MennoLink Books and Music

Copyright 2004 Herald Press and Institute of Mennonite Studies

The phrase "without spot or wrinkle" comes from Ephesians 5:27, a text addressing relationships between husbands and wives within the Christian household. Historically it has also come to symbolize what Mennonites have sometimes believed about the nature of the church. Anabaptists, and Mennonites who came after them, have sometimes assumed that the true church is a gathering of reborn and spiritually regenerated Christians free of moral failure. At present, however, some Mennonites are questioning elements of this conceptual legacy, and, in light of personal failings and hurtful church schisms, are expressing doubts about its practical adequacy and theological tenability.

The challenges facing the church today are complex and multifaceted. The intention of the present volume is to suggest directions for Christians as they seek to be faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The essays in this book do not provide a unified argument. What the authors have in common is concern for the church and commitment to faithfulness. Readers are invited to reflect on the issues and make their own assessments.

The essays collected here were originally presented at a February 5, 2000, conference sponsored by Institute of Mennonite Studies, at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Indiana.