MennoLink Books and Music

As their frame of reference shifted from the rural to the professional, many of these writers assumed key roles in leading and shaping Mennonite institutions. For all of them, some kind of service-to their church, to their community, to the world-was an imperative.

Theologically, they embraced an evangelicalism rooted in sixteenth century Anabaptism and a commitment to the Anabaptist vision of Harold Bender. in their time of social change, Anabaptism offered these sixteen individuals an explanation of what they believed and helped them nourish that centuries old sense of being an alternative to magisterial Protestantism.

These remarkable accounts reflect the experiences and stories similar to those of hundreds of Mennonites whose lives were changed during this disruptive era. By confronting their own beliefs and faith practices, they gradually transformed the Mennonite church. No more could Mennonites be Die Stillen im Lande.

Contributors include, Esther K Augsburger, Myron S Augsbuger, Titus W Bender, James R Bomberger, Gerald R Brunk, Ray Gingerich, Samuel L Horst, Albert N Keim, C Norman Kraus, Nancy V. Lee, Harold D Lehman, John R Martin, Paul Peachey, Calvin W Redekop, Calvin E Shenk, and Edward B Stoltzfus.

Copyright 2007 Anabaptist Center for Religious Study, Eastern Mennonite University

Thus Callahan has spent a lifetime as activist in many areas. In pithy, direct style, she addresses 12 such areas including advocacy for the poor, for women in leadership, and for prisoners on death row.

Callahan's advocacy has often generated "Yes, but. . . ." in response. Her passion in this book may stir more "Yes, buts"-and should also generate discussion, fresh thought, and even sometimes advocacy to match hers.

For prisoners, the Victims' Voice program has given them the change in the healing process for victims' families.

From victimization to compassion...a story of hope. Discussion questions included.

"The death penalty is an act of rage. It is an act of revenge. But we have to remember truly what the death penalty is. The death penalty is...a staged political event."

"If you do forgive it doesn't make you weak. It doesn't make you have any less respect for your loved one that was killed. If anything, it respects their lives more."

Wether you believe the death penalty is the ultimate punishment for murder or taking another's life is always wrong, Bud's story moves the debate over capital punishment from a philosophical discussion to a real-life level. Bud experienced terrible loss, yet opposes the loss of additional lives through the death penalty.

Discussions questions included.

Wangerin describes Elijah, a much-loved and very soft-hearted African American school principal, and his wife Mary, a strong and independent third-grade school teacher. We meet Elijah in his role as a school principal telling a student that he can't give her what she wants, but "I can give her the getting."

When Elijah undergoes surgery, he is told he has cancer and only a short time to live. As he wastes with surprising speed, he tells Pastor Walt, "You and I know what (my wife) needs. I can't give her what she needs, but I can give her the getting'. Pray with me." So Walt prays the Lord's Prayer, one step which leads toward the beginning stages of acceptance, forgiveness, and resolution.

A real life story that will grab your heart. Discussion questions included.

Copyright 2005 Herald Press.

Will victims of crime always be bystanders in the justice system? ("We're having a problem forgiving the judge and the system," says the father of a young man killed in prison.)

Is it possible for anyone to transcend such a comprehensively destructive, identity-altering occurrence? ("I thought, I'm going to run until I'm not angry anymore," expresses a woman who was assaulted.)

Howard Zehr presents the portraits and courageous stories of 39 victims of violent crime. Many of these people were twice-wounded: once at the hands of an assailant; the second time by the courts, where there is no legal provision for a victim's participation.

"My hope," says Zehr, "is that this book might hand down a rope to others who have experienced such tragedies and traumas, and that it might allow all who read it to live on the healing edge."

Includes more than 75 artistic photographs.

Copyright 2001.