THE MENNONITE LIFESTYLE
The Protestant Reformation of Martin Luther sparked the formation ofradical "Anabaptists" branch of Christianity in the sixteenth century, manyeventually fled religious pressures and persecution in their countries ofresettled in the Americas, while others found relative safety in Russia.many of the Russian Anabaptists sought refuge in the United States by the Many of the later Anabaptist immigrants to America came fromand Germany, and they retained most of their cultures of origin, such asdialects and cuisine. Many more communities or sects developed within theMennonite Anabaptists, totaling more than one million, in the Americas,and in Europe, their land of origin. Mennonites took their name from a converted Dutch priest by the nameMenno Simons (1496-1561) who provided Anabaptism with his leadership inCentury Holland. The appellation "Anabaptist" refers to their practice ofadult believers.(2) Subsequent philosophical differences led to thestricter, more orthodox Mennonites l
(10)The Mennonite Ordnung: Different Amish communities express a very wide range of orthodoxy,but allof them communicate their rules and expectations in a formal set of"orders",also still known as the Ordnung. In the case of Mennonite society, the Ordnung isalsoreinforced throughout their formal educational system, as well. (14)Social Customs and Roles: All Mennonite sects are based on strict religious observance andinterpretationof scripture. The Ordnung regulates every aspect ofAmish life,dictating precisely what clothes and hairstyles are considered appropriate,as well aswhat types of farming equipments and techniques may be used in thecommunity. (4) While there is much variety reflected in the many Mennonitecommunities,they all share the emulation of the simplicity and purity of Christ, to alarge degree. Education: Mennonite schooling varies primarily in conjunction with the degreeoforthodoxy of the community. They are committed to concepts of peaceandgenerosity, and opposed to the perceived degradation of human spirit or oftheland, and to all forms of violence, abuse, racism, dishonesty and deceit. The range of social rules varies so widely, that manycontemporary sectsallow the use of electricity (as well as computers) and even the ownershipof cars,while Orthodox Mennonites sometimes prohibit the use of batteries. Despite their differences when it comes to the actual practice of"shunning",they all adhere to the principle of Admonition and Reconciliation inconnection withprohibited conduct and departure from permitted behavior. (7) Other tenets shared by Mennonites generally include a focus onscripturalinterpretation and the importance of living within a Christian communityandhonoring the teachings of Christ. Amish) are the strictest sect, while conservative and contemporaryMennonites rangein practice from very strict to barely distinguishable from the surrounding(non-Mennonite) culture. (12) On the opposite end of the spectrum, Conservative Mennonites and theAmishprovide formal education only until the Eighth Grade, taught in one-roomschools, byteachers uneducated beyond that point, themselves.
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Acceptance Essays
