Bruce L. Guenther, PhD

Biography

Professor of Church History and Mennonite Studies
MB Seminary
bruce.guenther@twu.ca

Widely recognized as a Canadianist, much of Bruce’s scholarly expertise has to do with aspects of Canadian history, culture and Christianity. The combination of his teaching experience in a variety of schools (both public universities and faith-based institutions) across Canada, and extensive leadership experience within academic institutions, and other denominational and community organizations, provide a rich source of insight and understanding. He is passionate about helping students to think critically about their faith experience without becoming cynical, to historicize their church tradition without discrediting it, and to recognize the symbiotic relationships between cultural forces, human actions, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church. For recreation and relaxation, Bruce enjoys playing squash, riding motorcycle, watching movies and reading. He and his wife Lois have three adult children.

Education

PhD (Canadian Religious History) - McGill University

MCS (English Literature and Theology) - Regent College

BA - Providence College

Research

Areas of Expertise

Christian Higher Education in Canada

History of Evangelical Protestantism

Mennonite History and Theology

Christianity and Culture

Select Publications

The Ältester: Herman D.W. Friesen, A Mennonite Leader in Changing Times. Regina: University of Regina Press, 2018.

Dueck, Abe, Bruce L. Guenther, and Doug Heidebrecht, eds. Renewing Identity and Mission: Mennonite Brethren Reflections After 150 Years. Winnipeg: Kindred Productions, 2011.

“From Bible School to University: Expanding the Scope of Mennonite Post-secondary Education in Canada since 1970.” Journal of Mennonite Studies (2018): 181-213.

“Navigating Tradition: The Life and Leadership of Ältester Herman D.W. Friesen, 1908-1969.” Historical Papers: Canadian Society of Church History (2018): 75-87.

“Exploring the Complicated History of Anabaptist-Mennonite Nonresistance.” Direction 47, No. 2 (Spring 2018): 184-206.

(With Erika McAuley) “Reaching Canada and the World for Christ: Canadian Mennonite Brethren and Mission.” Chapter in The Church in Mission: Perspectives of Global Mennonite Brethren On Mission in the 21st Century, ed. Vic Wiens. Winnipeg: Kindred Productions, 2015.

Courses Taught

History of Christianity: Early Church to Reformation

History of Christianity: Reformation to the Present

Christianity and Culture: Critical Assessment and Engagement

Christianity and Canadian Culture

The Cultural Character of the Evangelical Tradition

Research Writing and the Ministry of Scholarship

Memberships

Canadian Society of Church History

Canadian American Theological Association