Mennonite and amish differences

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From an outsider's perspective, the Mennonites and Amish appear alike. Both faiths share Protestant roots and similar ideologies regarding baptism. Mennonites and Amish believe in simplicity of faith and lifestyle- both are referred to as the Plain People. The significant difference between the two faiths the levels and degrees to which each faith will allow members to interact with mainstream society.

1. Anabaptists

   • Anabaptists believe baptism is an adult decision.

     The Anabaptists evolved from a 16th-century religious movement where followers believed that you must be an adult before choosing to follow Christ in every aspect of life. "Anabaptist" means "again Baptists," and adults are rebaptized into the faith after making a conscious adult decision to join the faith. Led by Dutch Priest Menno Simon, the Anabaptists became known as Mennonites.

     Swiss Anabaptist leader Jakob Ammann believed the Anabaptists were not following the doctrine of strict separation from the outside world. Ammann also believed the Anabaptists were not following the practice of shunning unrepentant followers. His beliefs led to separating from the Anabaptists. His followers came to be known as Amish.

   Mennonites

   • Mennonites believe in serving communities in need.

     The Mennonites practice nonviolence and are known as the peace church. Believing in service to others, Mennonites send missionaries and volunteers to people in need throughout the world. The Mennonites are also divided into Old Order and Modern Mennonites. Old Order Mennonites do not pursuer higher education- reject technological advances- and are divided into two old order subcategories determined by whether they drive an automobile or horse-drawn buggy. Old Order Mennonites live in rural farming communities. Modern Mennonites assimilate into society by pursuing higher education, utilizing technology, wearing contemporary clothing and working in various occupations.

   Designated Place of Worship

   • The Mennonites and Amish are both against religious icons and religious rituals. The Mennonites worship in churches. The Amish do not designate a separate structure as the sole site of worship.The Amish, adhering to strict beliefs of simplicity, conduct services in members' homes, and services are conducted by different members.

   Amish and Old Order Mennonites

   • The Amish do not utilize modern farming technology.

     Old Order Mennonites and the Amish share practices such as speaking a Pennsylvania German Dialect, driving horse-drawn buggies, ending education at the eight-grade level, wearing plain clothes and controlling media influences such as television and radio. Both faiths view the outside world as a threat to their way of life. The Old Order Mennonites and Amish differ in that the Amish use traditional horse-power to plow fields whereas the Mennonites use tractors. The Mennonites allow telephones- the Amish do not. The Amish will not use electricity but will utilize modern devices like calculators if they are battery powered.

   Major Difference

   • The Amish remain separated from society by rejecting modern culture and conveniences.

     The major difference between Mennonites and the Amish is that Mennonites allow varying levels of interaction with the outside world. A modern Mennonite can either fully embrace society or remain an Old Order Mennonite and still be a Mennonite. The Mennonites, being service oriented, reach out and assist non-Mennonite communities.

     The Amish do not allow members to interact with the outside world. A member who is not willing to reject the outside world and influences is shunned with no further contact with the community. The Amish only assist others within their own community.

Source: www.ehow.com

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