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Peter Goerzen

@pgoerzen.bsky.social
158 followers 142 following 66 posts

Anabaptist/Mennonite Bible and Religion professor at Bethel College (KS). Former rural pastor and married to one. Very-former software dev and Linux sysadmin.

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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
This flag and pledge come from a couple of decades ago when the U.S. was starting other wars in the Middle East. May we join the God "who crushes war" (Exod 15:3 LXX), who "breaks the bow and shatters the spear" (Ps 46:9) by overcoming evil not with more evil and violence, but with good (Rom 12:21).
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Jerrell Williams is spot-on, as always, in his most recent article. Jerrell's biblical and theological framing of his writing is a gift to the church. anabaptistworld.org/violent-word...
anabaptistworld.org
Violent words, violent acts | Anabaptist World
I grew up in the Southern Baptist church. My conversion to the Mennonite church began at Bethel College, where I was introduced to the Mennonite tradition. I grew to appreciate Mennonite theology and ...
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Looking forward to hosting Miroslav Volf this Saturday, October 4, at 10am, at Bethel College Mennonite Church! www.bethelks.edu/yale-theolog...
bethelks.edu
Yale theologian to speak on the flip side of excellence
An internationally renowned theologian will lecture at Bethel during Fall Fest, thanks to the efforts of one alumnus. Miroslav Volf, a Croatian Protestant and professor of theology at Yale University,...
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Reposted by Peter Goerzen
Trey Ferguson @pastortrey05.com · 18/04/2025
If this is not the most evil, unhinged administration of all time… they certainly want us to believe that they are the most evil, unhinged administration of all time.
A screenshot of the official Twitter account of the White House marking up a New York Times headline that original read “Senator Meets with Wrongly Deported Maryland in El Salvador” to read “Senator Meets with Deported MS-13 Illegal Alien in El Salvador Who’s Never Coming Back”
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
If you're looking for something to read ... media.defense.gov/2025/Apr/04/...
media.defense.gov
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
@ambsseminary.bsky.social Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary co-sponsored this conference at Notre Dame, and professors Drew Strait and Janna Hunter-Bowman participated. An important read!
publicwitness.wordandway.org
Notre Dame Conference Addresses ‘Pressing Crisis’ of Christian Nationalism
As a couple hundred scholars and ministers gathered on the University of Notre Dame campus last week to discuss Christian Nationalism, several people questioned if, in light of recent events, such a c...
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
I really appreciate Michael Danner's leadership for MC USA as well. Here, he provides some additional biblical-theological reflection on some common questions about MC USA's lawsuit against the federal government.
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Here is probably the most complete and concise summary of the case. It's important to denounce any activity threatening, intimidating, or harassing Jewish people, and to recognize that it's possible/necessary to support liberation for Palestinians and for Jews at the same time.
facebook.com
Sarah Kunstler
Some thoughts/information on the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, collected from various sources, links in comments. Mahmoud Khalil graduated from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs...
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Thanks, Mennonite Action: actionnetwork.org/letters/menn...
actionnetwork.org
Mennonites urge Congress to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil
On Saturday, March 8, Department of Homeland Security agents detained Mahmoud Khalil,  U.S. permanent resident and student organizer for Palestinian rights. Khalil was the lead negotiator during ...
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
What an excellent and timely piece of Anabaptist political theology! We send the same note to our children's teachers each year as well. Thank you, @melissaf-b.bsky.social !
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Excellent article, and good for EMU! Looking forward to hosting Shannon Dycus at Bethel College on Monday!
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
"Is it true ... that you do not worship the golden statue I have set up?" (Daniel 3:14 - Nebuchadnezzar to Daniel's friends). Sometimes you have to look carefully to see national idolatry. And then, ...
Image of golden statue of Donald Trump posted to his social media.
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Important thoughts from the president of the Council of Independent Colleges, in light of the U.S. Department of Education's recent "Dear Colleague" letter.
insidehighered.com
An opportunity to reframe the DEI debate (opinion)
A Dear Colleague letter seeking to prohibit race-conscious DEI initiatives should push campus leaders to rethink their core programs, Marjorie Hass writes.
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Kyrie, eleison! www.ed.gov/media/docume...
ed.gov
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Lots of Anabaptist milestone anniversaries have been happening over the past months -- how wonderful for 70 years of the Fellowship of Mennonite Churches in Taiwan!
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
6. Almost all of the eyebrow-raising is coming from white men. We would do well to learn from a long-time leader of color, particularly given the racialized history of "non-resistance." Perhaps the best initial response should be, "I wonder what I can learn from this." (10/10)
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
For Janzen, "non-resistance" is how we "erroneously call our principle of applied love and peace." 5. "Non-resistance" poorly translates German concepts Gewaltlosigkeit (nonviolence) and the more common Wehrlosigkeit (defenselessness), both of which do have armed connotations. (9/10)
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
4. In the 1940s Jacob H Janzen wrote, "'Non-resistance' is a misnomer. We Mennonites are not non-resistant, and we do not want to be so. ... Jesus was not no-resistant. ... By calling ourselves a non-resistant people, we mean to say that we do not bear arms to kill men in offense or defense." (8/10)
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
The notion would persist on for decades, and Vincent Harding (and others advocating nonviolence in the struggle for racial justice) found a cold reception among many Mennonites and ultimately parted ways with the "silent and motionless" Mennonites who accept the "violence of the status quo." (7/10)
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Guy F. Hershberger, in his influential 1944 book, War, Peace, and Nonresistance, argued that nonviolent action, explicitly in the context of the struggle for racial justice, was "a form of warfare" and "not Christian." (6/10)
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Jesus resists evil, casting out demons, confronting religious and political authorities, etc. Again, enemy-love or nonviolent resistance is better. 3. Non-resistance has often become quietism for Mennonites, who have often refused public, "political," or confrontational action. (5/10)
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
2. “Non-resistance” is on shaky biblical-theological ground. God is persistently resisting evil and calls people to join the resistance nonviolently, overcoming evil with good and conquering by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony-martyrdom (Rom 12:21; Rev 12:11). (4/10)
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Also, this isn’t an imperative grammatically. The imperatives are to turn the other cheek, etc. Then, in the next teaching, to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Enemy-love is a much better name for a doctrine, exegetically, or nonviolent resistance. (3/10)
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
1. “Non-resistance” is on shaky exegetical ground. Matt 5:39 is better, “I say to you not to resist violently, by evil means.” The verb has a military connotation, and “by evil means” is an equally good translation and better captures the sense: Don’t resist by evil means, that is, violently. (2/10)
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
It seems that the comment, "our practice of loving our neighbor outweighs our traditional stance on non-resistance," has raised some eyebrows. I appreciated that Iris de León-Hartshorn said this, which I hope also calls us to reconsider some of our language: (1/10)
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Please also consider signing this petition: www.sensitive-locations.com
sensitive-locations.com
Sensitive Locations, Sacred Spaces
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Grateful that Mennonite Church USA has joined this action. If the White House is truly concerned about anti-Christian bias and violence, it will restore the policy against entering houses of worship to conduct ICE raids. @mennonitesusa.bsky.social www.mennoniteusa.org/news/mc-usa-...
mennoniteusa.org
MC USA joins more than two dozen Christian and Jewish denominations and associations sue to protect religious freedoms | Mennonite Church USA
Reversal of the Department of Homeland Security’s “Sensitive Locations” Policy Interferes with Central Religious Beliefs, Violates both the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act WA...
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
It's as important as ever to observe Black History Month. Here are some great reads from Herald Press. #BlackLivesMatter www.mennomedia.org/deal-of-the-...
mennomedia.org
- Menno Media
Honor Black History Month with Powerful Insights from Black Authors 40% off one | 50% off two | 60% off three or more Use code WEEKLY at checkout. Offer
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
"But a Samaritan who was traveling came upon him, and the priest and Levite promptly shipped him off to Guantanamo because he was from a "$#!thole" country. The wounded man died, but the loser obviously had it coming. Anyway, love your family first." (Luke 10:33, #ChristianNationalist version).
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
"... But a man whose ethnicity should in no way impact how you understand this story came upon him, and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion" (Luke 10:33, #Colorblind version).
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
"The Israelites groaned under their slavery and cried out. Their cry for help rose up to God, but God couldn't see that they were groaning and enslaved. God couldn't tell them apart from anyone else, so God played fetch with Leviathan. Pharaoh prospered. The end." (Exod 2:23-25, #Colorblind version)
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to ignore the poor. He has sent me to proclaim meritocracy to the captives and colorblindness for all people, to blame the oppressed for their own suffering and various other tragedies too. (Luke 4:18, #Colorblind version)
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
"Blessed are you who are poor (or rich!), for yours is the kingdom of God. I don't know, I don't actually see wealth" (Luke 6:20, #Colorblind version).
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
3100 years ago: A widowed immigrant is able to provide food for herself and her widowed mother-in-law through a #DEI program (Deut 24:17-22; Ruth 2). Present Day: A tyrant "defends" Christianity, terrorizing immigrant communities, while foreign aid evaporates and DEI is blamed for everything.
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Thanks, Mark, for this important piece!
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
My friend Mark McCormick gets it right on, as usual: kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/f...
kansasreflector.com
Folks upset about diversity efforts in Kansas and U.S. don’t understand our collective history • Kansas Reflector
Misunderstanding feeds misperceptions of diversity efforts designed to address the ongoing hurt born from our racial caste system.
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
#Meritocracy is such a blatant myth it barely deserves comment. The utter lack of merit of those pushing it makes it clear what they really want in undermining #DEI: not to have to give up their privilege and compete with people who are actually qualified. 3/3
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
#Colorblind claims to avoid discrimination, but it often ends up being covertly discriminatory. The policies/procedures that are *supposedly* applied equally may "work" for the group that created and operates them, but not for others. Colorblind is often privilege masquerading as enlightenment.2/3
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
#Colorblind is back in the news lately in an attempt to undermine #DEI with #Meritocracy. But part of the privilege white people hold is the ability to choose whether or not to be aware of racial identity. Then it's easy to normalize that experience as the standard for everyone. 1/3
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
What a holy experience to preach at Lorraine Avenue #Mennonite Church on #Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday, the day before MLK Day (and other events of significance). A wonderful congregation in Wichita, KS. www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGlH...
youtube.com
Sunday Service, January 19th, 2025
YouTube video by Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
Haha, Google's AI has some more learning to do. You would think that of all things, AI would at least be good at math!
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Reposted by Peter Goerzen
Anabaptist World @anabaptistworld.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
In Ukraine, Congo, Myanmar, living the gospel of peace requires sacrifice and risk
anabaptistworld.org
Churches grow in crucible of war | Anabaptist World
Throughout Anabaptist history, adversity has deepened commitment to the peace of Christ. Where Anabaptists find themselves in close proximity to violence, their faith and their churches are tested and...
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Gripe #4 about the #NRSVue: Aside from convention, there is no reason to continue using the English archaism “Son of Man.” They render Dan 7:13 “human being” and in Ezekiel as “mortal,” so the OT/HB connection is completely lost anyway.
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
Yes! I am so grateful for WDC's leadership.
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
"The foreigner who immigrates among you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the foreigner as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." ~ Lev 19:14
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
Gripe #3 about the #NRSVue: They didn't fix Heb 11:11 from the NRSV (made it a little worse if anything). When the ESV is less misogynist than you are, you need to go home and rethink your life.
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
Yup, started playing that back in '17. Mennonite mutual aid at its noblest.
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
The 19th c. history-of-religions school had insights, but its (unacknowledged) presuppositions continue to create problems. Gen 1 envisions a peaceful creation, not one birthed out of violence. 2/2
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Gripe #2 about the #NRSVue: Gen 1:2's "complete chaos" for "tohu wabohu." Let the reader feel the force of the hendyadis. "Complete chaos" is also in rhetorical continuity rather than contrast with the Chaoskampf/Combat Myth structure. 1/2
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Peter Goerzen @pgoerzen.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
The #NRSVue is the emerging standard academic translation of the Bible. In general, it seems to back off further from the formal equivalence end of the spectrum, which is one of my gripes. Stay tuned for more.
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