Mennonite Objections to Catholicism in a Nutshell

[peaceful2]

I have some first-hand knowledge of Mennonites and the Amish, so here is my opinion.

Mennonites and Amish have an anti-artwork tradition. Most Amish do not have any sort of church building; they worship in each others’ homes and barns, where they set up benches. Thus, they really have no “special place” for worship. Mennonites on the other hand, worship in church buildings, but the buildings are very plain. Often the walls are plain white and there is no artwork or decorations whatsoever.

I hope that you can avoid topics like this, as someone else said; it is better to avoid all arguments.

But just in case THEY bring up the subject, I would read 1 Kings 6:12-35 very carefully, study it, and notice the beautiful carved angels (cherubim) which decorated God’s holy Temple. There were angels carved on the pillars and doors. And two HUGE angel statues stood in the Holy of Holies (inner sanctuary) with outstretched wings, reaching from wall to wall.

You can read 1 Kings 6:12-35 here,
blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ki&c=6&t=NKJV

Even before the Temple was built, Jews worshipped in the Tabernacle (a tent-like building made of tapestries), which God commanded Moses to build. God commanded it to be decorated with images of angels woven into the tapestries, in purple, red and blue thread (Exodus 26:1 and 26:31).

By God’s command, there were two statues of cherubim covered with gold, on the lid of the box which held the Ten Commandments (Exodus 25:17-22).

So you see God loves artwork and he PREFERS that artwork should give him glory, in places of worship.

You could also point out that Music is an “art” that gives glory to God, too. Mennonites love music. Singing hymns is a favorite pasttime for Amish and Mennonites. So if you can explain that Art and Music can both give glory to God, they may understand you.

If they use the word “idol”, you could point out to them that the Bible says “Greed is a form of idolatry.” Colossians 3:5. Memorize that.

How can “greed” be an idol? Well, lots of things can be idols.

An idol is anything that turns people AWAY from God. It could be statues of false gods, or money, pleasure, greed, etc.

The artwork in the Temple and in our churches turns our hearts TOWARD God so it pleases God.

(If they ask you about Catholic statues, you can present this information in a gentle and respectful way.)

If you focus on loving God, you may help them to understand that a good Catholic loves God above everything.

Most Mennonites are good gentle people who love God too, so a love for God is something we share.

 

[benidict]

I have some first-hand knowledge of Mennonites and the Amish, so here is my opinion.

Mennonites and Amish have an anti-artwork tradition. Most Amish do not have any sort of church building; they worship in each others’ homes and barns, where they set up benches. Thus, they really have no “special place” for worship. Mennonites on the other hand, worship in church buildings, but the buildings are very plain. Often the walls are plain white and there is no artwork or decorations whatsoever.

I hope that you can avoid topics like this, as someone else said; it is better to avoid all arguments.

But just in case THEY bring up the subject, I would read 1 Kings 6:12-35 very carefully, study it, and notice the beautiful carved angels (cherubim) which decorated God’s holy Temple. There were angels carved on the pillars and doors. And two HUGE angel statues stood in the Holy of Holies (inner sanctuary) with outstretched wings, reaching from wall to wall.

You can read 1 Kings 6:12-35 here,
blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ki&c=6&t=NKJV

Even before the Temple was built, Jews worshipped in the Tabernacle (a tent-like building made of tapestries), which God commanded Moses to build. God commanded it to be decorated with images of angels woven into the tapestries, in purple, red and blue thread (Exodus 26:1 and 26:31).

By God’s command, there were two statues of cherubim covered with gold, on the lid of the box which held the Ten Commandments (Exodus 25:17-22).

So you see God loves artwork and he PREFERS that artwork should give him glory, in places of worship.

You could also point out that Music is an “art” that gives glory to God, too. Mennonites love music. Singing hymns is a favorite pasttime for Amish and Mennonites. So if you can explain that Art and Music can both give glory to God, they may understand you.

If they use the word “idol”, you could point out to them that the Bible says “Greed is a form of idolatry.” Colossians 3:5. Memorize that.

How can “greed” be an idol? Well, lots of things can be idols.

An idol is anything that turns people AWAY from God. It could be statues of false gods, or money, pleasure, greed, etc.

The artwork in the Temple and in our churches turns our hearts TOWARD God so it pleases God.

(If they ask you about Catholic statues, you can present this information in a gentle and respectful way.)

If you focus on loving God, you may help them to understand that a good Catholic loves God above everything.

Most Mennonites are good gentle people who love God too, so a love for God is something we share.

And most of them like Catholics too. My ex mother in law, used to have a bible study with a Catholic lady. Picture it. A very conservative Mennonite and a Catholic sitting there reasoning together. They are still friends to this day. My relationship with my ex wife, and ex inlaws actually improved when I converted to Catholicism, much to my surprise. I think it has to do with both, placing an emphasis on holy living. Peace Oh, and most of your more conservative Mennonite and Amish are against birth control, and are very pro life. Even though they will not openly get involved with the debate.

 

[Radical]

The verb ‘to pray’ means to ask. The root is Latin Precare - ‘to entreat, to implore’

Note the example given by Shakespear in Hamlet, Act 1, Scene II

yep we all still employeth Shakespearean english to this very day …it never ceases to amaze me as to how Catholics can manage to make a distinction between the manner in which God is adored vs. the manner in which Mary is adored vs the manner in which one’s spouse is adored, but the ability to distinguish what we normally call “prayer” from what we normally call “asking” is beyond their capabilities…how can that be?

 

[ESMDHokie77]

Radical:
There was no need for you to post here about your misunderstanding Catholic prayer. I’m sure the capable members of this forum would be happy to discuss that with you in the apologetics forum.

The topic is essentially done with, thanks for posting everyone.

Peace,
Phil

 

[benidict]

yep we all still employeth Shakespearean english to this very day …it never ceases to amaze me as to how Catholics can manage to make a distinction between the manner in which God is adored vs. the manner in which Mary is adored vs the manner in which one’s spouse is adored, but the ability to distinguish what we normally call “prayer” from what we normally call “asking” is beyond their capabilities…how can that be?

Other than trying to be offensive. Whats your point?

 

[pablope]

yep we all still employeth Shakespearean english to this very day …it never ceases to amaze me as to how Catholics can manage to make a distinction between the manner in which God is adored vs. the manner in which Mary is adored vs the manner in which one’s spouse is adored, but the ability to distinguish what we normally call “prayer” from what we normally call “asking” is beyond their capabilities…how can that be?

It because we Catholics are humble enough inside, to know when to worship (in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass), when to have our private prayers and devotions (in the privacy of our homes, our cars, in adoration chapels, etc), know the proper prayers and words of praise necessary for worship and for private prayers. And you can never know, because Protestants (most, not all) have removed vestiges of worship (the Mass) in order to be separate and distinct from their roots-the Catholic Church. Each generation gets further and further away from their roots.

 

[benidict]

It because we Catholics are humble enough inside, to know when to worship (in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass), when to have our private prayers and devotions (in the privacy of our homes, our cars, in adoration chapels, etc), know the proper prayers and words of praise necessary for worship and for private prayers. And you can never know, because Protestants (most, not all) have removed vestiges of worship (the Mass) in order to be separate and distinct from their roots-the Catholic Church. Each generation gets further and further away from their roots.