The Good Life
03/19/2025
Dr. John D. Roth, project director of the Anabaptism at 500 initiative, explored the principles of Anabaptism and how these core values remain relevant in today鈥檚 world.
Insights from 500 Years of Anabaptism
During 小优传媒鈥檚 Forum on Tuesday, March 18, Dr. John D. Roth, emeritus professor of history at Goshen College and project director of MennoMedia鈥檚 Anabaptism at 500 initiative reflected on what tradition teaches us about life's most challenging question: What is the Good Life?
As part of the university鈥檚 yearlong commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement, Roth explored the core principles that have shaped the Anabaptist faith and how these values remain relevant in today鈥檚 world.
鈥淗uman beings are created for relationships,鈥 said Roth. 鈥滱t the core of our view, we yearn to live in intimacy, harmony, transparency and trust with God, each other, and the natural world. That鈥檚 our deepest purpose in life, to live in love.鈥
Roth鈥檚 reflections were rooted in his own journey as a historian, emphasizing that history is not just a collection of facts but a map of human experience. He explained how understanding history helps us make sense of the present and navigate the challenges we face today.
鈥淭he good life is not just about personal fulfillment,鈥 said Roth. 鈥淚t is about contributing to the healing of the world. It's about making God鈥檚 love and truth visible in the world through acts of service, forgiveness, and compassion.鈥
Roth encouraged attendees to deeply reflect on their own purpose and calling in life.
鈥淲hat is the star that will orient your life?鈥 asked Roth. 鈥淲hat will give your choices meaning, rather than just being impulsive or random? The good life is about aligning your life with what truly matters, and in the Anabaptist tradition, that means living a life of love, truth, and healing.鈥
Roth offered a message of hope and encouragement to the next generation of leaders, urging them to take the time to ask the big questions, to seek alignment with their true purpose, and to contribute to the healing and restoration of the world.
鈥淵ou are loved fully and unconditionally,鈥 said Roth. 鈥淎s you move forward in your studies and in life, remember that the good life is rooted in the grace and love that God offers.鈥
This event was part of the Anabaptism at 500 series. All Anabaptism at 500 events are free and open to public. Anabaptism at 500 events are made possible with the generous support of Lowell and Marty Hostetler.