Anabaptist and Culture

If we studied Anabaptist long enough, we would understand better. I have been involved in a Anabaptist denomination for almost 20 years and I found Anabaptist do believe much of the Reformed Theologies except what separates their doctrines (i.e. Baptism, etc). The Anabaptist I was involved in was more into Reformed Theologies (Calvinism, etc) while others are not. Most Anabaptists do not believe in works but rather obedience to the Word of God. Anabaptist do believe regarding salvation within the household but not the exact way we do. Acts 2:39 "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." I was part of a Christian family and like most Christian families, they have "lost children" who were taught about Christ but never really accepted Christ from the heart. Not ALL Amish are truly saved. The Amish knows and aware of that which they believe this decision is between God and the person alone. At the same time, they truly believe as Reformed believe regarding "household": Acts 11:14 (NIV) He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved. Acts 16:31 (NIV) They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household. I have relatives who are not saved. I also have relatives are who saved. Assuming that majority of the families around the world will have ONE person who is in Christ and truly saved. If one person is saved, then God can work within that person's family (all generations) to convict their hearts to accept Christ if they are chosen. Culture-wise, depending on Amish tribe and families. Some are really strict and some are not. Nation from the greek word "Ethnos". Strongs defines Ethnos as a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together as a company, troop, swarm. A multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus the human family a tribe, nation, people group (Culture). One thing I have learned when I was in the Anabaptist denomination, preferences aren't necessarily a doctrine issue, but can become serious when people in the church can't get along with each other because of their preferences. There are many Christian cultures because there are Christians who will follow their conscience, feelings, beliefs and personal worship preferences. This is between God and each individual believer(s). There are different preferences of beliefs and different style of worship. Some prefer one worship style while other prefer another worship style. The key is that we must worship God in Spirit with other believers regardless our "personal" opinion or loyalty to our movements. I like this from John MacArthur:

A Day With the Amish My wife, Patricia, and I had a wonderful time visiting Lancaster, Pennsylvania some years ago. It is a beautiful part of our country. "Grace to You" is heard on a radio station there, and God has blessed our ministry in that area. Among the people who live in the Lancaster area are the Amish. They live by a different set of standards than many of us. The women wear their hair pulled back and knotted behind the head. They are a domestic people. Many own beautiful, prosperous farms. But they do not believe it is right to travel by any vehicle powered by a motor, so they ride in horse carts. We visited many of those farms while we were there because Patricia was looking for some quilts, and the Amish are known for theirs. We noticed as we visited one farm after another that there were no televisions, radios, or electrical appliances of any kind. And certainly there were no automobiles. But curiously, we often saw an Allis-Chalmers combine, an engine-powered harvesting machine, being pulled by horses! That was a little inconsistent to say the least. When we visited one Amish farm in particular, we met a man who led us into his barn to show us his car, which he kept under secret cover. He also had a radio. Somewhat sheepishly he said to me, "I'd like to ask you some Bible questions. I've been listening to you on the radio and I really appreciate what you teach." It was obvious to us that he had come to know Christ. Many of the Amish do not know Christ; they know only a form of religion. This man was fighting his liberation in Christ. He was starting to let go of some things while still holding onto others. He was letting it be known that he had a radio, and I think he had driven his car in the daytime. He wanted to know all about the book of Revelation because the Amish never interpret it. Patricia and I sat in the kitchen and answered question after question about the book of Revelation and the Second Coming of Christ. As we talked, I could see it was going to be very difficult for this man to ever fully understand the freedom he could enjoy in Jesus Christ. If someone were to play a tape of Christian rock for him, or make him buy a three-piece pin-striped suit, he would be devastated. There are many Christians like that Amish man, and we must love them all. We certainly don't want to do anything to offend them. That's what Paul is saying in Romans 14:1. If there is to be a loving unity among the body of believers, it must start with the strong. The strong must be willing to sacrifice their liberties. I rejoice in doing so because I want to do all I can for the sake of those who might be offended by my liberty. I want to receive them fully into the fellowship. So be sensitive to those who believe people ought to live a certain way, dress a certain way, and restrain from certain habits. Wait until they can grow to understand their emancipation in Jesus Christ.

As long as our conscience is clear and our heart is pure before God, don't be concerned with issues. In Romans 14:5 "One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." 1 Corinthians 10:28-29 "both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience' sake, the other man's conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another's conscience?" I have had my battles with those who teaches bad theology and the Anabaptists are not in that category even though we disagree with some of their doctrines. Hey, I was Baptized 3 times (Trinity as in Father, Son and Holy Spirit) by the Anabaptist.