If Anyone Would Follow Me: 500 Years of Anabaptist History and Thought

by John Coblentz

In 13 lessons, this study guide traces the story of Anabaptism, from its beginnings to the major developments of the 20th century. These lessons and the accompanying discussion questions provide an opportunity for Anabaptist churches today to reflect on the stories and commitments of their history and to be encouraged, challenged, and instructed as they consider the direction for their future.

Genres: Christian

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2024

Reviews

[Dru Lattin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this slim synopsis of some strands of Anabaptist history is hardly rigorous scholarship, I find it tremendously useful for those within conservative Mennonite communities as a self-reflective primer. Coblentz, as a leading voice in his target audience - the insular conservative Mennonites in Virginia, Indiana, Pennsylvania and pockets around the country - knows the value of their history. He retells the story of the Anabaptists to both affirm contemporary conservative expressions and sometimes challenge those expressions.

The writing is simple, with a textbook-like structure. The study questions often revealed as much about the concerns of the writer and his editors as it did to probe real issues, which I found fascinating. He concluded every chapter with an extended quote from primary Anabaptist documents, and included maps and timelines throughout. Accessible and easily used as a Sunday school lesson - I like that!

While most of my experience with contemporary conservative Anabaptist writers has centered around external expressions of "nonconformity", Coblentz talks little of cape dresses and movie theater bans. Instead, he uses the example of the historical Anabaptists to question our views of wealth and acceptance of prosperity as the norm. This stepping on toes is welcome and refreshing.

My main concern is how obvious his personal lens was in choosing stories and framing events. This is hardly a comprehensive history. While it avoids hagiography, it is clearly pedagogy. Mennonites that want to be challenged by their heritage will benefit greatly from this book. Readers in general looking to understand Anabaptist history and thought would be much better served by other volumes. Even for that general reader though, there's value here: It's easy to read and short; and more importantly, it reveals the "emic perspective" of contemporary conservative Mennonites, which is fascinating.

[Rachel Herschberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our church used this study guide this past quarter in a Sunday School class on Anabaptist history. This is a slim book but gives a good overview of this rich history. Having the author in the SS class and being able to ask him questions was an added bonus.😊

[Sharayah Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our church went through this book in Sunday school as a basis for studying Anabaptist history the past few months. What a rich heritage we as Anabaptists have! A couple of questions I want to keep thinking about are: Have I counted the cost of following Christ? How am I living out day-to-day discipleship? Am I willing to give up everything for the sake of the gospel?

[Norlene Knepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great discussion guide for our Sunday school class. The first part of the book gave me a new and deeper appreciation for my anabaptist heritage, while also removing the idea of spiritual heroism that often surrounds early anabaptists. The last part of the book covered many of the challenges the anabaptist church is facing. John Coblentz did a great job of showing "both ditches" to many of the issues.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent summary of where Anabaptism originated and progressed through history up to this present time. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it as a valuable historical resource read to learn more about our Anabaptist roots and beliefs. I appreciated that the author included various selected historical articles and several important creeds and confessions of faith.

[Amanda Nolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study on Anabaptist history with thought-provoking discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

[Louisa Friesen Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the questions raised after each chapter.

[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good to review where we've come from, where we've grown and where we've apostatized. Coblentz brings the story of Anabaptism in an approachable, theological form structured for group study.