The 500th anniversary of Anabaptism is an opportunity to envision a future that faithfully represents the mission of Jesus. As Menno Simons wrote, “We do not agree with those who teach a mere historical faith which knows no conversion, spirit and fruit.” This fruit could result in our becoming Jesus’ version of an “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” (EPCOT) proclaiming good news to the poor, release for captives, recovery of sight to the blind, deliverance for the oppressed and a celebration of Jubilee.
In light of millions of our world neighbors suffering from hunger, homelessness and Mammon-induced blindness, and in light of our planet being ravished by climate change driven by outrageous levels of consumption, what if each of our congregations were to become a part of a joyful renewal movement in which we would agree to one or more of the following?
Cheerfully cutting our spending for energy, food and recreational dining and travel by half.
Compassionately choosing to live on an income approximating that of average households worldwide or on a poverty level typical of welfare recipients in our communities.
Extravagantly investing in human needs around the globe.
This could send a message that a generation currently forsaking organized religion might actually be attracted to.
Harvey Yoder, Harrisonburg, Va.
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