FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS
We embrace the fundamental creeds of the Christian faith. We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and we attempt to follow it in every part of life. We believe God created the world and its inhabitants, that Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God, and thus began the sinful, fallen state of every person in the world. We believe that Christs death has atoned for mans sin and that His resurrection has provided eternal life for all those who truly believe in Him.
Salvation is freely offered to all people, regardless of religious, racial, or national background. God does not discriminate between any groups of people.
Salvation is realized by:
- Admitting that we are sinners (Romans 3:23)
- Confessing and forsaking our sins (I John 1:9)
- Receiving Christ as Saviour and Lord (John 3:16)
As believers, we are committed to following Christ in discipleship. Jesus is our Guide for life (as shown in the New Testament), and we desire to yield all of life to Him as our Lord and Master.
Jesus said, in St. John 14:21
He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me.
TWO DISTINCTIVE BELIEFS
1. Non-resistance
One distinctive belief has placed the Mennonites and Amish in the Historic Peace Church category: the doctrine of non-resistance. (Matthew 5:38-48 Romans 12:1-21; I Corinthians 6:1-8) According to the teaching and example of Christ, love is to be the guiding principle in all relationships. Therefore, we refrain from lawsuits, military service, and racial discrimination.
2. Plain dress
The Bible teaches modesty and simplicity in dress. Our communities have been practicing this for centuries, with great blessing. We experience some of the same benefits that schools experience when they maintain the practice of students wearing uniforms. It is one way of maintaining modesty and respect, and helps to avoid the negative effects of peer pressure.
The New Testament also teaches the wearing of the veiling for women (I Corinthians 11:1-16), and that we should not wear jewelry. In today’s world, these teachings and practices are often challenged, and sometimes ridiculed. However, those who accept them testify of the peace and security of living within the protection and blessing of Gods order and plan. We find it liberating to be free from the tyranny of fashion and television dictating what we should wear.
These are only two of the beliefs that we live by…there are more….