Abstract The paper explains how many Christians and non-Christians have opposed war throughout the centuries, because they loved the earth and respected other people. The paper discusses the Mennonites with a strong argument in support of their struggles for a peaceful existence in a violent world. In conclusion, the paper explains that it is difficult to generalize about the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ experience on peace, because of the theological diversity in their churches. It explains that both these groups are aware that peace is an emphasis in the Anabaptist tradition, but that they have different ways of interpreting that emphasis.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Committed to Peace
The Historic Peace Tradition
Mennonites and War
Relationship to the Dominant Culture
Mennonite Peacemaking Institutions
Conclusion
Endnotes/Bibliography
From the Paper "This relationship to the dominant culture is reflected in the way Mennonites and Brethren in Christ in North America think about peace. For some, peace is interpreted primarily as something individual and personal, namely as "peace with God." And so a commitment to peace does not necessarily tell us anything about how to participate in society. But for others, peace is interpreted as having social and political aspects. If one is going to live a peaceful lifestyle, then one does not get involved in all aspects of the society. For example, most Mennonites would have reservations about serving in the military and doing police work. For a few Mennonites, their commitment to peace means not paying taxes that go to support the military, even though this is illegal."
Tags:anabaptist, brethren, in, christ, jesus, peace
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts two Baptist confessions. The paper discusses the Anabaptist confessions and the American Baptist confessions. This comparison examines the doctrinal differences, the construction and ordinance of these confessions. It then goes on to discuss how the confessions impacted the religious movement.
From the Paper "Comparing and Contrasting Two Baptist Confessions Introduction This paper shall compare and contrast two Baptist confessions. The two Baptist confessions selected for this purpose are the Anabaptist confessions and the American Baptist confessions. Confessions tended to be used to establish protocol, dispel grounds for dispute, and promote correct actions when assessing the faith. This comparison will examine the doctrinal differences, the construction and ordinance of these confessions, and how the confessions impacted the religious movement. The Anabaptist Confessions The Anabaptists dated from the Prereformist and the Reformist periods and strongly resembled the dissenting movement that preceded it; dissenters and Anabaptists alike identified the structure of faith as one that needed to be affirmed and continuously reaffirmed throughout the course of the practitioner's life."
Abstract This paper examines how women in the Amish religion are committed to living a life that is subordinate and subservient to the male members of the community. It looks at how many women within the Amish community complacently accept this role, as it is the role that was assigned to women in ancient biblical scriptures. It also discusses how there are many that would argue that women within the Amish community are unfairly suppressed, even though all women living within the community do have the option to choose whether or not they will accept the faith before becoming a member.
From the Paper "The Amish practice a very strict form of Christian idealism, which was derived from Anabaptist practices of the early 1500s. The Amish very literally interpret church doctrine as indicated by biblical scripture. Amish women are considered the caretakers of the family and community within the Amish culture. By modern standards the role of Amish women is considered to be very submissive; Amish women live a lifestyle much more reminiscent of women in Victorian times, where men held the upper hand and made all important decisions. A modern woman may in fact look down upon Amish women as subservient, but the Amish religion actually teaches respect and recognition for the important role Amish women play within their communities, even though it is a role that is subordinate to the role of men."
Abstract The paper discusses 'Wisconsin vs. Yoder', the Supreme Court case that decided that Amish families do not have to send their children to school past the level of eighth grade, unlike other American children. The writer discusses the Supreme Court's arguments regarding the case, political theorists views on the issue, and the writer's own opinion of the issue.
From the Paper "The court also stated that there was not enough of a difference between the age of the children who are dropping out of school in the Amish community and the required age needed to drop out independently of public/private schools. They also said that the Amish were an exception to the compulsory law, and that most other children would be forced to abide by the law. Because there is a long documented history of the Amish church, its disapproval of higher education, since the Amish have been a private religious sect for over three decades, and since they have an extensive history of being a self-sufficient and successful population in American society, their religious beliefs can be taken seriously and importantly in modern society."
Abstract This paper describes the Amish people and explains how their lifestyle is in stark contrast to that of most Americans. The writer explains why they refuse social security, health insurance, and the use of electricity. Amish children end their formal education, which includes religious education and practical homemaking or farming skills, at 8th grade and begin to work after about the age of thirteen. Amish baptism beliefs, weddings, funerals, and the practice of shunning, which is the term for expulsion from the Amish community, are also described. The paper concludes that the Amish faith is not one that many Americans can understand, and cites one of the Bible verses upon which the Amish have based their culture and way of life.
From the Paper "The Amish are quite different from today's "normal Americans." They dress in simple and self-made clothes and also forbid photography of themselves because they believe it leads to pride and threatens the importance of "community" by calling attention to individuals. All in all, the Amish way of life is vastly different and yet seemingly senseless from the modern American's way of life because of the simple fact that they use a different method of transportation, refuse to use electricity, the lack of a formal education, their different work habits, and their unusual religious services."
