I am alive today because of my "anabaptist" family members. They raised me when my own mother either a. wouldn't b. enjoyed her job and work place c. couldn't because she really didn't know how the scripture changes hearts and minds.......(so she didn't have the sense to control emotions through scripture study)
My aunt raised me (like up until I was about 5....and my grandmother too) when my parents were not available. She would listen to "titanic theme songs" from time to time......but that is besides the point when listening and doing are contrary to the evidence of what is going on in the heart. Basically, the aunt and uncle didn't "act" like the people in the "titanic movie" but they always supported people despite their flaws and flukes. They are still supportive to this day.
I encountered friends who are anabaptist and enjoy their company. I mostly approve of their decision to study the bible as a whole
1. I read a statement from someone who grew up Mennonite that the "Jewish" people are the ones behind all the problems in this world. Like genocides, corruptions in politics and so forth. Um. When someone says that, it sounds like an anti-semetic statement and that just doesn't "fly" in my world. It doesn't work in the biblical world It doesn't work to assume that all the evil in the world is ONLY caused by a certain nationality or heritage. Nope. No way. No how. Jesus was Jewish. Paul the apostle of the New Testament was Jewish. There are godly Jewish people today who are doing good in this world and sharing the gospel left and right.
I know enjoy going to a bible study with Jewish people and they know their heritage and so forth.
There may be people that are "Anabaptist" who do not even KNOW they are Jewish. They may even have middle-eastern heritage and not even know it, despite the reality that their cousins were mostly white skin (or some other nationality)
In summary, the reason is because SOME in the Anabaptist community believe the notion that ALL the Jewish people are the bad-guys when it comes to Christianity issues and world-wide problems today. This is simply a completely false and VERY wicked statement that Christ alone would never encourage his TRUE CHURCH to state.
(For me personally, I feel that pain if I hear it from someone due to family and friend connections.)
2. Traditions. There are traditions that are in the culture of Anabaptist faith. These are not bad traditions. But when a person doesn't understand these traditions and then they are told they are wrong about their own personal decisions and traditions, it can be quite confusing. There ARE good traditions, like brotherly and sisterly love. But there are confusing traditions that are non-essential. Some traditions may be brought in by way of emphasizing the need for more "roman Catholicism" practices or "other religious practices" within the Anabaptist community and they don't even see the dangerous ground in that.
3. Gossip. This is an enemy of the Cross. It is the reason behind Christ's death on the cross. Judas "gossiped" about Jesus before Jesus was sent to the cross. Gossip is an enemy in the small town and in the church. This should not occur. At all.
4. Silence in the face of evil. When there is evil in the world, they may say "nothing." They don't want to have to deal with "persecutions." They don't want to have to take on the role of being an advocate (kinda like a lawyer) for this or that xyz person in need. They will sit in a "nice" don't listen to pop-music state and not say a thing, while all the islamics are moving into the community and raping the people. (not all middle eastern men do those things by the way, but evil does exist in some hearts and minds). Or if there is a false-islamophobia condition, which brews far-right hatred of a certain nationality or race, out there, they will not say anything because the "brown skin" people are not that important (but yet the middle eastern men and women are written about all over the OLD TESTAMENT). What about misogyny issues? Like a woman in a wheelchair who may or may not be Anabaptist per say, does her voice matter? Far-right patriarchy has problem in "ignoring" the least of these from time to time.
5. Lack of TRUTH in bible knowledge. This is more of a minor issue, but it is still an issue. This can affect any denomination. The truth is that there are holidays in the Old Testament. These holidays are still important. These "months" and "days" are still important. When was the month of Abib? When is the "Feast of Tabernacles"? These things are still important. Messianic faith beliefs will bring this truth to our minds and hearts if people are willing to listen. When did Jesus celebrate "Hanukkah" again?
So in summary, the conditions of tradition, keep people out of DEALING with the reality of this world that we live within.
This is not to say that ALL anabaptist groups or people practice their faith this way, or have these severe issues, but it is important to ensure that ones heart is HEARING from the HOLY SPIRIT in the right way.
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Now these are the conditions where I approve of the Anabaptist faith and would encourage others to consider learning from their ways of practicing faith. I would encourage anyone to incorporate these things into their lifestyle.
1. Open bible study. They will desire to learn anything and everything that the bible says, particular the behavior and actions of the people in the bible and how they handled situations. The book of proverbs is "for today." The book of psalms is "for tomorrow." The New Testament contains books that are definitely true and a diligent man who studies such conditions to "brew" the New Testament must SURELY know a thing or two about the goodness of God.
2. The faith is plain. You don't have to be "judized" to understand it. There CAN be a combination of the "plain people" and the Jewish faith (like that in the movie Fiddler on the Roof) if applied in unconditional love way. Simple farmers are wonderful and needed. Simple yard work is needed. Simple smiles and kind gestures are what this world needs. A listening ear, yes, that can go a long way. Modest lifestyles and interactions are more important today than ever before with all of the "obscenity" culture that brews.
3. Non-resistance even in the face of evil. They don't go to war. Jesus said not to hate your enemy, so why not. They LIVE for their enemy even when their enemy doesn't want to live himself (they are willing to go into refugee camps where a suicide bomber could brew up some trouble). They will give their life to make sure a friend feels loved and secure.
4. The historical suffering. This one is important. Suffering in the face of evil for Christians occurred even before the reformation. They recognized their need for JESUS, to the point of death. Willingness to take themselves to the point of never bowing down to the "idols" of the day is important aspect of faith and is still true to this day. BROTHERLY and SISTERLY love, within the means and mode of the scripture is what builds this faith. Today, some still feel the effects of their grandparents, parents and others who suffered.
5. The faith is child-like. There is no need for a fancy theology degree. Only compassion and heart change are needed. Worship of his divine presence is needed to clear out the clutter. A thankful heart can go a long way. Be ye thankful that the children in ones own home are NOT wicked and rebellious. Child-like faith isn't fearful of diversity but KNOWS that he or she cannot corner every diverse opinion in the universe.
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