Podcast
Anabaptist Theological Perspectives
Hosted by Jerry Eicher · EN
Theology from an Anabaptist perspective.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Imitate Christ: Peterson, Shapiro, and the Anabaptist Question
3w ago00:29:00Tap to summarizeHost Jerry Eicher of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives examines a conversation between Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro to explore what it means to "imitate Christ." Guests/topics discussed include Peterson’s practical triad—speak the truth, accept suffering, confront malevolence—and how those ideas resonate with early Anabaptist emphases on bearing the cross and practical holiness. The episode contrasts Peterson’s psychological and biological framing with Anabaptist and mainstream Christian theology, and addresses Ben Shapiro’s critique that insisting all should imitate Jesus is "unchristian" in conventional doctrine. Key themes include the tension between faith and works, the finished work of Christ, and whether Christ’s path is presented as a route we must walk or merely a completed act for believers. Eicher offers a synthesis arguing that Christ opened the path so believers can—and should—walk it: speaking truth, shouldering responsibility, and allowing suffering to form character, while relying on the finished work of Christ and the Spirit to make that transformation possible.
Transcribe →How Anabaptists Shaped Religious Freedom: A July 4th Reflection
3w ago00:16:41Tap to summarizeHost Jerry Eicher reflects on the Anabaptist roots of religious freedom in an episode timed for July 4th. Guests and voices referenced include Steve Stuzman (Straight Paths Ministry), Gene Edwards, and Walter Beachy. The conversation traces the Anabaptist conviction of the church as local gathered believers, their rejection of state-backed religion and infant baptism, and the brutal persecution they endured for that stance. The episode explores how those radical ideas influenced early American thinking about separation of church and state, the framers’ experiment in religious liberty, and why conservative Anabaptists today are grateful for the protections that allow free worship. Key points include the theological basis for church autonomy, historical examples of persecution, and a grateful assessment of America’s experiment in religious freedom despite its flaws.
Transcribe →Barrett’s Surprise Vote: Birthright Citizenship and a Gendered Court
3w ago00:33:15Tap to summarizeJerry Eicher of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives reacts to the Supreme Court’s 5–4 decision on birthright citizenship, focusing on Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s surprising vote and Justice Kavanaugh’s different reasoning. He explains the legal stakes of the 14th Amendment debate — jus soli versus textualist readings like “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” — and what the ruling could mean politically. From there Eicher broadens the conversation to a cultural and theological critique: he argues that Barrett’s emphasis on rejecting bloodline-based citizenship reflects a wider pattern in which women in positions of authority approach justice differently — more emotionally and mercifully — than men. He illustrates this with a personal courtroom anecdote about his daughter’s J6 sentencing to show how perceived sympathy or identification can affect outcomes. The episode also examines the MeToo-era dynamics in churches and Christian organizations, warning against mob-like, emotion-driven punishments that seek organizational destruction rather than restoration. Drawing on biblical language from Micah and Amos, Eicher calls for dispassionate, scripture-rooted justice and urges listeners to resist what he sees as a problematic shift in judicial, political, and ecclesial leadership.
Transcribe →When Miracles Fade: Rethinking Cessationism and Spiritual Growth
Jun 2000:31:53Tap to summarizeHost Jerry Eicher of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives examines cessationalism—the claim that apostolic sign gifts (tongues, prophecy, healings) ended with the early church—and argues for reading the biblical story as an arc rather than a single fact. He walks through 1 Corinthians 12–13, contrasts frontier missionary contexts (e.g., Haiti) with mature Christian life, and explains why physical manifestations may diminish as believers grow into deeper inner transformation. Eicher critiques a narrow “facts-and-figures” approach to Scripture, considers diluted forms of apostolic ministry in mission settings, and proposes that the “higher gifts” are ultimately about being transformed in love rather than merely doing spectacular signs. Listeners should expect biblical analysis, practical mission observations, and a pastoral case for seeing spiritual gifts within the larger story of Christian maturity.
Transcribe →When Pain Stands as Proof: Suffering, Justice, and the Gospel
Jun 1300:38:20Tap to summarizeHost Jerry Eicher (Anabaptist Theological Perspectives) examines two recent cases—a fatal stabbing at a Frisco ISD high school track meet and disputed sexual-abuse allegations—and argues that modern culture often treats visible suffering as automatic proof of moral rightness. Drawing on Romans 1:16–17, Eicher explores what “the righteousness of God” means, critiques appeals to public emotion and spectacle, and contrasts noisy demands for relief with quiet sacrificial obedience. Topics covered include the Karmelo Anthony high-school track stabbing trial, cultural tendencies to equate suffering with innocence, the theological debate over the source of moral law (with references to Charles Finney, Jordan Peterson, and C.S. Lewis), and practical examples showing why seeking God’s righteousness matters for justice and community life. Expect a sober, biblically grounded call to resist sensationalism and recover a God-centered standard for right and wrong.
Transcribe →Are UFOs Demons? Catholic Exorcist Removed After Controversial Claim
Jun 600:16:24Tap to summarizeJerry Eicher of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives addresses a current controversy: Catholic exorcist Stephen Rossetti was removed from his post after asserting that many UFO phenomena are demonic deceptions. Eicher summarizes the Archdiocese of Washington and Cardinal Robert McElroy's response, and notes recent papal remarks about the James Webb Telescope and the possibility of life beyond Earth. The episode explores theological perspectives—drawing on C.S. Lewis, Old Testament imagery (Elijah, Enoch, the two witnesses), and the idea of a divine “quarantine” that would bar contact between fallen humanity and unfallen extraterrestrial life. Eicher argues that Christ’s atoning work and the risk of spiritual contamination provide strong reasons why direct contact would be disallowed. He also examines parallels to Genesis and the book of Enoch (the Nephilim), contemporary reports of abductions and attempted inseminations, and cultural conditioning via films like E.T. as potential softening of public perception. Listeners should expect a reflective, theologically grounded commentary urging caution about UFO encounters and a critical look at how modern culture frames these phenomena.
Transcribe →Holding the Line: Men, Marriage, and the Feminist Tide in the Church
May 3000:30:46Tap to summarizeJerry Eicher, retired Mennonite minister and author (65), host of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives, reflects on the cultural and theological challenges facing conservative churches today. He draws on decades of pastoral experience and writings. See jerryeicher.com. Feminist influence is reshaping congregational life, marriage, and male spiritual leadership. The episode traces Bible-based arguments about pastoral roles and public ministry (citing passages such as 1 Corinthians and 1 Peter), offers candid stories from Jerry’s own congregation — including a recent church division and a gifted Sunday school teacher working through 1 Peter 3 — and explores why many men cede moral authority in home and church to the detriment of family and community health. Key takeaways include practical counsel for men about reclaiming God‑given authority, a critique of cultural niceness that substitutes for true manhood, and a discussion of how churches respond (or fail to respond) when women publicly contradict ordained ministers. Jerry also cites Pat Stedman’s insight that men who cede moral framing cannot effectively lead or mend relationships. In the news this week: Jerry comments on the Southern Baptist Convention’s recent struggle to hold a biblical position on women in pastoral office and praises conservative leaders such as Albert Moller Jr. for standing their ground. He also critiques the Episcopal Church’s installation of Reverend Sarah Fisher as the first openly lesbian woman bishop, viewing such moves as symbolic virtue signaling amid declining membership. Expect a frank, pastoral, and reflective conversation about authority, submission, and spiritual responsibility — for men, families, and congregations seeking to navigate cultural change without surrendering core convictions.
Transcribe →The Unbearable Catastrophe of Being: Suffering, Faith, and Meaning
May 3000:29:42Tap to summarizeHost Jerry Eicher (Anaphaptist) explores the theological landscape of suffering, inspired by Jordan Peterson’s phrase “the unbearable catastrophe of being.” In this episode he contrasts modern Christian responses, Eastern religious views, and Reformed thinking while probing why suffering exists and how it can point toward meaning. Eicher examines Christ’s participation in suffering—from Genesis and the creation of being to Gethsemane and the cross—arguing that suffering is not valuable in itself but gains weight from the destination of joy. He also discusses the Anabaptist and Amish emphasis on suffering, the psychological and communal role of hardship, and cautions against seeking suffering for its own sake. Listeners can expect reflections on scripture (including Hebrews and Paul), the role of unjust suffering, practical implications for modern life and technology, and a pastoral invitation to trust the path Christ has walked as the source of hope and meaning.
Transcribe →God of the Whole House: From Basement Shadows to Eternal Hope
May 1700:50:20Tap to summarizehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTyXdyIACrg&t=20s Copy and paste for video on Youtube. In this episode the speaker (a pastor) preaches on "God of the Whole House," using a three-level house image (basement, main floor, upstairs) to explain how God redeems the whole person. He reads and reflects on Isaiah 63, Malachi 3, John, and 1 John, emphasizing God’s plans to refine and restore us—messy, painful, and purposeful. Topics include confession and honesty before God, the danger of stuffing dark parts of ourselves into the “basement,” a critique of modern Christian counseling and Freudian influences, testimonies of spiritual struggle, and the distinction between penal substitution and soul-healing. The sermon urges listeners to bring their real, unpolished selves to Christ for true integration and healing. Guests: none. Key points: God owns and redeems the whole person; true healing requires presenting darkness to God (not hiding it or outsourcing it to counselors alone); God refines and can transform what we surrender to Him.
Transcribe →Israel, Catholics, and Rising Religious Tensions
May 900:30:17Tap to summarizeHost Jerry Eicher of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives walks listeners through the week’s hottest religious controversies, offering an Anabaptist lens on tensions between faith and politics. Topics include viral videos from southern Lebanon showing an Israeli soldier desecrating statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, the historical and contemporary contours of Jewish–Christian animosity, and why outrage must be acknowledged but tempered in political relationships. He examines the “Christ is King” debate (using Pilate’s inscription and recent political commentary from figures like Senator Ted Cruz) to argue for clear boundaries between religious proclamation and political action. Jerry also responds to a Georgia pastor urging prayer for Donald Trump, explaining the Anabaptist approach to praying for rulers—praying for their right guidance rather than approval of evil—and warns against religious leaders aligning uncritically with political power. Finally, he explores renewed interest in UFOs/aliens, reflecting on C.S. Lewis, biblical examples, and the possibility that such phenomena are spiritual/demonic rather than extraterrestrial. Key takeaways: admit realities, keep church and state distinct, pray for leaders rightly, and approach extraordinary claims with theological caution.
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