“Globalizing a Separate People: World Christianity and North American Mennonites”

On Thursday, November 12, the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College presents the 2009 Snowden Lecture, “Globalizing a Separate People: World Christianity and North American Mennonites.” Dr. Steven Nolt, professor of history at Goshen College, will explore how Mennonites and historians of Christianity have begun to think in global terms. He will discuss how North American Christians have impacted other parts of the world via traditional mission work and how the wider world and wider Christian community has shaped North American Christianity.

Steven M. Nolt has written nine books, focusing on Amish and Mennonite history and culture. He also co-authored the book, "Amish Grace," which explores Amish forgiveness in the wake of the school shooting. Nolt is currently working with Donald B. Kraybill of Elizabethtown College and Karen Johnson-Weiner of SUNY Potsdam on a collaborative research project entitled "Amish Diversity and Identity: Transformations in 20th Century America," funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Nolt received his bachelor degree from Goshen College and his master’s and doctoral degree from the University of Notre Dame. His most recent books include “Mennonites, Amish and the American Civil War,” “Plain Diversity: Amish Cultures and Identities,” and “Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy.” 

The generous gift of Lucille Heisey Snowden in memory of C. Armon Snowden has endowed the Snowden Fellowship and the Snowden Lecture at the Young Center each fall.The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Young Center's Bucher Meetinghouse on campus. For details, call Stephen Scott, 717-361-1470.