Church V State
Mennonites have had an ambivalent relationship with politics from their earliest days, and despite our move into evangelicalism this flavour remains. In today’s episode we ask what the church’s obligation is to the state? What is the state’s obligation to the church and how should Christians interact with politics?
Guests
Steve Bell
Steve Bell is award winning singer, songwriter, and storyteller from Winnipeg Manitoba, who has been performing for over 30 years. In 2022 he was inducted into the Order of Canada. He is also an author and has released 7 book series on the spirituality of the Christian Calendar year called Pilgrim Year.
Shane Claiborne
Shane Claiborne is a prominent speaker, activist, and best-selling author. Shane worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia. He heads up Red Letter Christians. Shane is a champion for grace which has led him to jail advocating for the homeless, and to places like Iraq and Afghanistan to stand against war. Now grace fuels his passion to end the death penalty and help stop gun violence.
Dr. Layton Friesen
Dr. Layton Friesen is the Academic Dean of Steinbach Bible College as well as the former conference pastor of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference in Canada, his most recent book is called Secular Nonviolence and the Theo-Drama of Peace.
Rev. Dr. Kara Mandryk
Reverend Dr. Kara Mandryk is the coordinator of the Henry Budd College for Ministry, as well as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada and the Archdeacon for Ministry and Training in the Diocese of Brandon.
Resources from this Episode
Secular Nonviolence and the Theodrama of Peace, by Layton Friesen
Pilgrim Year, by Steve Bell
The Armchair Anabaptist is a Theodidaktos podcast and Theodidaktos is a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference.
Executive Producer: Erica Fehr
Producer: Jesse Penner
Hosts: Andrew Dyck and Jesse Penner
Administrative Assistant: Ruth Konrad
Social Media: Betty Ramones
Audio Engineer: Jesse Penner
Theme Song: “Making Us One”, by Shades
Feature Song: “The Lord’s Prayer”, by Steve Bell
