When Becoming Anabaptist appeared in 1987, it was the first major study to incorporate the new history of multiple beginnings and a diverse Anabaptism into a synthesis of meanings for the late 20th century. J. Denny Weaver's attempt was welcomed and widely acclaimed by scholars and by church leaders alike. In this second edition, Weaver provides a "masterful treatment of his beloved Anabaptist vision" (William Willimon, in the Foreword).