Bruce L. Guenther, PhD
Biography
Associate Dean of MB Seminary
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.
Research Interest
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
Education
PhD (Canadian Religious History) - McGill University
MCS (English Literature and Theology) - Regent College
BA - Providence College