Through Fire and Water: An Overview of Mennonite History

Through Fire and Water presents the Mennonite faith story within the sweep of church history. This engaging text uses stories of men and women, peasants and pastors, heroes and rascals, to trace the radical Reformation from sixteenth-century Europe to today's global Anabaptist family. Written in an accessible and nonacademic style, this revised edition updates the story and incorporates new historical research and discoveries.

"A superbly written introduction to Anabaptist-Mennonite history in contexts ranging from Kansas to Congo."
—Perry Bush, Bluffton University

"An accessible and engaging read for those who know little about Mennonites, and also for those who think they are familiar with this complex story of faith, culture, and action."
—Marlene Epp, Conrad Grebel University College

"Captivating personal stories, set alongside an honest portrayal of the Mennonite journey."
—Doug Heidebrecht, Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies

Steven M. Nolt is professor history at Goshen (Ind.) College. He is the author or coauthor of eight other books, including Mennonites, Amish and the American Civil War (2007) and A History of the Amish (2003). He is also a coauthor of the forthcoming North America volume in the Global Mennonite History Project.

Harry Loewen was the first chair in Mennonite studies at the University of Winnipeg in Manitoba. He is the author or editor of 12 other books, including Between Worlds (2006); Shepherds, Servants and Prophets (2003); and Road to Freedom (2000). He was also the founding editor of the Journal of Mennonite Studies. A member of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Harry grew up in Soviet Ukraine and escaped in the aftermath of World War II. You can read part of his story in chapter 43 of his book No Permanent City (Herald Press, 1993). In chapter 13 of this book, he is the six-year-old boy whose father was arrested and killed by the Soviets.