(dumb question) - Mennonite Mamas - what do you believe?

[greenmamato2]

I have always been drawn to the "idea" of a Mennonite lifestyle, but have always wondered the specifics about what it is you believe... can anyone help to enlighten me?

[cappuccinosmom]

From my growing up years as a Menno...

Mennonites generally hold to most other orthodox Christian doctrines.

The main differentiations being:
Non-resistance and Non-conformity, and these two take on different manifestations depending on which group you're in. An Old Order Mennonite would live them by simply refusing to participate in politics at all, refusing (to the point of death) to take up arms, and following their church rules about dress and lifestyle. A more liberal Mennonite might participate in politics, peace activism, and their nonconformity doesn't involve cape dresses or horse and buggies.

[dinahx]

I posted some great links in the sticky! <3

We are Mennonite Church USA, which is the most 'free' in terms of lifestyle and dress, but I aspire to be somewhere in between there and Amish and I agree with most Anabapist teachings.

They believe in Adult/Believers Baptism, Active redemption (non-resistance but also Active Peacemaking!), they don't swear Oaths (because they are telling the truth all the time!), and of course Jesus Christ!

Maybe someone else who has been a Mennonite longer can do a better job here. For me though, it is the church I believe is most closely following Christ because Christ was a Peacemaker!

[greenmamato2]

Thank you both for your thoughtful answers! I didn't see the sticky - whoops! Off to look. Thank you again!