Difference Between Amish and Mennonite
Amish vs Mennonite
Amish or Amish Mennonite are a very traditional sect or a subgroup of the Mennonite Church. Founder of this sect was Jakob Amman and his followers came to be known Amish. Mennonites are a Christian group of Anabaptists following the teachings of their swiss founders. The name Mennonites is drawn from Frisian Menno Simons who through his works articulated the teachings of the original peaceful Anabaptists.
Anabaptists literally means ‘again Baptists’ believe that the meaningful baptism of an individual into the faith can only happen once the individual is old enough to take an informed decision about the future of his life. It is only then that an indivisual can truly commit to lead his life as per the lord’s teachings. Both Amish Mennonites and Mennonites are Anabaptists. Apart from this they are very different.
Where the Amish Mennonites have come to observe very strict and traditional practices the Mennonites have established a reputation of being very strict followers of non violence. Mennonites are also known as the peace church.
However, the main distinguishing feature of Amish from the Mennonites is the Amish resistance to embrace modern technology. Amish make very little use of technology and generally maintain very little contact with the outside world, no more than necessary. They dress up in very traditional outfits and live in very small tight knit communities. The Mennonites on the other hand dress up in plain clothes but generally would not be distinguishable from anyone else by their clothes. They neither have any problems using technology and nor maintain a separation from the outside world. The Mennonite Central Committee has established itself as a disaster relief organization around the world. Not only are the volunteers available immediately after a disaster but they also plan long term programs to run alongside and complement the international relief programs. They have programs running for HIV affected populations in Africa, Tsunami victims in India and Thailand, war affected areas in Afghanistan and the middle east. The Mennonites have been providing food, blankets, relief kits, drinking water, education by way of setting up schools, HIV awareness, etc.
Amish Mennonite communities generally hold services in private homes of the members. Besides their strong commitment to lead a simple life by minimum use of technology the Amish are also firm believers in Nonresistance. They seldom defend themselves in court for the same reason. Members not following the church rules are often excommunicated but given a chance to correct their behavior and return to the church. The Mennonites have their own churches but do not live in separate communities. They live amongst the normal population. Although practicing a plain and simple lifestyle they are much more moderate towards the use of modern technology and do not abstain from it.
Summary
1.Amish is a subgroup of Mennonites following Jakob Amman. Mennonites follow the teachings of peaceful Anabaptists popularized by Frisian Menno Simons.
2.Amish are very resistant to technology whereas Mennonites are moderate in this regard.
3.Amish are strict followers of nonresistance where the Mennonites are of non violence and have established a very strong disaster management system.
4.Amish have a very strong commitment to lead a simple lifestyle and live in separate close knit communities, however, the Mennonites live among the normal communities.
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I found this article to be inaccurate when it speaks of the way us Mennonites dress. We wear cape dresses very few groups wear skirt and blouse. The Amish however wear a cape dress of a different kind. As Mennonites our clothing is meant to stand out because the Bible tells us come ye out from among them. If possible please correct these errors. Other than that I find this article to he very good.
I was reading a book that mentioned Mennonites and Amish and became interested in them and the difference between the two. Danki to all who have added info on this topic.
I am not like the Amish or Mennonites, nor will I ever be, but I love those people.
Thank you for clearing that up . Would love to sit down some day and have a conversation.
thank you
The Bible also tells you to kill your neighbor if you see them working on the Sabbath.. But I never see your kind do that … Pick and choose from the Bible much?
What was the point in that comment of yours Jezmund? That is poor taste and not necessary.
I don’t know what Bible you read from but does not kill your neighbors for ANY reason. The writings of Jesus does not state that. Your lost.
Exodus 31:15
English Standard Version (ESV)
That is from the Old Testament… Christians believe that Jesus came down and in a sense “re-wrote” much of the old testament. This is the same mindset and reasoning for why Christians have no problem eating “unclean” animals, as they are listed in the Old Testament.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-19
Some Christians believe that Jesus did as he said in Matthew 5:17
He came to “fulfill” the law, not to abolish it. The law being the Old Testament
What is the point of nasty comments…do you pick on everyone that isn’t just like you.
this is very unaccurate
This is taken totally out of context. No one is directed to kill their neighbor if they work on the sabbath.
Will you not pull your ox out of the pit if it falls in on the Sabbath?
Where as we were under the law, with the birth of Christ we are now under grace, where it was an eye for an eye it’s now do good to those who abuse you, forgive those who trespass against you. Those without sin cast the first stone.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-19
Wow!!quite harsh jezz dont u think?as Jesus said”let he who is without sin…Cast the first stone!!jezz art thou…without sin???⚡⚡
@jezzmund
By golly – after all these 72 years of my life, I may have lost out. The Almish have had it right all along
Jezmund please explain the Commandment that states…”Thou shalt not kill”. Is that “picking and choosing”?
Where does the Bible say that? Give us a scripture verse.
Exodus 20. Ten commandments.
The Bible does not say that! READ IT
That comment is not needed. I believe in living and allowing others to live.. That brings peace.
I don’t know what Bible you read from but THE BIBLE does not state to kill your neighbors for ANY reason. The writings of Jesus does not state that. Your lost.
You spelled “you’re” wrong.
Just read that in an version http://bible.cc/exodus/31-15.htm
This is the old law! When Jesus came and died and arose it all changed. We are under God’s love and grace and forgiveness now.
Blessings to all!
God is love.
Love God
Love your neighbor
Love yourself
Love can change the world.
Seems everyone enjoys twisting and or forgetting portions that in one way or another fail to support the inaccurate point they sadly attempted to make in beginning, however all are including pieces and parts……you are correct, upon resurrection, the old law was dead, which is a point that upsets most that lean on old law practices such as catholic with things such as “,confession” “praying to saints etc”,one example of the old law being dead, no one will enter the kingdom except through Jesus, which prior to, based in old law, practices such as confessional, praying to saint etc along with sacrifices etc, however post resurrection, unless Jesus Christ is the one hearing your confession, and who’s name you pray, all the “hail marys” possible to be said in a lifetime are useless…..and no, absolutely even in old law, never read where God commanded or even said to kill your neighbor for working on sabbath…..so hopefully person reading such can be provided with a legit HOLY BIBLE, so they can begin to have light replace the existing darkness
You are twisting the practices of Catholicism. we do not pray to statues. The saint that the statue represents is an intermediary only. Jesus Christ is the only one who can answer prayers. Catholics can and also pray to Jesus or directly to God. The Virgin Mary is also an intermediary. In confession, the priest is Jesus’ representative on earth. He isn’t granting absolution my his own authority but by the authority of Jesus. You may not agree with Catholic beliefs but at least make an effort to quote them correctly. Are there Catholics who say otherwise? I’m sure. The same could be said of any religious group. As a Catholic, I have been told I wasn’t a Christian. Hmmm, interesting. Jesus Christ is my lord and savior. I also believe in God the father and the Holy Spirit. The statements in your post are old and prejudicial. It is time to let go of them.
Amen, Daria! This is what I was taught as well. I was raised in the Catholic Church. I don’t pretend to know everything about it and I certainly don’t pretend to know what other faiths, or religions, teach. If we all love and respect one another, life would be very peaceful.
Amen, Jane!
There are many different kinds of Mennonites. Some wear all black, only drive a horse and buggy while others drive cars but strip the chrome from them.
Then there are the modern Mennonites who dress as ordinary people, live in modern, sometimes beautiful homes and drive various kinds of cars and believe in education where the above do not go above grade 8.
The in between Mennonite women often wear very colorful dresses, a little long, very plain and homemade. The men dress like other men. The women wear a little hat, especially when praying.
as a child, i believe that mennonites are one of a kind. my aunt and uncle are menonite and my dad was adopted. so im sorta mennonite, i love my family. so i dont want to here any bad things about the mennonite culture. thank you and have a nice day.
jessica lynn martin,
age 17
Found the article to be very interesting. Also, found the responses of great interest. Wish there had been more with regards to why some Mennonites use common place tools and others don’t. We just recently had a number of Mennonites move into our community and I am reluctant to go over and introduce myself and welcome them to our area. I know how I felt when I moved into the area and no one ever offered to even introduce themselves. Wondering what I should do? Any suggestions?
Reading the comments posted regarding this article. I saw your comment. I hope you gained the courage to welcome your neighbors to the community. You express your sympathy toward them based on your experiences of being the new kid on the block. It is sometimes hard to be the first person to step out and welcome in those who are different without fear of being frowned upon by others. You are not alone. I read about 12 others who went through something similar at times in their lives. 🙂
I think you should not worry so much and go welcome them to the neighborhood.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia and have always had respect for the ways of life of others regardless of whether I agree or not. The number one respect I have is the Right to Freedom. So long as we do not force ourselves on the rights of others we deserve the right to choose our ways. Calling out names and making others believe that you are right isn’t the way of peace. Setting the example for others is respecting their rights provided that we all do the right thing. I believe humanity should believe in the ability to reason. This separates us from animals. And even in the animal world they, too, have wisdom that humans can learn from. I wish all of us could live with respect to each other, unite in the common cause to protect each other and our rights; but above all, to worship in our own way and respect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in our own way. I am sure that the Power of God will allow us to do so, and so should we. Peace to all as we can live in harmony. Former member of the 28th INF DIV PAARNG. Ben Franklin’s Associates 111th INF
IS HOMOSEXUALITY ACCEPTED OR TOLERATED IN EITHER THE AMISH OR MENNONITE COMMUNITIES?
I have never been “afraid” to speak to an Amish or Mennonite individual. They have invited me into their home and offered refreshments. They also were very encouraging to ask any questions and give a very honest answer.
The only time I would not approach an Amish or Mennonite individual was when I knew that it would be considered a break in proper manners as they understood. I try to respect any culture, religion, or nationality, until I have reason to be suspect.
To these two groups of Americans, please do not let rude, ignorant comments deter you.
I forgot to add “A Blessed Christmas to you all.”
William Penn travelled to Europe offering land to those that would come to Pennsylvaia and help settle it. Mennonites took advantage of this offer. The Amish broke away from the Mennonites in 1893 because they felt the Mennonites were becoming too liberal in their ways. The Amish worshipped in private houses, with each family taking their turn. Recently (1970s), the Amish split between the House Amish and the Church Amish. The Church Amish has plain meeting houses. The House Amish still follow the idea of meeting in homes. Clothing can be quite colorful but seem not to be with the pinafore type dark aprons worn over the dress. I have always been interested. Plain living and depending and caring for each other and on themselves.
I believe I received the answer to my question. which was first amish or mennites. AS a matter of fact I have two sisters who were raised mennite, but they were different in dress and family life. When I visited the one everything on her table was home grown, the other was more like my folks, I was raised by Baptists.
What do the Amish or Mennonite believe in the spirit and the Spirit?? 1Cor6;17
Is the spirit the same as the soul? if not why need to divide the soul from the spirit? Heb 4;12
The 3 parts of man!! 1Thes5;23
How does one worship God? Jn 4;24 How??
Why was Cain’s offering not accept by God? The beginning of Religion!!
Man’s Religion? Man does what he wants to offering to God?
Is Adam a pre-figure to Christ? Adam was put to sleep (death) and Eve was built from something that came out of Adam!
OUT of Christ SIDE (body) on the Cross the Church is being built
Wow! I didn’t expect such an interesting list of replies. I believe that the Bible is designed to reflect what is in a person’s heart. One of the attributes of the gift of the Holy Spirit is Love. Yeshua refers to Love as the greatest commandment. The intention of Judeo/Christianity is to teach of spiritual things. Without the discernment that comes from being baptized in the Holy Spirit, the things of the Bible can seem contradictory. Yeshua came so that the fullness of the message could be completed. Without the Old Testament, the New does not have full meaning. That is what Yeshua means by “not one portion of the law”. It’s complete when baptism gives us His Holy Spirit & we can see more of the whole picture of the law. “Clothes do not necessarily make the man” maybe in this case we are using clothing to define various sects or groups of people. When I was a child, Amish women were separate from Mennonite from hair styles. Amish women did not have an wisps of hair and nothing was to touch the back of the neck. Supposedly it was based on bible verses. Who knows? Star bellied Sneeches maybe? Man’s efforts to be holy? Tks for posting all of the comments! Thought & prayer provoking!
Through hairstyles! Not from, but, that is grammatical.
Interesting comments!!!!! I am a Mennonite and very happy with my religion. In regards to the question on homosexuality we definitely would believe it is wrong. (See the first chapter of Romans) Of utmost importance is to find forgiveness with Jesus. I was far out in sin in drugs and many awful things and Jesus has given me a totally new life and power to stay away from it all. Even cigarettes. That is what is so awesome to me is it is REAL. It’s not what a preacher or bishop or any other leader wants you to believe. Peace with God is a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. It is possible to all and I promise when you find it you will know without any doubt it is real. God bless you all
Amen, thank you for sharing your testimony of what Jesus has done in your life. I believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and light. A realtionship with God is the only way. Keep the faith!
So it’s ok to be involved in drug abuse, smoking cigarettes being sinful as well as acts of awfulness and the be accepted but it’s not ok to be gay? hmmm It’s not something that needs “forgiveness” it’s not a sin, love is love! And in my catholic bible god loves all his children.
Well, in the heretic Bible, we are told that we are first born of our father the devil or the flesh. Yeshua said that He came to teach the truth about spiritual things. In order to be able to see the kingdom of heaven, we must be born again of the spirit. Sin is defined as anything that separates us from God. God’s children are those who choose to be born again by faith. It’s a choice. There is a belief that children are innocent until an age of accountability which in the Jewish tradition is 13 yrs. Yeshua was 12 when He was barmitzva’d in Jerusalem. At the time of His birth, Herod ordered all males who were 3 & under? To be murdered, so it’s possible that no one had been barmitzva’d for a few yrs before Yeshua. As for homosexuality, sex as outlined in the OT should be for procreation, not for pleasure. Man’s seed & woman’s eggs are all precious to God the Father Who is a Creator. Creation of life is precious to Him. Sex in today’s society has been turned into a sport like tennis. It’s no longer a precious act of creation. There are over 600 venereal diseases, many of which have been found to cause cancer which leads to death. This isn’t our God’s desire for us. He puts restrictions in place to help us. It’s a design issue. By His Spirit we are saved, healed & empowered to live Godly lives. It’s the point of our being here maybe? We were designed to worship our Father in Heaven. The Lord is good always. It’s His nature. The Bible is designed to show us this. The Spirit illuminates. Seek & you will find. Unfortunately we have Protestant Heresy because not everything taught in the Catholic tradition is based on the Bible. The Catholic Church tarred & feathered heretics who wanted to read the Bible for themselves in their own languages. They didn’t want anyone to realize that they were teaching things not supported by the Hebrew, Aramaic & Greek texts. However, the Catholic Church & proceeding schisms were/are also a part of our God’s plan & design. We are still schisming towards truth until the day when it’s all revealed in the sky. Seek & you will find, knock & the door will be opened to, ask, and it will be given. Yeshua stands at every door & knocks. Whosoever opens the door & invites Him in, He will dine with & reside. I’m paraphrasing maybe. All best! Seek daily! Truth is available for the seeking.
Correcting grammar omg I can just picture someone staying on the computer skipping meals with family that person who wants to break line at the store like I have to get back and correct other people on their grammar for free on the computer its driving me crazy those non spelling run on sentence. Typing fools are corrupting the very thread that holds our civilization together I have to correct it ahhhhhh lol thank you for watching out geez we need you on something like don’t drink and drive or something also eternal life is a free gift and can not be earned just accepted I don’t need to tell you all the verses that can be found just close your eyes and say I believe and have faith real faith does not need no mans justification. All men are equal only the son of God was perfect we are all sinners born into a world of sin not to judge one another but to rejoice and fellowship with one another as sinners who have a savior. Cain and Able was a story of brothers turning on each other over who pleased god more and look how that ended. We should support and rejoice those who have pleased god and found peace in this life of sin not criticize religion accept the free gift he offers it will not be earned and he could have raised the rocks up to worship him but we were created in his image free.
All have sinned and come short of
The glory of God. That is why Jesus came to seek and save us all. Yes living the gay lifestyle clearly is Sin whether you want to live lost or be found in the Biblical truth or not. Love cast out all fear Jesus was clearly God in flesh something we as the human race seem to find hard to understand. You will find peace once you turn over your life totally to the Biblical teaching as God’s inspired God breathed As His blueprint for your life. All scripture is Truth with No mistakes. We can neve take the position to bargain with it to align it with our lifestyle. Romans written by Paul was inspired by God not man he clearly wrote by his pen on paper under the direction of God that many acts of Sin that God hates not loves so your argument of Love will never convince me nor God that living the lifestyle of a gay is not Sin and lost. Love is Truth and the Bible is our only way to understand Truth by reading it under the direction of the babtism of each person receiving the Holy Spirit to lead us into God’s direction. May the peace of God lead you into this blessed truth
So would the gay son or daughter be kicked to the curb and shunned from his or her family because it is like a bad habit one can just stop. Wow.
Yes, god loves all his children. However, he made Adam and Eve man for woman and woman for man. He destroyed a whole city because of their sin. God does forgive those who ask for his forgiveness and want to stop sinning. As for the man who told of his drug and oher issues, he has asked for forgiveness rurned from sin and is vorn again in God eyes. Yes, homosexuality, is a sin according to Gods word BIBLE. It is unnatural for a,woman to be with a,woman or a,man to be with man. Even your private parts are made to fit together woman with man and man with woman. A,woman and woman cannot make a baby the natural way nor can a man and man, the natural way. There is a difference then know about God and a relationship with God. A lot people know about God go to church read the bible, but do not have a relationship with him. In order to have that connection you must want to be forgiven of your sins. Seek, him in all you do, through good and bad keep faith he is there and has you through it all. Reading your bible to learn his laws and understand them to tell others the truth of the Gospel of Jesus and how they too can have a,relationship with him. Love others, ( not physically) but true love for others. God will always love you but living in sin knowingly and still sinning, you are still doing your own thing and truly do not follow the Lord. We are not your judge and jury. But kow we pray for you. I too have sinned and I ask God to forgive my failures, and he does because he knows what is in my heart , a love for him, to do right by his laws, to tell others of his love and to keep trying no matter how hard it gets to do HIS will in my life not my own.
I love this comment, and agree on the facts you stated from the bible. Shunning someone is not as bad as people think. Just image your son or daughter breaking your rules time after time again so in order to teach them a lesson you put them I time out so they can reflect on their behavior the same thing with shunning. Drugs, tobacco products or homosexuality, adultery and other sin can all forgiven,. Knowing living in sin is bad it states in the bible men shall no lie with men he create Adam and Eve not Adam and Adam.
I am reading fiction books about the Amish and found this sight because in one book an Amish married a Mennonite. I find reading these books very spiritually uplifting. I am a new Christian and am trying to rely more on God. The Amish are so spiritual and community driven. Bless all who believe in God and Jesus dying for our sins.
We all should simply look to God and not to religion. Revelation 19 chapter tells us the end results of all religion. Our being here on earth is not to disrespect God by following religion. As we all know Jesus- Gods son was crucified by religious leaders and he said himself John 14:30 that he had nothing to do with religion.
Incorrect.
John 14:30
Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
I am reading a lot of these comments and some of them seem just our right mean and nasty. I looked up the difference in the Amish, Mennonites, and Brethern because I’m watching Amish Mafia. I think all of us are the same we just have different beliefs of how we arrived here, what to do while here, and what happens after death. I don’t think one is more or less evil than the next. When it comes down to it, I believe, we are all the same, human. We are flesh with spirits, we will all die and more than likely be put to rest in some form or fashion, and our spirit will be recycled. I don’t have a religion and am not sure what to believe about how we arrived here on earth, what we are to do here on earth, and what happens after death. People In here seem to be trying to act as if they know what others do simply because they read a few books or watched tv. I think this in itself is disrespectful. Stop it!
My thoughts are, why worry about all of that? We are here, so help one another, respect everyone, and appreciate everything. We will all die and no one knows exactly what happens after death so appreciate everything and everyone. Be successful in your own way at anything you do. Be sure you are Satisfied and content with the good you leave here on earth because we don’t know what happens after death. I simply believe you do those things and you will be fine after death( If there’s is a heaven and hell). Gay, straight, religion, no religion, English, Amish, Brethern, or Mennonite just help one another and do right.
Back to my original reason for looking up this site, I still don’t quite understand the differences in Amish, Brethern, and Mennonite. Is it all about technology? My understanding is that the English, does any and everything. Amish are in small communities around America who do not wear bright colors, speak Dutch, are pretty strict on a lot of things and do not use all technology. Mennonite, wear dark colors, live amongst the English, but do a lot around the world to help others not just people of their religion or practice their beliefs. Brethern, I have no clue. Am I right about the Menknitrs and Amish? Can someone nicely and respectfully explain the differences because we seem to have kind of gotten off topic in the comments.
People, let’s just have common sense respect. The Amish will NOT Live or allowed living in the Modern World that we all with Technology & I phones.
Yet, the Mennonites will allowed Technology, just to get by. Let’s use common sense. Seriously. the Amish Travels. Depends on their Neigbors for Transportation. to Ride on Amtrak or Buses. where Available.
The Amish Prohibs being Photo. Therefore, the Amish are Prohibited from going on Planes, because of: Post 9-11.
Post 9-11, Photos are Obviously Req.& to the point, it’s geting tougher. Hotels Req to have their Photo ID available to Ck In.
So, what, the Amish don’t believe in Photos. Yet, Received Preferencial Exemptions. My point is: any Fool can dress like a Amish & Recd Exemptions.
Don’t get me started on either end.
The Natives Tribes & the U.S. Gov have made peaceful & agreeable arrangements to cross the Border into Canada. Nations have Alternatively Identification.& It’s Complex. Therefore. I’ll welcome & will Obviously Agree & No Obigaton feedback.
Furthermore. The Amish also gets around the CN/US Border Federal Law Req.
Again: any fool can dress like a Amish for Exemptions & it’s a Saftey Risk.
The Menonights have different rules.
Where do you get off saying who is normal Mennonites live among the normal people? What a bigot you are.
I kmew of tremendous work that Mennonites were doing in the Philippines, supporting peacebuilding work in Mindanao in the early 2000s. Not sure if they are still continuing their work there. But teuly I admire them a lot.