Are Mennonites Idolitors?

[Silverchild79]

that's pretty much the question

I call myself a Christian, because that's what I am, no more, no less

Some people call themselves Mennonites after Menno Simmons, Amish after Joseph Amman, or Lutheran after I'll assume Martin Luther

Is that Idol worship, are in violation of the 10 commandments?

please weight in and provide supporting ideas or scripture

 

[Solo]

that's pretty much the question

I call myself a Christian, because that's what I am, no more, no less

Some people call themselves Mennonites after Menno Simmons, Amish after Joseph Amman, or Lutheran after I'll assume Martin Luther

Is that Idol worship, are in violation of the 10 commandments?

please weight in and provide supporting ideas or scripture

Why do you call yourself a Christian? Please explain how one becomes a Christian, and what happens when a Christian violates one or more of the 10 commandments?

 

[Silverchild79]

Re: Are Mennonites Idolaters?

Why do you call yourself a Christian? Please explain how one becomes a Christian, and what happens when a Christian violates one or more of the 10 commandments?

what are you talking about?

I'm a christian because I believe in the resurrection, I seek Christ, and I believe that because of that I am saved.

I don't believe that any one sin condemns you as I believe man is flawed beyond his own comprehension of sin, making it impossible to die without an unforgiven sin, that's where grace comes in

now back to it

I posted this because I wanted opinions, not questions. If you want to ask me direct questions kindly send me a PM

My question was about the idea that these denominations stick to the customs set forth by foulable men, they could be considered Idols of their denominations. An even more dramatic interpretation is that they put these men before God as the claim themselves to be "Mennonite" or "Lutheran" meaning that they are of the teachings of Menno Simmons or Martin Luther rather then being soley a "Christian" which is of Christ

 

[Solo]

Re: Are Mennonites Idolaters?

what are you talking about?

I'm a christian because I believe in the resurrection, I seek Christ, and I believe that because of that I am saved.

I don't believe that any one sin condemns you as I believe man is flawed beyond his own comprehension of sin, making it impossible to die without an unforgiven sin, that's where grace comes in

now back to it

I posted this because I wanted opinions, not questions. If you want to ask me direct questions kindly send me a PM

Your statement was that you call yourself a Christian, and then you continue on with a question whether calling individuals that call themselves Mennonites, Amish, or Lutheran are committing violation of the ten commandments in the idolatry department.

I asked why you call yourself a Christian. You may or may not be one, but may call yourself one nonetheless.

Each person communicates with others as to what their beliefs are with a denominational statement that describes a basic belief and understanding of Scripture.

In other words, you can assume that a Lutheran probably believes in infant baptism, Consubstantiation as opposed to Transubstantiation or memorial Communion, Soul-sleep, ability to lose one's salvation, etc.; while a Southern Baptist believes in Baptism by immersion when one can make a decision concerning Jesus Christ and the Word of God, Memorial Communion, Alive in Christ or in Hades after physical death, and security of the believer.

Can one be a Christian and a Lutheran? Yes.
Can one be a Christian and a Southern Baptist? Yes.
Can one be a Christian and a Mennonite? Yes.
Can one be a Christian and an Amish? Yes.
Can one be a Christian without being affiliated with a denomination? Yes.

Can one consider themself a Christian and a Lutheran, Southern Baptist, Mennonite, Amish, or non-denomination, and be lost? Yes.

The truth of the matter is that when one is born again by the Holy Spirit, they are then children of God and they then are a part of the Body of Christ regardless of the denomination that they worship and study the word of God in. If the denomination is one where God's Word is not being taught, then the Holy Spirit will guide a believer to a body where it is being taught.

 

[Silverchild79]

so, then your opinion is no? alright thanks.

I agree that being a part of a denomination doesn't qualify you for heaven in and of itself

my question was if identifying yourself as being the followers of another foul able man was a form of idolatry.

 

[Guest]

SilverChild - If I may ask one question prior to answering yours: Why did you pick "mennonite" to be in your title? Just curious, as I am a Mennonite - also as a denomination, we are small in number in comparison to the other denominations.

Strike me as odd to pick 'mennonite'. That is all.

Thanks in advance for answering - and I will then answer your question.

 

[Silverchild79]

SilverChild - If I may ask one question prior to answering yours: Why did you pick "Mennonite" to be in your title? Just curious, as I am a Mennonite - also as a denomination, we are small in number in comparison to the other denominations.

Strike me as odd to pick 'Mennonite'. That is all.

Thanks in advance for answering - and I will then answer your question.

Oh it's not that I have any grudge against non resistant people... (that would be ironic wouldn't it? lol)

I choose Mennonites just because it's an identifiable example. I was quick to include Lutherans and the Amish (two other denominations taken from the names of their founders) in the body. I could have just as easily used either of those, or a great deal of other denominations.

but you asked "why" did I use Mennonite

to be honest my GF was raised Mennonite. She no longer is, after years of consideration & study she decided she didn't agree with much of the particulars of their doctrine (military service is wrong, touching wine is wrong, dance is wrong, etc). She told me a story recently of how her parents were always quick to point out any single verse in the bible that was contrary to what she believed. But that they wouldn't even hear of her referencing the bible when Paul tells his congregation not to identify themselves as being of Paul, but rather just just say they were of Christ.

I suppose that is why I said Mennonite, but it's equally a valid question with a hundred other denominations slotted into the sugject line

agian please, stay on subject

 

[Guest]

Oh it's not that I have any grudge against non resistant people... (that would be ironic wouldn't it? lol)

I choose Mennonites just because it's an identifiable example. I was quick to include Lutherans and the Amish (two other denominations taken from the names of their founders) in the body. I could have just as easily used either of those, or a great deal of other denominations.

but you asked "why" did I use Mennonite

to be honest my GF was raised Mennonite. She no longer is, after years of consideration & study she decided she didn't agree with much of the particulars of their doctrine (military service is wrong, touching wine is wrong, dance is wrong, etc). She told me a story recently of how her parents were always quick to point out any single verse in the bible that was contrary to what she believed. But that they wouldn't even hear of her referencing the bible when Paul tells his congregation not to identify themselves as being of Paul, but rather just just say they were of Christ.

I suppose that is why I said Mennonite, but it's equally a valid question with a hundred other denominations slotted into the sugject line

agian please, stay on subject

First - you do not need to admonition me to 'stay on subject' - rather, I thought it odd that you would pick mennonite, and as I suspected there was a reason why you picked mennonite.

Are you familiar with the various names of Native American Tribes? Do you know who gave them 'their names' that you are familiar with? Their enemies. The common names that you and I were taught in school, of the various Native Tribes are not the names that them themselves within that tribe would use. However, overtime it sticks.

The same is similiar with the names of denominations - it is merely used as an identifier - usually named so by "enemies" or at the least those who disagreed with them. In the case of Mennonites, it would have been enemies - and I believe most would refer to themselves as Anabaptists (re-baptizers) however, over time - 'it sticks'.

For me, I identify with the Mennonite or more acurately the Anabaptist practice of living out ones Christian Faith. The difference, I believe, with the verse you quoted is that people were putting their 'faith' in Paul, etc. But yes, I would also agree that we need to be careful as a body not to let the denominations divide us. I will always say that I am a Christian first.

Are mennonites perfect? No - just like Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Evengalical Frees, etc etc are not perfect. However, as I read the Scriptures and understood to the best of my ability with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I say the Mennonites as a group of people that were living out the Christian faith as I believe it ought to be lived out.

The problem comes when one places the Denomination above all else. And yes, this is were I disagree with the Roman Catholic Church - because they seem to place the "mother Church" above all.

 

[Gabbylittleangel]

my question was if identifying yourself as being the followers of another foul able man was a form of idolatry.

Hi Silverchild,

Learning from one another is not idolatry. However, if one were to be a follower of a particular man, and was to place the word of that man above the Word of God, then it would become idolatry.

 

[Silverchild79]

wow a straight answer, thanx Gabby

Lonevoice,

The Mennonites were named by their enemies, prior to that all anabaptists exited under the anabaptist name. Menno Simmons was a 40 year old Catholic priest who left the Mother Church after his Anabaptist brother was murdered and refused to resist.

The history of the denominational names I never questioned. The fact that those within these sects refer to themselves as "Mennonites" and not just "Christians" is what yielded my question

 

[Guest]

wow a straight answer, thanx Gabby

Lonevoice,

The Mennonites were named by their enemies, prior to that all anabaptists exited under the anabaptist name. Menno Simmons was a 40 year old Catholic priest who left the Mother Church after his Anabaptist brother was murdered and refused to resist.

The history of the denominational names I never questioned. The fact that those within these sects refer to themselves as "Mennonites" and not just "Christians" is what yielded my question

As I said Silver - it just sticks. I believe for most that it is just 'easier' to say "Mennonite", "Lutheran" etc etc to convey how one practices the Chrsitian faith. In other words, by calling myself a mennonite, it conveys: non-resistance, pacifism, believer's baptism, social justice, etc etc.

If I may ask, do you attend the Roman Catholic church? Your reference to the "Mother Church" is what generated this question.

And yes, that is a brief history of Menno Simmons...

 

[Silverchild79]

no,

I am non denominational to the point of not even having a specific church. While I think fellowship is a good thing Churches are organized and executed by foulable men who will no doubt err in their presentation the doctrine of faith. That being said if I'm going to be wrong on anything when I'm judged I want it to be because I erred in my honest interpretation of God's word. Not because I took someone else's word for it.

My signature kind of gives you an idea of what I'm about.

I personally see all denominations as lending themselves to pride and judgment, as well as placing historical figures as ideological idols which interfere with my personal obligation to seek God.

And when I said "Mother Church" I was referring to the Roman Catholic Church which was what Menno Simmons left. Nothing more.

But I must say while the Catholic Church has had some dark points in it's history I can find no more fault in Catholics then I can any other denomination

 

[Guest]

Well.. then may I ask if you attend a church?

 

[Silverchild79]

I attend several irregularly for the purpose of fellow ship. One of which is a Catholic Church. I also have a rather conservative Mennonite church slated to be visted actually.

This Sunday I'll be at a non denominational protestant church that my parents enjoy to meet some people, eat some pancakes, and oh yes I think it's some kind of important holiday too... :D

 

[Guest]

From reading your posts, it seems that you have issues with organized denomination?

You might have heard this before, and I doubt that it really happened, however the point is the same:

A pastor was visiting a member of his church who hadn't attend in years. The member told the pastor all the reasons why he did not need to come to church - even though the member still believed and worshipped God on his own, and read the Bible on his own, etc...

As they talked, the pastor walked over to the fireplace, picked out an ember and laid it on the table. Quickly the ember lost all heat, and was able to be picked up by the hand.

 

[Silverchild79]

Ah Grasshoppa but if the Steel is plucked from the same fire and laid in the water does it not grow stronger!

We can spout "Chinese Proverbs" all day. Christian Salvation is based on the acceptance of Christ, not devotion to a herd like mentality. Church's unfortunately almost always look to control there congregation, at the risk of being a big rough, I would think a Mennonite knows that well.

Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of good that can come from a church, it's social footprint i the community encourages positive christian relations. It acts to help those in need, provides a spiritual compass for those requiring assistance, I could go on. But, I feel that the Church needs man more then Man needs the Church

 

[Guest]

Ah Grasshoppa but if the Steel is plucked from the same fire and laid in the water does it not grow stronger!

We can spout "Chinese Proverbs" all day. Christian Salvation is based on the acceptance of Christ, not devotion to a herd like mentality. Church's unfortunately almost always look to control there congregation, at the risk of being a big rough, I would think a Mennonite knows that well.

Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of good that can come from a church, it's social footprint i the community encourages positive christian relations. It acts to help those in need, provides a spiritual compass for those requiring assistance, I could go on. But, I feel that the Church needs man more then Man needs the Church

How about we not spout "Chinese Proverbs" - and rely on the Word of God.

We could start with Proverbs 27:17

You are correct, Salvation is found in Jesus alone. And the Body of Christ is to be more than a 'social footprint'. While there have been and will be those 'churches' (note the small 'c') that abuse the Word of God - do not confuse the actions of the small c church with what the Body of Christ (Big C CHURCH) is supposed to be.

Not to mention that we are to submit to the authority of Christ and He alone is the Head of the Church.

 

[Silverchild79]

I would say a positive reflection of the verse you provided is the "man sharpening" that occurs on sites such as this

Matthew 18:20

20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them

two people, the bible also says that if you believe in Christ the Lord is with your (one person)

As for Christ himself controlling the church, it is quite obvious to anyone with an objective mind that each church's functions are subject to the foul-ability of man. Why else have so many churches adopted non christian ideals. There are no particular denominations which are immune from this

there are Protestant churches in San Fransisco as well as Mennonite churches in Germantown PA who allow homosexuals as baptized members in good standing, I could go on but you get the idea