by Sandy » Tue Jul 14, 2015 9:27 am
As far as theology goes, I share a common belief in the non-sacramental view of believer's baptism by immersion as a testimony of salvation, the non-sacramental, symbolic view of communion, the belief in the dual divine/human nature of Jesus, in their interpretation of "separation" particularly as it applies to church and civil authority (free church in a free state), in their view of congregational polity and communal responsibility, and in their view of scripture, including their interpretation of the relationship of the Old Testament to the New Testament, and their acceptance of Biblical authority. I am particularly attracted to their pacifist perspective.
As far as the church culture of the Mennonites in particular, and of most Anabaptists in general, I think they've developed a practice which "majors on minors," and have developed a system of distinguishing themselves from the "world" based on superficial actions and practices. They have "baptized", so to speak, some historical agrarian cultural practices which are focused on dress and outward appearances, and have made them marks of distinction when it comes to faith practice, and they tend to be quite judgmental of those who do not follow the same practice. And their worship incorporates more ritual and restriction, with little room for spontaneity or Spiritual moving.