## From Fields to Pixels: Can Anabaptist World Teach Us about Building a Better Game?
Imagine a world where power struggles, endless conflict, and ruthless competition are replaced with community, compassion, and collaboration. Sounds utopian, right? That’s the core philosophy of the Anabaptist faith, a centuries-old tradition focused on peace, simplicity, and service.
Challenging the Status Quo: Why Anabaptists Should Engage with the World
As Anabaptists, we often focus on creating resources for our own community, but we must also engage with the broader Christian world. This is not a matter of diluting our unique identity, but rather of recognizing that no one denomination or school of thought has a monopoly on truth. We need to hear voices outside our own circles, and this means it’s okay for Anabaptists to get material from non-Anabaptist sources, as well as create material for the rest of the world.
This is not a new concept, but rather one that has been frustrated by the long-held perspective that writers and speakers need to create resources for other Anabaptists. However, this perspective is changing, and millennials are leading the way. As millennial Anabaptists, we want to be heard without being written off, we want a more authentic expression of community, and we want a deeper, personal relationship with God.
This desire for authenticity and community is not unique to Anabaptists. In fact, it is a desire that runs through many Christian traditions. By engaging with other Christian perspectives and traditions, we can deepen our understanding of our faith and build stronger, more meaningful relationships with others. As Katrina Poplett, a senior peace and development major at Eastern Mennonite University, notes, “I am uncomfortable in my skin sometimes because I know it symbolizes oppression and privilege. I know that my ancestors did not value different colored people as much as they valued white people.”
A Changing Generation: Millennial Anabaptists’ Desire for Authenticity and Community
Milennial Anabaptists are seeking a more authentic expression of community and a deeper personal relationship with God. This desire is not limited to Anabaptists, but is a common thread that runs through many Christian denominations. As Tonya Detweiler, president of Blue Diamond Communities, notes, “Sitting still has never been my forte. I have usually been fortunate to find work and activities that offer flexibility and allow this pace to be possible, and because I usually felt happy, it has often felt like a good way of life.”
However, this pace of life can often lead to burnout and a sense of disconnection from God. As Detweiler notes, “The first day was excruciating. My mind wandered like a toddler from shiny new thing to shiny new thought and I couldn’t focus on anything.” This sense of disconnection is not unique to Detweiler, but is a common experience for many Christians.
So, how can we, as Anabaptists, cultivate a deeper sense of authenticity and community? One way is by engaging with other Christian traditions and perspectives. By doing so, we can deepen our understanding of our faith and build stronger, more meaningful relationships with others. As Katrina Poplett notes, “I am at war with myself. I know this isn’t the answer, but hear me out. I am uncomfortable in my skin sometimes because I know it symbolizes oppression and privilege.”
Practical Implications: Why Anabaptists Should Listen to and Learn from Others
So, how can we, as Anabaptists, put this into practice? One way is by recognizing that we don’t have all the answers. We need to be willing to listen and learn from others. This means being open to new ideas and perspectives, even if they make us uncomfortable. As Katrina Poplett notes, “I am uncomfortable in my skin sometimes because I know it symbolizes oppression and privilege.”
This willingness to listen and learn from others is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit that we don’t have all the answers and to be open to new ideas and perspectives. By doing so, we can deepen our understanding of our faith and build stronger, more meaningful relationships with others.
This is not a new concept, but rather one that has been frustrated by the long-held perspective that writers and speakers need to create resources for other Anabaptists. However, this perspective is changing, and millennials are leading the way. As millennial Anabaptists, we want to be heard without being written off, we want a more authentic expression of community, and we want a deeper, personal relationship with God.
The Power of Listening: A Path to Healing and Growth
From Doing to Being: The Importance of Quiet Reflection
Tonya Detweiler, president of Blue Diamond Communities, notes the importance of quiet reflection in her own life. “I have usually been fortunate to find work and activities that offer flexibility and allow this pace to be possible, and because I usually felt happy, it has often felt like a good way of life.” However, this pace of life can often lead to burnout and a sense of disconnection from God.
Detweiler’s experience is not unique, but rather a common experience for many Christians. As Detweiler notes, “The first day was excruciating. My mind wandered like a toddler from shiny new thing to shiny new thought and I couldn’t focus on anything.” This sense of disconnection is not unique to Detweiler, but is a common experience for many Christians.
The Art of Listening: Overcoming the Noise of the World
The noise of the world can often be overwhelming, making it difficult to focus on God. As Detweiler notes, “I knew I needed this practice more than I had ever realized.” This practice of quiet reflection is not a new concept, but rather one that has been frustrated by the long-held perspective that we need to be constantly doing something.
Practical Steps: How to Incorporate Listening into Your Daily Life
So, how can we, as Anabaptists, incorporate listening into our daily lives? One way is by setting aside dedicated time for reflection and seeking guidance from spiritual leaders or mentors. As Detweiler notes, “With time it has gotten easier, but it has more importantly gotten to be a more essential as a part of my day.”
This practice of quiet reflection is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit that we don’t have all the answers and to be open to new ideas and perspectives. By doing so, we can deepen our understanding of our faith and build stronger, more meaningful relationships with others.
Conclusion
Conclusion: A Call to Authenticity in a Fragmented World
In “Why Would the World Listen to Us?” Anabaptist World presents a compelling case for the relevance and importance of Anabaptist values in today’s chaotic world. By examining the principles of humility, servant leadership, and community, the article highlights the unique strengths of Anabaptist theology and its potential to inspire positive change. We’ve seen how Anabaptist communities have long been committed to living out their faith in the midst of adversity, choosing instead to prioritize compassion, forgiveness, and nonviolence. These values are not mere ideals, but tangible expressions of a community that seeks to embody the love of Christ.
The significance of this conversation cannot be overstated. As the world grapples with increasingly complex social, economic, and environmental challenges, the Anabaptist approach offers a refreshing alternative to the dominant narratives of power and competition. By embracing the principles of humility, solidarity, and reconciliation, Anabaptists can serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for a world crying out for more authentic and compassionate leadership. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the Anabaptist world has much to offer in terms of innovative solutions, collaborative relationships, and transformative witness.
In the face of uncertainty and division, the Anabaptist world reminds us that our voices matter, not because of our power or influence, but because of our commitment to listening, learning, and serving one another. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our world, may we be inspired by the Anabaptist ethos of humility, compassion, and nonviolence, and may we strive to be a community that listens, loves, and serves with radical abandon.
