Where are the Mennonites?

[motherprayer]

It just occured to me that I haven't even heard the term Mennonite used on CF. Why?

 

[ptomwebster]

Look them up on Google.

 

[motherprayer]

I know people who are Mennonites lol but I was just wondering about their lack of presence here.

 

[Nova Scotian Boy]

I know years ago there used to be some that posted in the Anabaptist forum. I have known several Mennonites. Used to live in a area with allot of Mennonite Community's nearby. Although not against technology, they prefer not to have computers in the home so that time is better spent and does not become a idol.

 

[motherprayer]

I know years ago there used to be some that posted in the Anabaptist forum. I have known several Mennonites. Used to live in a area with allot of Mennonite Community's nearby. Although not against technology, they prefer not to have computers in the home so that time is better spent and does not become a idol.

That is probably a good reason. I just wondered. I spent time in a church that was predominantly Mennonite and former Mennonite, and I never saw anything about their theology that seemed "unorthodox," so I wondered why they weren't here. But the computer issue is probably a good reason.

 

[bbbbbbb]

I think there are various denominations which have a cultural outlook that does not engage with modern technology, to one degree or another. Certainly the Amish are in that category and to a much lesser extent the Dunkard Brethren, the Friends, and the Mennonites.

 

[Unix]

I'm going to study 2 semesters Biblical Greek, then 2 semesters theology, then 1 semester Anabaptism.
I know one anabaptist poster in Christian Scriptures: childofdust.

 

[MennoII]

Having a mix Anabaptist and Baptist religious view; I can tell you a few Amish, most Brethren and Mennonite and especially the Hutterites don't have much of a ban on computers. Beachy Amish Mennonites will use technology, whereas most groups with titles beginning Old Order won't use it much; if they do it is only for business. But I not real sure about the New Order Amish.

 

[Unix]

I have a somewhat fast laptop (low GHz Core 2 Duo, SSD, HDD, small monitor), but no internet because of Ethical and cost reasons. It would cost a lot where I live, to have internet; even if it would cost a little less or I would make a lot more money I wouldn't get internet.
I did 2 tests on the internet. The tests show that the RCC, the Anabaptists and the Non-Calvinistic Baptists/Fundamentalists/Plymouth Brethren are the closest matches to what I believe in:
http://www.christianforums.com/t7663680-post61076898/#post61076898
... I've read a book about Plymouth Brethren, and from the impression I got from it and the fact that the book wasn't that old, Plymouth Brethren don't have internet.

I can access my Bible study software without internet.

Having a mix Anabaptist and Baptist religious view; I can tell you a few Amish, most Brethren and Mennonite and especially the Hutterites don't have much of a ban on computers.

 

[ptomwebster]

... but no internet because of Ethical and cost reasons. ....

But somehow miraculously you are accessing this internet based forum??? I guess you "Ethics" have gone out the window.

 

[motherprayer]

But somehow miraculously you are accessing this internet based forum??? I guess you "Ethics" have gone out the window.

There are public places where a person who owns a laptop with a wifi connection can access the internet for free. Please don't be so quick to judge

 

[ptomwebster]

There are public places where a person who owns a laptop with a wifi connection can access the internet for free. Please don't be so quick to judge

So his ethical issues with the internet are only a concern if he were to pay for internet himself, its ok to use or steal someone else's internet?

 

[motherprayer]

So his ethical issues with the internet are only a concern if he were to pay for internet himself, its ok to use or steal someone else's internet?

The ethical issue stems from the fact that there are better uses for the money. It is not stealing to go to Burger King or Starbucks and use the wifi they offer for free.

 

[bbbbbbb]

I have a somewhat fast laptop (low GHz Core 2 Duo, SSD, HDD, small monitor), but no internet because of Ethical and cost reasons. It would cost a lot where I live, to have internet; even if it would cost a little less or I would make a lot more money I wouldn't get internet.
I did 2 tests on the internet. The tests show that the RCC, the Anabaptists and the Non-Calvinistic Baptists/Fundamentalists/Plymouth Brethren are the closest matches to what I believe in:
http://www.christianforums.com/t7663680-post61076898/#post61076898
... I've read a book about Plymouth Brethren, and from the impression I got from it and the fact that the book wasn't that old, Plymouth Brethren don't have internet.

I can access my Bible study software without internet.

The Plymouth Brethren, of which I consider myself one, certainly do have and use, the internet. Our assembly has an excellent website, IMO.

The Plymoth Brethren have no affiliation with the Anabaptists, or German, Brethren. They have their roots in the early nineteenth century in England.

 

[ptomwebster]

Mennonite are just one of a variety of Anabaptist groups. The Anabaptists were early promoters of a free church and freedom of religion. Some of the common beliefs and practices of the 16th century Anabaptists continue to influence modern Christianity and Western society.

-Bible as the sole rule of faith and practice – the authority of the Scriptures

-Freedom of religion – liberty of conscience

-Separation of church and state

-Pacifism or nonresistanceSeparation or nonconformity to the world

-Voluntary church membership and believer's baptism

-Evangelistic zeal

-Priesthood of all believers

 

[Unix]

Yeah, the thought that not having internet would not be Ethical, has never crossed my mind. See my profile.

The ethical issue stems from the fact that there are better uses for the money. It is not stealing to go to Burger King or Starbucks and use the wifi they offer for free.

 

[childofdust]

It just occured to me that I haven't even heard the term Mennonite used on CF. Why?

Peace to you, motherprayer. I, myself, am Mennonite. There aren't a lot of us and some of us have no love for or stable connection to the internet. Since we're neither Protestant nor Catholic, we don't always fit into or align with the ideas and interests that one might find, for instance, in an online forum for mainly Protestants and Catholics. One thing that makes us unique is our two-kingdom theology. Traditionally, we make a strong separation between the world and the church and often dis-associate from things that we consider “of the world” (like a public internet forum). The reason I'm here is because I'm too liberal for my own good Here's a little about what makes us tick:

The Anabaptists broke completely with the medieval concept of the Christian social order (church-state relations) as expressed in the term "corpus christianum," substituting the "corpus Christianorum." They were the first to insist upon a free church, separate from the state, separated from the world, composed only of committed disciples, who had through personal conversion and dedication accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. This believers' church they conceived of as a brotherhood, with leaders but without a hierarchy, with responsibility of all the members for the total life and ministry of the church, a disciplined body, a church of order. By their doctrine of the two kingdoms (not the two kingdom doctrine of Luther), the one the kingdom of Christ, the other the kingdom of this world ruled by Satan, they drew a clear line between the church and the general social order. Since the state was in this general social order "outside the perfection of Christ," although instituted by God and responsible to God, the church could have no part in it nor be subject to it in matters of faith, etc. Finally, the church was understood as a suffering church, bound to suffer in its conflict with the kingdom, of this world, as it sought to create the holy community of love within its brotherhood circle, but through victorious steadfastness in suffering demonstrating that it was the body of Christ and would ultimately conquer.
-GAMEO

 

[motherprayer]

Peace to you, motherprayer. I, myself, am Mennonite. There aren't a lot of us and some of us have no love for or stable connection to the internet. Since we're neither Protestant nor Catholic, we don't always fit into or align with the ideas and interests that one might find, for instance, in an online forum for mainly Protestants and Catholics. One thing that makes us unique is our two-kingdom theology. Traditionally, we make a strong separation between the world and the church and often dis-associate from things that we consider “of the world” (like a public internet forum). The reason I'm here is because I'm too liberal for my own good Here's a little about what makes us tick:

Well hello, and bless you! Can you explain further the two-kingdom theology? Id love to hear your thoughts!

I became a Christian in a church that was predominantly Mennonite and former Mennonite Christians, and their services were wonderful! Its good to have you here!

 

[motherprayer]

Peace to you, motherprayer. I, myself, am Mennonite. There aren't a lot of us and some of us have no love for or stable connection to the internet. Since we're neither Protestant nor Catholic, we don't always fit into or align with the ideas and interests that one might find, for instance, in an online forum for mainly Protestants and Catholics. One thing that makes us unique is our two-kingdom theology. Traditionally, we make a strong separation between the world and the church and often dis-associate from things that we consider “of the world” (like a public internet forum). The reason I'm here is because I'm too liberal for my own good Here's a little about what makes us tick:

I just read through the article in the link, and find I am in strong agreement with very much of what was written. Thank you for sharing!