Member Reviews

For those on the edges of contemporary, yet rooted, Anabaptism - or those just curious - this book provides a solid introduction and serves as a helpful follow-up to this previous work. The addition of other voices was an important touch.

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I found this to be a very interesting read as the wife to an evangelical Mennonite church pastor. But also from a perspective of someone having grown up in a non evangelical Mennonite church. It was fascinating to compare the authors writing of some Anabaptist practices with the ones our church currently is practicing or possibly has drifted away from. This book has given me much food for thought, some of which I look forward to discussing at length with my husband and other ministerial friends in the Anabaptist tradition.

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The New Anabaptists is a fantastic read for those who have encountered Anabaptist theology but would like to explore how to practice Anabaptism today. Murray has outlined a beautiful portrait of what the church could be while avoiding a tone of hopeless idealism. This book outlines an attainable vision for a New Anabaptism by anchoring it in common practices. I appreciated Murray's faithfulness to Anabaptism while writing in a modern context. Personally, I am convinced that planting churches with these Anabaptist convictions and practices will lead to healthier and more Christlike churches. Three chapters near the end were helpful case studies to exemplify the book's practices, though having different authors and styles of chapters certainly changes the pace and style of the book.

Overall, reading The New Anabaptists was deeply encouraging and stirred me to further incorporate Anabaptist practices into my church community.

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A great book that provides the history and changes within the Anabaptist community. This is a growing religion, not only in United States but around the world. Provides indepth information about the evoluntion and continued growth. Found it very interesting. I received a complimentary copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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"The New Anabaptists" by Stuart Murray presents an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of modern Anabaptist communities around the world. The book is a companion to Murray's earlier work, "The Naked Anabaptist," and it delves into the ways in which Anabaptist beliefs and practices are being revitalized in contemporary, post-Christendom societies.

Murray examines the emergence of Anabaptist communities in places with little historical Anabaptist presence, such as the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia. He identifies twelve common practices of these communities, which are deeply influenced by Anabaptist vision. These practices include economic radicalism as a counter to consumerism, truth-telling in a society often dominated by misinformation, and a commitment to peaceful activism in a world rife with conflict.

The book stands out for its emphasis on how these Anabaptist communities navigate the challenges of modern society while staying true to their core beliefs. Murray discusses how these groups engage with issues like individualism, consumerism, and global conflicts, offering a model of Christian discipleship that is both radical and faithful.

"The New Anabaptists" is not just an academic exploration but a practical guide. It provides valuable insights for followers of Jesus in various contexts, encouraging them to embody radical discipleship in their local communities. The book is particularly relevant for those seeking fresh expressions of faith in rapidly changing cultural landscapes, offering foundational resources and inspiration for living out one's faith in a meaningful, impactful way.

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I loved the content of this book! The Anabaptist vision is beautiful, challenging, and compelling. This is the sort of discipleship that will witness for Christ in powerful ways to a post-Christian culture. Highly recommended!

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