Charles, I'm here writing from Waterloo, Ontario, and anybody who fears 'how long mennonites can last' need not fear! Around here there are thousands of mennonites, they farm and are among the only guaranteed 'organic' farmers-and they are growing. In fact, this is one of the only cities in Canada where all the grocery stores have barns for the mennonites to park their carriages, also one of the few cities where horse plops are a regular site on the roads (they usually clean up though)
What you met were obviously 'old order' mennonites which would be fairly close to the amish in ideology. They are a 'social religion' and for them religion is NOT personal-it is social. They do not argue about theological beliefs, but rather social norms. There are hundreds of different types of mennonites, and their beliefs vary widely. Sometimes they drive cars but will only wear black, sometimes you'll see the women with bonnets and dresses but wearing running shoes. Like any religion there are good points and bad points although they are typically 'reserved', which you may have mistaken for rudeness. Of course there are mennonites who 'seem' no different from any protestant church, they stress the social aspects of religion rather than the theological ones, so they are very active in homelessness and poverty issues-especially their schools. If I were a christian I'd definitely be a mennonite-you don't HAVE to be old order or traditional.
Old order mennonites would not 'approve' of protest because it is considered a 'violent' form of activity-not violent in terms of action but violent in terms of confrontation. The whole gestalt of mennonite life is compromise or retreat (they were run out of most european countries and run out of many places in north america) and protesting is not that (that doesn't mean I don't approve of it)
A mennonite village will not have any gambling devices, so for them it is not an issue. Ritalin is also not an issue as they do not 'believe' in the use of pharmaceuticals, and their kids get LOTS of exercise. Likewise, they will not fight in wars and do their utmost to 'keep things simple' which means they pay little tax because they have little income-this way they minimize their support for government, which uses money for nefarious ends they would not approve of.
5 comments:
Lord government is not only pilfering people’s earning through VLTs but went to court to fleece veterans of their pension. Here is a letter in Telegraph Journal which states that. It is very disturbing the way Lord government gives Irving $ 112 million tax break and $6 million to Molson but fleeces poor and seniors of their income.
NOW WHAT RELIGION BERNARD LORD AND HIS GOVENRNMENT FOLLOWS??
--------
Veterans paying for government mistakes
I am writing to show my disgust about how our veterans had to fight in court to save their dollars from government consumption. The reason why I feel shame as a New Brunswicker is because of comments made by Family and Community Services Minister Tony Huntjens, who stated how wonderful it was for his homeland of Holland to be saved from the Nazi forces during the Second World War.
I wonder if the men that walked through his door that day were told by him that he would some day become a politician and help take their hard-earned dollars away from them when they became senior citizens.
As if it's not bad enough that the provincial government is unable to manage the finances of New Brunswick, but it has to dig into the pockets of veterans to help pay for their mistakes.
EDWARD HOYT
Saint John
Mr Hoyt,
I totally agree with you on this one! Veronica Ratchford too!
Bring on an election!!!
There must be no legislature this week because Lord has resumed his travels. ‘Toronto, New York and Washington D.C here I come’. Surely he must have tried to meet his idol George Bush in Washington D.C. but looks settled to meet Mr. McKenna, Canadian ambassador to U.S. Mr. Lord is desperate to get his resume ready to become Prime Minister. That is the reason he wants to meet head of states and make his debut into international politics. It is all about him.
Agreement is in demand this day!!Bring on an election and we as the voters of New Brunswick will show Mr.Lord our view on his views very quickly and to the point there will be no confusion on this message,No study or delay..
SAY IT LOUD!!!AND SAY IT PROUD!!!
MR.LORD we are taking back that which is rightfully ours,Our house Our voice,Our purse,Our dignity And above all else OUR Province!!!
Organic farming is a good a healthy way to go----->>>>less cancer! God bless the Mennonites....
Post a Comment