There are those folks who are Mennonots. They find much of their heritage embarrassing and narrowly set about eradicating the vestiges of tradition. I say narrowly because most are blind to the very character their heritage has bestowed, remaining ever Mennonite despite their newfound NASCAR country music taste and dish network. They're as sensitive to quaint as liars are to second questions.
Then there is the Mennoterper, a sort of selfmade pr agent, all too happy to sing the praises but not personally committed to the whole package. Peaceful quilt makers and carpenters, but content with Saint Mattress and humanistic values to get us through Sunday.
I have been facing the question of whether I can actually be a conservative Mennonite or if I just prefer the genetic endorsement that's my heritage. Can I face never going to a blues bar ever again? What about my job? Its not immoral but it encourages me to live in an urban environment far from the cornfield of the nearest 'plain' people.
A lot comes down to choice. I probably never will trip on acid and go to a Stones concert, but I like knowing I can if I want. I don't wear shorts but I like the option. I like knowing that any night it strikes my fancy, I can go dance until I'm tired or the sun comes up.
It is a big deal committing to a group. I must be willing to be open at all times. I wouldn't be able to separate myself, what I do, from those around me. My associates today are temporary, based on our commonality in the now. I am an engineer until five pm, then I am a social activist, a volunteer, an amateur musician, or a couch potato and each of those hats has a set of associates who have little or nothing to do with the other. Being Mennonite is a commitment to a community despite commonality. I am accountable to these people with a sax to my lips and while groaning at reality tv. The group will supercede all other aspects of who I am.
The questions are, am I willing to be part of a group to the point of sacrificing part of myself, and, is there a group worthy of such sacrifice of its members?
4 comments:
it's a big decision, isn't it?
-ry
Let me know when you get it figured out. We are "church shopping" for lack of a better thing to call it. Hard thing to do. Lots of questions. But not as many answers.
God's word is an completely adequate guide to how he wants us to live. He has given us Christian liberty in many areas that his word doesn't address (see Romans 14.) Those who want to add rules to his word are doing us no favors (e.g. see Galatians 5:1.)
monergism.com contains a great deal of very helpful material for Christian doctrine and living. Paste the following into your browser in particular:
http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Legalism--Antinomianism/
Finally, here's a statement that summarizes what the Bible teaches on Christian liberty:
God alone is Lord of the conscience and has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are—in anything—contrary to his Word, or which—in matters of faith or worship—are in addition to it. Therefore, anyone who believes such doctrines or obeys such commands out of conscience betrays true liberty of conscience. The requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obedience, destroys both liberty of conscience and reason.
From the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 20 (Modern English Version)
Best wishes as you think about these things.
Brilliantly articulated.
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