What makes Mennonites and Amish different from other Christians? What do they have in common with other Christians (probably more than you think)? Anabaptist pastor, sociologist, and theologian Karl R. Landis provides clear and focused answers to these questions for a general audience. As Greg Boyd, author of The Myth of a Christian Nation puts it, "With clarity, precision, and insight, Landis masterfully unpacks the core beliefs of Anabaptism, seamlessly connecting them to its central practices." Landis offers a concise and easy-to-follow summary of New Testament faith as understood in the Anabaptist tradition (which includes Mennonites and Amish). His summary includes both the scriptural basis for Anabaptist beliefs and relevant quotations from Anabaptist authors. Landis argues that Anabaptist practices are based on six core beliefs, noting that the practices vary as different groups live out the core beliefs in different cultural settings. Landis points to the ways in which Anabaptist core beliefs have impacted the beliefs and practices of other Christian groups while also highlighting practices that remain distinctive for Anabaptists today. Due to his broad interdenominational experience and sociological perspective, Landis is able to discuss the variety in Christian expressions with warmth and respect. His tone is inviting and engaging. This book is an excellent resource for Christians who seek to understand Anabaptist life and thought as Anabaptist themselves understand their beliefs and practices. Contents: Landis' presents the six core beliefs in six chapters: "Jesus Is Lord Over Absolutely Everything-- Core belief 1: Jesus Is Lord"; "The Kingdom of God Is Where People Unite Under the Lordship of Jesus-- Core belief 2: The Kingdom of God"; "We Choose to Follow Jesus-- Core belief 3: Choose "; "We follow Jesus in Everyday Life-- Core belief 4: Follow"; "We Follow Jesus Together-- Core belief 5: Together"; "We Surrender Our Lives in Love Like Jesus Did-- Core belief 6: Surrender Our Lives in Love." The main chapters are framed by Michele Hershberger's foreword and an introduction followed by a first chapter on "Core Beliefs" by Landis. Then final chapters address "Practices Based on the Core Beliefs" and"Anabaptist Core Beliefs Today" before the book concludes with "References and Resources." "Landis leads the way as he puts Jesus in the center of Anabaptist faith and practice. If Jesus is Lord over absolutely everything-and He is-and we follow Jesus as a community committed to reconciliation, then everything falls into place. We are changed on the inside and live differently on the outside, and then, through the power of the Spirit, the world is healed too." - Michele Hershberger, Bible and Ministry Professor and Co-Campus Pastor, Hesston College "For Anabaptist followers of Jesus, the core belief that Jesus is Lord of absolutely everything impacts every aspect of life. Landis demonstrates how this foundational belief not only informs but also transforms our practices and interactions in daily life." -Marcia Mylin, Rsource Staff, LMC (formerly Lancaster Mennonite Conference); STEP (Study Transform, Engage, Prepare) Director; Member, LMC Bishop Elder Team "Landis inspires readers to come and follow Jesus with wholehearted discipleship, empowered by the Spirit. His distinction between the varied practices of Anabaptist groups and the values that undergird them is a good reminder even for those steeped in Anabaptism." - Rose Bender Cook, Mosaic Mennonite Conference Leadership Minister for Formation and the Mosaic Institute Director; Pastor, Whitehall Mennonite Church "With clarity, precision, and insight, Landis masterfully unpacks the core beliefs of Anabaptism, seamlessly connecting them to its central practices. I could not recommend this compelling and frequently convicting introduction to Anabaptist theology and practice more strongly." -Greg Boyd, Senior Pastor, Woodland Hills Church; Author, The Myth of a Christian Nation Karl R. Landis is a pastor, author, teacher. He is a chair with Convene, coaching a group of Christian business leaders. He was pastor of Mount Joy Mennonite Church after serving as Director of Leadership Development for Lancaster Mennonite Conference (now LMC). His MATS is from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and PhD and MA in sociology from the University of Michigan.