Do the Plymouth Brethren avoid all modern technology?
As for the Amish, they do not pass out books. They do not associate with “Yankees” (which is their term for everybody who is not Amish) except in doing business. I have been to some Amish shops, since we have a large Amish community in Ohio. They have never been uncharitable. Many of the Amish women do work in the bakeries. Many of the men are master carpenters. They will be driven to work sites. On my mother’s old street, an Amish crew built a new garage. They cannot drive, but they are allowed to ride in a car. The Amish also make excellent furniture.
The Plymouth Brethren are actually divided into two. One of their members was excommunicated, went away and formed his own group which is now the main Plymouth Brethren ‘Exclusive’ where they work with ‘heathen’ that is non-Plymouth Brethren but they do not associate with them. They do not use any modern technology nor computer or tv, radio etc which they see as evil.
Nor do they drive, but they will be driven as they are passive in the technology but if they drive, then they are active which defiles them.
Exclusive breathren are only allowed to break bread with exclusive members. Infidels are not allowed to participate. Non-Catholic Christians are seen as evil, Catholics are so far down the list that expletives fail to describe the contempt they feel for us. They have a very exacting dress code. Men follow God and women do as they are told by their menfolk.
If one in a family is converted, the whole family is and baptisms etc are delivered in the beneficiaries home. They do not use Churches.
Open breathren are a bit more liberal. Nor are they so strict about dress code. Women are still infirior and at the service and command of men but they are treated as almost equals which is a far cry from Exclusive brethren.
Non-members are excluded from sharing in the ‘Breaking of Bread’ (Communion) service. The communion service is open for all practicing Christians.
Members do not worship with other Christians, and there is no contact between Exclusive Brethren ‘Assemblies’ and other denominations. Churches and individuals often work and worship with other churches and members of other Christian groups, e.g. as Members of the ‘Evangelical Alliance’ and ‘Christians Together’.
Assemblies are all connected together, and must follow exactly the same doctrines and practices.
There is one recognised leader of the whole world-wide group. Churches are independent and led by their own members. There can be great variation in practice (though not usually in core doctrines) between different Open Brethren churches.
Exclusive Brethren practise
Members will not mix socially with non-members. Families are divided if members leave the Assembly. It is especially important not to eat with non-members, who are viewed as ‘iniquitous’ (The Bible, 1 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 11). Members do not accept employment from non-members. Members are encouraged to befriend all, whether or not they are Christians.
The media is viewed as ‘iniquitous’, under the authority of the devil ‘the ruler of the authority of the air’ (The Bible, Ephesians chapter 2 verse 2). Therefore, members are not allowed to have radio, TV, newspapers, computers, go to the cinema, or listen to ‘worldly’ music. Members are free to follow their individual conscience.
Members may be recognised by a dress code, in which ladies (and girls) wear their hair long with a small headscarf. Men are always clean shaven, and do not wear ties.
Hope this helps
