menonites
Throughout a long journey and endless flight the Mennonites have suffered religious persecution almost wherever they were. In the story “sailing to Danzig” the author Rudy Wiebe describes the life of a man who is searching for his identity through historical books and the tales of his family members. The Mennonites religious movement was first started during the “protestant reformation” in the “1520’s” and was led by “Menno Simons” (Encarta). Originating in Switzerland it was not very long before they were “prosecuted” because they “refused to sanction war or to enroll in the military”, because of their peaceful beliefs (Encarta). They fled to numerous parts of the world such as “the Rhinelands and the Netherlands, others to America (Pennsylvania), and still others to Eastern Europe.” (Encarta) As a Mennonite the main character of “Sailing to Danzig” explores his past through books and memories to cement his beliefs. Genealogical history accentuated by religious persecution an isolationist living can help explain one’s religious and family values. The Mennonites throughout their existence have had a tumultuous history. Because of their strong beliefs on various topics and their sect like behavior of seclusion . . .
Danzig was first settled “to seek a state where citizens rights permitted shelter. . It is a method of comfort; it is a way to know that one will not be forgotten. Religious prosecution and flight have influenced the ways of living of the Mennonites. Genealogy and history are thus very important to trace their roots but it also has a symbolic meaning. Later when the Mennonites were living in Russia under the Communists they were also heavily persecuted as the Soviet-Union cracked down on large gatherings. This is shown by the “Martyrs Mirror” which is one of the “Mennonite’s history books. In the Mennonite society the routes and places that their members have colonized seems to be important to both their genealogical and religious backgrounds. (MM) It is important to acknowledge one’s past and for Mennonites this seems of uttermost importance. When he says “That beautiful soprano now lost forever except in the folds of my memories,” it indicates his belief that the song is only a memory and that it will be lost forever when that memory dies. The history of the Mennonites is much briefer than the Christian’s, but since the recording techniques were much better more information has been kept. The Protestants under King Henry the VIII had a leader and were a large group, unlike the Anabaptists who were divided into small groups and therefore more easily preyed on. the Mennonites as well as other religious groups such as the Hutterites and the Amish have had to flee to other countries to seek refuge and peace. For Adam Wiebe traces his roots can be traced back to Danzig, one of the first Mennonite settlements and an important one for Canadian and Russian Mennonites. Adam Wiebe the main character in “Sailing to Danzig” seems to be worrisome of the value of his life and culture after he has died; this is indicated many times through the story.
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