What is a Mennonite?

Question

I have heard the word and have noo clue what it means. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

Mennonite's are a Christian group stemming from the Radical Reformation that happened in the early-to-mid 1500's in Europe. Leaders in the group include Hans Denck, Michael Sattler, Conrad Grebel, Balthasar Hubmaier, Menno Simons, Jakob Hutter, and Peter Riedemann.

They were distinct from other reformer groups in that they:
- held to Christian non-violence and non-resistance,
- refusal to baptize infants and participate in a church-state system
- refused to swear oaths and practice usury

at that time they were called "anabaptists" by their persecutors. Groups like the Lutherans, Catholics, and Reformers killed many Anabaptist Christians for having these aforementioned 'heretical' beliefs. Since then, there has been much reconciling work done between these groups and Mennonites and other Anabaptists have grown closer in relationship to these former hostiles.

Answer 2

The Mennonites are a group of Christian Anabaptist denominations named after and influenced by the teachings and tradition of Menno Simons (1496-1561). As one of the historic peace churches, Mennonites are committed to nonviolence, nonresistance, and pacifism.

There are about 1.5 million Mennonites worldwide as of 2006[1]. Mennonite congregations worldwide embody the full scope of Mennonite practice from old fashioned 'plain' people to those who are indistinguishable in dress and appearance from the general population. With a few notable exceptions, Mennonite experience in Europe and North America has been, and continues to be, predominately rural. The largest population of Mennonites is in Africa, but Mennonites can also be found in tight-knit communities in at least 51 countries on six continents or scattered amongst the populace of those countries.

Mennonites have an international distinction among Christian denominations in disaster relief and place a strong theological emphasis on voluntary service. Mennonite Disaster Service,[1] based in North America, provides both immediate and long-term responses to hurricanes, floods, and other disasters. Mennonite Central Committee provides disaster relief around the world alongside their long-term international development programs. Other programs offer a variety of relief efforts and services throughout the world.

In the last few decades some Mennonite groups have also become more actively involved with peace and social justice issues, helping to found Christian Peacemaker Teams and Mennonite Conciliation Service.[2] Mennonite ideas were also key to Vermont's new state-of-the-art restorative justice system.

Answer 3

A modern amish person- pretty much.
I stayed with an amish family once...mennonites have a bit more modern things than the amish do. There are different types of Amish. Some are very strict and some are more laid back....

Answer 4

The Mennonites are a group of Anabaptist (opposed to infant baptism) denominations named after and influenced by the teachings and tradition of Menno Simons (1496 – 1561). Mennonites are committed to nonviolence, nonresistance, and pacifism.
Mennonite congregations worldwide embody the full scope of Mennonite practice from old-fashioned “plain” people to those who are indistinguishable in dress and appearance from the general population. There are many different groups who call themselves Mennonite, primarily because they refer back to their founding leader, Menno Simons, and their stance on nonviolence and pacifism.
Early Mennonites in Europe were good farmers and were invited to take over poor soils and enrich them through hard work and good sense. Often the governing bodies would take back the land and force the Mennonites to move on since they did not resist. So the migration to America started and they were welcomed by the Colonists.
There are many schisms, which actually started in Europe in the 1600s and continued after the immigration to America. Many of these churches were formed as a response to deep disagreements about theology, doctrine, and church discipline.
Mennonite theology emphasizes the teachings of Jesus as recorded in New Testament scripture. Their core beliefs deriving from Anabaptist traditions are: the authority of Scripture and the Holy Spirit; Salvation through conversion by the Spirit of God; Believer’s baptism by sprinkling; discipline in the church (including shunning in some congregations); and the Lord’s Supper as a memorial rather than as a sacrament or Christian rite.

There is a wide scope of worship, doctrine and traditions among Mennonites today. Old Order Mennonites use horse and buggy for transportation and speak Pennsylvania Dutch (similar to German). They refuse to participate in politics and other so-called ‘sins of the world’. Most Old Order groups also school their children in church-operated schools. Traditionally they used horses to pull the farm equipment, but within the past ten years they are now using steel-wheeled tractors for farm work. They stress separation from the world, excommunicate and wear plain clothes.

Conservative Mennonites maintain conservative dress but accept most other technology. They are not a unified group and are divided into various independent conferences.
Moderate Mennonites differ very little from other conservative evangelical protestant congregations. There is no special form of dress and no restrictions on use of technology. They emphasize peace, community and service.
Another group of Mennonites have established their own colleges and universities and have taken a step away from strict Bible teaching. They ordain women pastors, embrace homosexual unions, and practice a liberal agenda, focusing on peace studies and social justice issues. Very little is mentioned in their church services regarding the fact we are all sinners and in need of a Savior as a sacrifice for our sins, rather focusing on maintaining good works and service to others.
The word Mennonite today can mean so many things; there are almost as many varieties of Mennonites as there are fast food chains. Some groups are more evangelical than others; some groups are focused on bible study and prayer; other groups are carefully maintaining the works-based tradition set out by their ancestors; and, sadly, some groups have left the faith of their fathers and focus instead on current social issues.

Answer 5

A mennonite is like the Almish in what they wear a belive. Excpet mennonites belive in electircity.

Answer 6

They are Amish people

Answer 7

christians living by the old testiment.