In the early 1500s, many Christian denominations broke away from the Roman Catholic Church. One division, the Anabaptist movement, itself became divided. One significant split saw the Amish leave the Mennonites.
Early Anabaptist and Mennonite History
The early Anabaptists were united in their belief that becoming a Christian was a personal decision, to be made by a responsible adult. Anabaptists were united, therefore, in opposing all state-authorized denominations which practiced infant baptism.
Likewise, all the state churches, such as the Roman Catholic or Lutheran, persecuted Anabaptists who were often also considered enemies of the state. Menno Simons was an early leader, from whom the name "Mennonite" was derived.
While many Mennonites fled from Europe to Russia or North America to escape persecution, some found tolerable conditions in Switzerland. There, the "Swiss Mennonites" lived in a number of farming communities and in the towns.
Early Mennonite Beliefs and Practices
Mennonites, like all Anabaptists, tried to live in accordance with their religious beliefs. This led to written rules, known as the "ordnung", as well as variations in acceptable practices. As might be expected from people whose beliefs could cost them their lives, they took their faith very seriously.
Perhaps the most severe means of imposing church discipline was the practice of “meidung”, which means “shunning”. Other Christians might see this as temporary "excommunication"; to be banned from religious fellowship. For Mennonites, it also meant a loss of social and business relationships until the erring person repented and was re-accepted into fellowship.
Jakob Amman as a Mennonite Leader
In the late 1690s, Jakob Amman was a leader in one Swiss Mennonite community. He held more strictly to the accepted teachings than some of his peers, and did not avoid imposing the "meidung" on parishioners who strayed.
In some ways, however, Amman was an innovator. He preferred to hold a communion service twice a year, rather than annually. At these services, he wanted the believers to participate in a foot-washing ceremony. This re-enacted the way Jesus showed Himself to be humble at the Last Supper.
A Falsehood Gives Rise to the Amish
The pivotal incident that gave rise to the Amish split was a case of church discipline. One woman confessed that she had spoken a falsehood. Amman wanted her to be shunned, but some other leaders opposed this.
Amman accused those leaders of saying that, contrary to Mennonite belief, "all true-hearted persons would be saved". While modern evangelical Christians do claim "assurance of salvation", this belief was considered to be evidence of pride by Mennonites.
The third dispute was whether a Mennonite could attend a state-sponsored church and also worship with fellow Anabaptists. Amman did not want Mennonites attending Lutheran, Catholic or other services.
The Amish Break from the Mennonites
After a series of meetings in 1693, Amman found he did not have a great deal of support for his strong views. He invoked the "meidung" shunning upon the leaders who disagreed with him, toured some Swiss Mennonite congregations and wrote letters to others.
Through 1698, leaders from the new Amish Mennonites and the mainstream Swiss Mennonites tried to reconcile. An outside observer might have said that each side tried to convince the other to change, although some compromises were made. In fact, some Amish Mennonites placed themselves under miednung for applying it too hastily to others.
Ultimately the Amish Mennonites decided to remain true to their more rigid code of conduct. This included the use of shunning as their harshest form of church discipline.
Was This the Only Mennonite Division?
There have been many rifts and divisions among Mennonites. This particular event is only one, but is a good example of the strong beliefs which continue to fuel the spiritual heirs of the Anabaptist movement.
The Amish in the Modern World
Many of the Amish Mennonites later moved to North America, with few left in Europe. Their numbers grew significantly in the twentieth century, partly due to having large families.
Several rifts and divisions occurred through their history. "Old Order Mennonites", for example, became a recognizable group in the mid-1800s.
The "ordnung" rules continue to govern Amish life: clothing and hair styles, what equipment may be used for farming or manufacturing, and almost all aspects of life. Disagreements about the ordnung may be at the root of many of these splits.
Today's typical Amish family may live much as Jakob Amman and Menno Simons had envisioned, working as farmers. They are surprisingly famous for manufacturing Amish furniture. They are almost equally famous for avoiding modern conveniences such as automobiles in favour of the "Amish horse and buggy".
References:
Thomas J. Meyers, Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online, “ Amish ”, Jan. 2009, referenced Dec. 2010.
Harold S. Bender, Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online, " Amish Mennonites ", 1953 , referenced Dec. 2010.
Harold S. Bender, Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online, “ Amish Division ”, 1953, referenced Dec. 2010.
John A. Hostetler, Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online, " Old Order Amish " 1956, referenced Dec. 2010.
Mike DeHaan - Copyright (c) Mike DeHaan, B. Math., of DeHaan Services. Well written and well researched freelance articles; ghost writing for clients.
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