In the first part Finger tells the story of the development of Anabaptist thought, helping the reader grasp both the unifying and diverse elements in that theological tradition. In the second and third parts Finger considers in more detail the major themes essential to Anabaptist theology, first considering the historic views and then presenting his own constructive effort. Within the Anabaptist perspective Finger offers a theology that highlights the three dimensions of its salvific center: the communal, the personal and the missional. The themes taken up in the final part form what Finger identifies as the convictional framework of that center; namely, Christology, anthropology and eschatology.
This book is a landmark contribution of Anabaptist theology for the whole church in biblical, historical and contemporary context.
Author Interview
Read the full interview here
IVP: Some of our readers might be curious to know what a good Anabaptist is doing publishing in evangelical circles. Can you shed some light on the relationship you see between the two?
Thomas N. Finger: Though I did not fully realize this then, I was initially attracted to Anabaptism because it offered a creative way of integrating two valid features of Christian faith that other Christian groups affirm one-sidedly. Not, however, because it offered some easy compromise, some fifty/fifty solution, but because it offered very creative ways of both understanding issues—for example, social vs. personal dimensions of faith—and proposing viable solutions. Early on I sensed that Anabaptism carried significant ecumenical potential and was not really "sectarian." I discovered this standpoint in 1970 but didn't join a Mennonite congregation until 1980.
As I finished seminary, Vietnam protests were in full swing, but I had no clear idea of what a Christian sociopolitical outlook might be. At that time, most evangelicals claimed to be apolitical, though many were quite far to the right and supported the Vietnam war. During Ph.D. studies in a very different, left-wing environment my social and political questions became acute. This, for me, was the basic problem: Evangelicals seemed really interested in personal conversions alone. Their converts either became apolitical or maintained, uncritically, whatever social outlook they held before. Evangelicals couldn't really address sociopolitical issues. Liberal Christians, however, seemed really interested only in changing social structures, and seemed to have a very shallow personal faith. How could the personal and social dimensions of Christian faith fit together? It was as I wrestled with this amidst protests and campus shut-downs over Vietnam that Anabaptism offered a fresh answer. For Anabaptists, I learned, faith is personal, since it involves decisive commitment to Jesus. Yet it's also social, since this involves commitment to the overall way of life that Jesus taught, and to communities which made, and continue to make, that commitment.
IVP: What of interest to our readers can you tell us about current developments in Anabaptist theology and church life? And how might your book intersect them?
Finger: Ever since the Reformation, most Anabaptists/Mennonites have been neither highly educated nor culturally sophisticated--mostly because mainstream society forced them to the margins. Not until the 1940s did American Mennonites have a few visible Ph.Ds. By the 1960s, they were doing sophisticated work in New Testament and ethics. Constructive, or systematic theology, in Anabaptist perspective began about 1980. My book seeks to survey this field and interact with other Anabaptist theologians--as well as with Protestants, Catholics and Orthodox believers--on some main issues. These developments reflect greatly increased Mennonite involvement in higher education and mainstream society, but also a quest for Anabaptist identity. When identity is no longer defined by ethnicity and culture-specific behavior, it must be defined, in part, by theological convictions.
In my view, two intra-Anabaptist debates are most important. First, how much emphasis should be placed on Anabaptist distinctives--peace, believers' baptism, etc.—and how much on commonalities with other Christians? Some theologians rightly worry that as Anabaptists become more mainstream, they will blend in and lose the unique things they have to offer. But this effort can lead to trashing beliefs as widely shared as Nicaea and Chalcedon. Other Anabaptists value approaches and beliefs affirmed by other Christians. But this can lead to granting academic methods or a broad ecumenical consensus a priority. I argue that some ecumenically shared beliefs, rightly articulated, far from diluting Anabaptist distinctives, can help express them more strongly.
Second, Anabaptists/Mennonites have always stressed ethics and community. Yet a strong tendency to ethical and social reductionism exists among Anabaptist theologians. At the same time, this predominantly ethical, practical emphasis is leaving many Anabaptist churches and their members exhausted and spiritually hungry. I argue that the spiritual dimension, rightly understood, far from diluting ethical, communal and sociopolitical activities, can greatly strengthen them.
Praise for the Print Edition
While exploring the rich Anabaptist tradition, Thomas Finger is sensitive to contemporary theological concerns, especially those raised in ecumenical dialogues. There are valuable insights here not only for Protestants but also for Orthodox and Roman Catholics. This is a thoughtful and penetrating gift from a theologian in dialogue with his own tradition and with others.
—Thomas E. Fitzgerald, Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
Dr. Finger has a firm grasp on Anabaptist history and theology, and has produced a thoroughly reliable guide to Anabaptist theology today. An especially important feature of his work is that he has set it firmly in the larger Christian theological tradition.
—Dr. Walter Klaassen, Emeritus Professor, Conrad Grebel College
The relevance of this exploration of Anabaptist history and theology for life in the twenty-first century is profound, imaginative and challenging. Thoroughly acquainted with the Anabaptist tradition as well as its contemporary exponents, Thomas Finger deftly draws together various strands of this particular story to deal with key issues facing all Christian traditions: the relation of faith and life, Jesus and community, normativity and postmodernity, piety and mission, church and world. Engaging an amazing breadth of conversation partners outside his own tradition, the author keeps his finger on the pulse of life in our often confusing world. Broad and deep, refreshingly relevant--this book is a splendid achievement.
—George Vandervelde, Th.D., Adjunct Professor in Ecumenism, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
A Contemporary Anabaptist Theology represents an unparalleled contribution to today's Christian community; nowhere else can one find an up-to-date, erudite, comprehensive exposition of Anabaptist beliefs. It is a necessary addition to every student of radical Protestantism's library.
—Roger E. Olson, Professor of Theology, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
In this latest work, Finger brings together his decades of participation in multipartner theological dialogue with fellow Christian communities and his own Anabaptist theological heritage, introducing the two theological worlds to one another and engaging similarities, differences and potential areas of increasing convergence and mutual enhancement. If you are from outside the Anabaptist world, you will find here lively access to Anabaptist history and contemporary Anabaptist discussion on a wide variety of theological issues, ranging from baptism, the Lord's Supper, the church's discipline of the believer and economic sharing, through the person and work of Jesus, to eschatology. If you are an Anabaptist, in this book Finger has offered you a transparent theological account of all that he has been sharing and learning in your name, for the benefit of all.
—Ann K. Riggs, Ph.D., Associate General Secretary for Faith and Order, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Tom Finger offers us an evangelical Anabaptist theology that represents the best of the tradition of radical catholicity. This is a much-needed work that does not sacrifice catholic creedal Christianity to a radical Anabaptist vision but shows how both can work together. It is a welcome contribution to the current discussion--an Anabaptist theology that doesn't forget to do theology.
—D. Stephen Long, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
With the publication of this magnum opus, Thomas Finger has secured his place on the forefront of constructive Anabaptist theological reflection for the new millennium. In critical, always perceptive, dialogue with the whole range of voices from Scripture, tradition and contemporary theological voices, Finger offers a fresh, compelling theological vision. Highly recommended for both novices and professional theologians across the ecumenical spectrum.
—Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Professor of Systematic Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary; Dozent of Ecumenics, University of Helsinki, Finland
Thomas Finger's book takes Anabaptist systematic theology to a new level of sophistication, in a way that engages a wider ecumenical community while remaining in sustained dialogue with the concrete history of the Anabaptist movement. The resultant conversation between historical and systematic elements is a fascinating model for how theology should be practiced--the more so in a postmodern age heedless of history. Particularly illuminating is Finger's exposition of the biblical theme of 'The Coming of the New Creation' as the organizing center for theology.
—Richard B. Hays, George Washington Ivey Professor of New Testament, The Divinity School, Duke University
Additional Information
- Title: A Contemporary Anabaptist Theology: Biblical, Historical, Constructive
- Author: Thomas N. Finger
- 603 pages
- InterVarsity Press, 2004
About the Author
Finger is a scholar and writer currently based in Chicago, Illinois. Formerly, he was professor of systematic and spiritual theology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Since then he has taught courses for Goshen College (Goshen, Indiana) and the Associated Mennonite Seminary (Elkhart, Indiana). His books include Christian Theology: An Eschatological Approach.
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