Identity, Anxiety, and the Holy Spirit

Churches relate to denominational belief statements in different ways. Some view them as descriptive, while others see them as prescriptive. Some view Statements of Faith as agents of unity, while others view them as weapons of harm. Some approach alternative beliefs with curiosity while others respond with anxiety. This piece, published in the MB Journal Direction, addresses the multiplicity of ways Christian groups negotiate their identity. The article was written in response to a community-based research study funded by the MB Historical Commission that explored the use the MB Confession of Faith among MB churches in Canada.