a pastoral process I'm doing, and I found myself glad to be a Mennonite. Very strong on opposing nationalism, peacemaking, sacrificial-love, and the importance of Christians living in love and unity.

[Coralie]

gonna be real this isn’t a page turner but i had to read it for church so

[slaveofone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps I should preface my score by saying that I am, in fact, Mennonite--of the more scholastic and less conservative slant. While I, obviously, side with several of the definitive Anabaptist dogmatics announced within this little tract, my score does not actually reflect this agreement.[return:][return:]Truth be told, I probably never would have read it if I wasn't so fascinated with Anabaptism in the first place. And once I did read it, well, it was quite dry and bland. It really doesn't give any type of foundation in evidence and argument for its statements. And unlike almost everything else Anabaptist, it really isn't concerned with historical analysis. It declares the perspective of tradition well...but that's really all it does. If that's all you're interested in, great. But for all us Mennonites that have more interest in doing something to bring the kingdom of YHWH into our present social, political, economic, and religious realities...spending time reading through a grocery list of theological beliefs is rather...well...pathetic. You want to know what I as a Mennonite stand for? Watch me march against the war, feed the hungry, fight for social justice, give love in return for hate, pledge allegiance to YHWH beyond all national ties, and give of whatever I have to anyone in my community in need or want. Or read this book.

[Nathan Good]

I had to read this 92 page confession of faith in order to complete my application to Swamp Mennonite Church, however, as I read it I became increasingly glad that I had to do so. There is something refreshing in the emphasis upon Jesus' teachings on wholeness and reconciliation that permeates this confession of faith. At times I think the Mennonite Church lacks an emphasis on certain areas of the Christian Life, such as evangelism and discipleship, however this confession has a good balance between these tenets of the Christian faith as well as the need for social action and right relationships with the church as well as the world. I would recommend that anyone read this to gain a different perspective on the Bible, the life of the Church, and the mission of every believer.

[Claven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fairly clearly details what I believe, deviating from my understanding only in it's definition of marriage. I recommend it for anyone wanting to know more about the conservative mennonite understanding of God and his relationship with people. However, do not expect to visit a Mennonite church and have it adhere to the teachings found in the confession.

[Mary]

I should have read this long ago to see what my church says it officially believes, (or does it just provide guidelines??), but I just now got to it. What can I say? I both agree and disagree with much of what is said, and as a Mennonite, it is certainly worth reading. At least now I know a little more how others in the wider church might think . . . or they might not. Just like me.

[Joel Curtiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, inspiring, and challenging. The earlier European Anabaptist (Mennonite & Brethren) faith and polity were a great influence on early Baptist and Congregational faith and polity.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever wanted to know what the Mennonite's believe and why then this is the book for you.

[Doug]

clearly written and helpful to understand the Mennonite perspective.