A Pilgrimage Of Faith, J.B. Toews, 1993

n and purpose. Myron Augsburger's description of Men- nonite hermeneutics applies to the Mennonite Brethren: "Christ is for them both the subject and the fulfillment of Scripture. He is the key for the interpretation of biblical truth." Augsburger goes on to capture the essence of all Men- nonite biblicism: For the Anabaptists the total Bible was inspired by the Spirit of God as an unfolding revelation with its fullness in the person of Christ. Revelation not being presented on a flat plane could only be correctly interpreted by viewing each part in its relation to the fullness of Christ . . . Christ is both the Subject and Culmination of Scripture. Hence He is the Key to the Interpretation of Both Covenants.27 Christocentric interpretation characterized the expositions in sermon collections and articles in the Zionsbote dealing with biblical teachings. The cross and resurrection were the watershed of recorded revelation and the church was the community of the redeemed.28 The relationship of biblical understanding and the life of obedience was also vital to the Mennonite Brethren. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God" (John 7:17), appears to have been foundational. In the words of Hans Denk, "No man can know Christ unless he follows after him in life." The Holy Spirit gave understand- ing to the fellowship of believers as they searched Scripture for guidance on issues of personal and corporate discipleship. The principle of a community hermeneutic governed the early years of Mennonite Brethren history. Conference min- utes over the years reflected dependence on the wider fellow- 23 A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH ship to discern how Scripture applied to life and practice. This understanding of biblical teaching was considered nor- mative for the walk of the local congregation and the individ- ual. This community hermeneutic also governed their under- standing of New Testament ethics related to human relation- ships, the state and the peace position.* THE USE OF SCRIPTURE Mennonite Brethren were known as diligent students of the Bible. They considered personal Bible reading and medi- tation an integral part of the believer's daily life. Daily family devotions were the rule for the home. The weekly Bible study hour (Bibelstunden) in fellowship with other believers was a general practice. Each worship service opened with the reading of Scriptures and prayer led by a member of the congregation. The neglect of personal Bible study and family devotions was seen as a major cause of a declining Christian w