Rev. Dr. Maxwell Kennel, director of Pandora Press and editor of the Anabaptist and Mennonite Studies Series, came to Bluffton University the week of March 24, 2025, for spring semester’s Spiritual Life Week. Kennel provided the Forum and Chapel messages and worked with students as they explored Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and the theme “Faith and Memory.”

“Memory is not merely an individual act,” said Kennel. “But a collective process, shaped by our social and political context.”

Kennel argued that the act of remembering is inevitable, but how we remember is where the true challenge lies. He stated that memories often carry political implications, as they reflect not just what happened but what should have happened.

A key point raised in Kennel’s speech was the critique of both theological and historical traditions that oversimplify or idealize the past.

“To engage with Anabaptism meaningfully is to confront the temptation to remain neutral in the face of injustice and to challenge the tendency to divide the world into ‘us’ and ‘them’”, said Kennel. “Anabaptism, in its earliest forms, was a protest against the established political and religious orders. To remember its history well is to embrace a critical posture that resists complacency.”

Kennel stated that the call for a new, more nuanced vision of Anabaptist critique emphasizes the importance of not merely repeating historical or religious narratives but engaging with them in a way that challenges assumptions and fosters deeper understanding.

Kennel emphasized the importance of remembering critically, particularly through the lens of 500 years of tradition. He said the anniversary should not merely be a moment to celebrate but to reflect on the values that Anabaptism embodies, particularly its commitment to nonviolence, justice and community.

“Our engagement with this tradition must move beyond a passive acceptance of its past,” said Kennel. “Instead, encourage a critical and constructive approach to what it means to be Anabaptist today.”

At Bluffton, one week each semester is designated as Spiritual Life Week, a special time for focusing on Christian life. Students play a major role in planning activities during the week that help strengthen growth and faithfulness in their relationship with God. The week includes a guest speaker and special times of worship.