Tract [C] - People Called Mennonites

Tract - People Called Mennonites [Pack of 50]

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People Called Mennonites

"Who are those people?" strangers often ask when they first see conservative Mennonites. "Why do they dress that way?" "Are they Christians?" "What do they believe?" This tract is intended to briefly answer these questions.

BASIC BACKGROUND AND BELIEFS

Historically, Mennonites embraced the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. They accepted the Bible as the inspired Word of God, as the sole source of doctrine, and as a practical guide for everyday living. They believed that all men have sinned and that salvation is alone through Jesus Christ.

Their roots are found in the Christian Reformation of the 1500s. Originally called Anabaptists (rebaptizers), they were populous throughout Europe during the early Reformation. Those in Switzerland were also called Swiss brethren. In the Netherlands, Menno Simons, a Catholic priest, joined the Anabaptists in 1536. He became an influential leader and prolific writer among them. Gradually the name "Mennists" and later "Mennonites" became attached to this group.

The Anabaptists believed, as the Bible teaches, the necessity of a spiritual new birth, the voluntary choice of church membership, and the separation of church and state. Only persons who repented of their sins, expressed personal faith in Jesus Christ, and evidenced a changed heart and life could be baptized and received as church members.

This same understanding of the Scriptures was acknowledged, at least in part, by many Reformation leaders. Yet they were not ready to launch a movement of reform in the church without support from the state. The subsequent result was not only many years of war between the Catholic and Protestant factions, but also a flood of blood from Anabaptist martyrs as they were persecuted by both religious sides. True to Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount and to His example, the Anabaptists loved those who hated them and died for their faith without lifting a sword. But the blood of these martyrs became a seed that sprouted and spread across Europe. In search of religious freedom, thousands of Anabaptists crossed the Atlantic to America during the early 1700s.

Today, descendants of these early Anabaptists are scattered across the North American continent, as well as across the globe. However, many have been assimilated into the melting pot of an homogeneous culture. They have lost the particular beliefs and practices that separated their ancestors from the world and other churches. Although many churches have retained the Mennonite name, only the "conservative" elements continue to consistently embrace the distinctive practices their forefathers had stood for.

THE DISTINCTIVE PRACTICES

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and will all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Matthew 22:37-39).

The Bible clearly teaches that a genuine love for God and man will be expressed in distinctive ways. Following are some specific areas that conservative Mennonites endeavor to faithfully hold, distinguishing them from many other groups.

Practices Related to a Love for God

1. Holiness

Holiness, is to be set apart from sin; sharing in God's purity. "It is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).

Mennonites lay no claims to sinless perfection. Nevertheless, traveling the way of holiness is their experience. By faith in Christ, they live in the power of the Holy Spirit, putting off the old life of carnality and putting on the new life of holiness.

In a world of moral decay, Mennonites endeavor to stand firm on the Bible principles of moral purity. Reserve is exercised in the social exchange between men and women. Youth are taught purity in courtship and fidelity in marriage. Divorce and remarriage is viewed as adultery and unacceptable under the New Testament covenant (see Mark 10:2-12). Marriage is for life. Family life is held sacred—where fathers lead, motherhood is honored, and children are welcomed.

2. Discipleship

Discipleship is a life of self-denial. Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).

True Christianity is a religion of head, heart, and hand. It is a life of loving the Lord and learning to live like the Lord.

A willingness to suffer for the faith and a life of daily discipleship are well-known earmarks of faithful Mennonites. Their theology is not so much intellectual as it is simple, practical obedience to Christ's commands. They believe that being a disciple of Christ affects their kind of work and work ethics, their recreation, the persons they would or would not marry, the way they treat their friends and foes.

3. Separation

Separation is a life not conformed to the world. "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 John 2:15,16).

Dress—Mennonites have frequently been called the Plain People. Their nonconformed attire is often the aspect that first catches the eyes of strangers. They reject the vanities of fashion and avoid wearing jewelry and cosmetics (1 Peter 3:3, 4). They choose patterns which follow the Bible teachings of modesty and simplicity.

As taught in the Bible, their women wear a covering over uncut hair (1 Corinthians 11:1-16). Distinctive attire between men and women, as well as distinctive roles, are Bible teachings strongly embraced.

Entertainment—The question "What do you do to have fun?" is commonly asked, especially when individuals discover that Mennonites do not go to the races, the beaches, the movies, or even watch television.

Mennonites answer, "We do not need to go somewhere or do something to find fulfillment." Christ brings first of all an inner peace. The transformation of becoming a Christian changes the things they enjoy. "Fun" is often foolish, fleeting, and fleshly (1 Peter 4:3, 4). The Christian, however, finds pleasure in wholesome recreation and spiritual activities.

Worship—Mennonite worship services are plain and simple—no costly cathedrals, ornate vestments, or formal liturgy; no charismatic clamor or dramatic display. Simple Bible preaching and teaching, congregational singing, and segregated seating between men and women are the distinctive practices commonly found. To them, worship should be "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23), free from aesthetic props, emotional excesses, and carnal entertainment.

Practices Related to a Love for Man

1. Nonresistance

Mennonites are sometimes called one of the "peace churches." They take Jesus' Word seriously when He says, "I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.... Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you" (Matthew 5:39, 44).

Their desire to return good for evil goes beyond not serving in military forces. It means "going the second mile" to live peaceably with a contentious neighbor. They do not sue at law to demand their rights or forcefully seek payment for damage. They accept the Bible teaching that vengeance belongs to God, and they leave the correction of injustice in His hands (Romans 12:17-21). They leave the judgment of crimes in the hands of civil authorities and God's final retribution (Romans 13:1-7).

2. Mutual Aid

Mennonites are willing to help those in need. They endeavor to "bear... one another's burdens," as taught by Galatians 6:2. Rather than depending upon government subsidies or commercial insurance, they give each other moral support and financial help through the difficulties and calamities of life. And from a heart of compassion, they seek to "do good unto all men."

3. Evangelism

Jesus commanded, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15). Mennonites endeavor to shelter themselves and their families from corrupting influences of an ungodly society. But they also recognize that Christ has called His disciples to reach into the world to help those who are seeking to find their way out. A true love for man prompts them to seek the welfare of the souls of others.

Many congregations reach into other communities through literature distribution and street meetings. Sometimes a nucleus of families is sent to a new area to establish another point of witness and worship. Many groups sponsor mission outreaches in foreign lands. What they have found dear to themselves they want to offer to others.

YOU ARE WELCOME

Sometimes individuals assume that only persons born into Mennonite families can become members. But we are not merely an ethnic group. We have members from many socio-religious backgrounds.

We welcome visitors to worship with us. We invite your questions regarding our faith and practice of the Bible. We attempt to make our religion one of both word and deed—a theology that is lived out daily. Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

—Lester H. Weaver

    • Weight
      0.70 lbs
    • SKU
      1-3394
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