A history of Anabaptist-Mennonite thought from the sixteenth century to the present, with a description of Mennonite life and thought around the world today.

A unique resource for a generation, the preeminent textbook in its field. Cornelius J. Dyck interacts with the many changes in the Anabaptist/Mennonite experience and historical understandings in this revised and updated edition. This is a history of Mennonites from the 16th century to the present. Though simply written, it reflects fine scholarship and deep Christian concern.

This book tells a story which until now has not been available in such an interesting and comprehensive form. What holds these people together? Why are they growing in number? Where do they live? The Old Order Mennonites are less well known than the Amish, but are similar in many beliefs and practices. Some Old Order Mennonites drive horses and buggies. Others use cars for transportation. Conservative Mennonite groups vary a great deal, but in general espouse strong faith and family life and believe that how they live should distinguish them from the larger society around them. The author details courtship and wedding practices, methods of worship, dress, transportation, and vocation. Never before has there been such an inside account of these people and their lives. The author spent years conferring and interviewing members of the various groups, trying to portray their history and their story in a fair and accurate manner. An enjoyable, educational, inspiring book.

Through Fire and Water presents the Mennonite faith story within the sweep of church history. This engaging text uses stories of men and women, peasants and pastors, heroes and rascals, to trace the radical Reformation from sixteenth-century Europe to today's global Anabaptist family. Written in an accessible and nonacademic style, this revised edition updates the story and incorporates new historical research and discoveries. "A superbly written introduction to Anabaptist-Mennonite history in contexts ranging from Kansas to Congo." —Perry Bush, Bluffton University "An accessible and engaging read for those who know little about Mennonites, and also for those who think they are familiar with this complex story of faith, culture, and action." —Marlene Epp, Conrad Grebel University College "Captivating personal stories, set alongside an honest portrayal of the Mennonite journey." —Doug Heidebrecht, Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies

""A major contribution to our understanding of Anabaptist history and the ongoing construction of Anabaptist identity."" -- Mennonite Quarterly Review.

"The unabridged version of Anabaptist History and Theology, published in 1995, received high praise from reviewers. One called the book "a masterful survey," while another concluded that the book "tells the Anabaptist story with impressive synthetic power." Anabaptist History and Theology: Revised Student Edition follows the same narrative format and story line as the unabridged book. But the text has been completely rewritten and redesigned to meet the needs of the non-specialist reader. This second, revised edition features larger print and numerous sidebars and text boxes for the benefit of students." --

Klassen brings them to light and life by focusing on an unusual oasis of tolerance in the midst of a Europe convulsed by the wars of religion.

This first comparative study sketches the differences as well as the common threads that bind these groups together.