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Psalm 133:1 How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
I. We believe that life and faith should center around serving the Almighty who is a Spirit (Jn 4:24a), called "Yahweh" in the Hebrew Bible.1 We believe the Messiah was born with the Hebrew name "Yahshua"; that He pre-existed and was incarnated as the only begotten Son (Jn 3:16), born of a virgin (Isa 7:14, Mt 1:23), and brought salvation to mankind whom he created. We believe the Spirit is an extension of his power2 also called the "helper" (Jn 14:16) and is something which all believers are to be filled with (Jn 4:24b, Col 1:27).
II. We believe that all have sinned (Rom 3:23); that we are not saved by our own righteousness (Deut 9:5, Ezek 33:13-19, Php. 3:11-14), and that salvation is dependant on both love and faith, as evidenced by our obedience, which the Bible calls "good works" (James 1:14-26).3 We believe the Messiah's death and resurrection makes atonement, extending grace to us (Zech 12:10, Acts 17:30) and that our responsibility is to repent, turning from sin which the Bible defines as disobedience (Num 15:28-31, Heb 10:26), and keeping His commandments out of love from a pure heart (1 Tim 1:5).
III. We believe in baptism by immersion (Col 2:12, Acts 8:38,39, Mk 1:10, Jn 3:23, 1Cor 10:2) in the name Yahshua (Lk.8:15, Acts 2:38, 8:16, 19:5) for the remission of sins (Mk 1:4, Acts 19:4, 22:16, 1 Pe 3:20,21). We believe that baptism by the spirit occurs through the inner working of repentance (Matt 3:11, Acts 10:47), and that being "baptised from above" or "bom again' is a prerequisite for receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Jn 3:3-8). We believe establishing an "age of accountability" runs contrary to the Bible (Ezek 18:20,21, Prov 20:11); that anyone able to understand the meaning of baptism and repentance is able to be baptized (Acts 16:29-34, Matt 18:3-6), and that Yahshua's atonement covers errors committed through ignorance (Num 15:28, Acts 17:30, cf. 1Cor 13:11). Although we do not associate baptism with organizational membership we do believe that in accordance with the Hebrew concept of "mikvah" or ritual washing in Lev 13-15 and 2Ki 5:1-14 that one may choose to be baptized or immersed again.
IV. We believe the Bible is divinely inspired; that Genesis through Malachi is profitable for doctrine, reproof, and instruction in righteousness (2Tim 3:16), and that Matthew through Revelation continues the process of imparting Yahweh's righteousness into our lives through Yahshua's example. We also accept the "intertestament books" which are not only still included in the Catholic, Slavonic, and Greek Orthodox Bibles, but were also quoted by early anabaptist leaders such as Hans Denck. Menno Simons, and Dirk Philips, all of which "retained a very high view of the Apocrypyha (and) quot(ed) them almost as often as books of the Hebrew Bible and with equal authority.4
V. We believe the "New Testament" is established on the same moral foundation which the law creates, and the "new covenant" is enacted through the impressing of the same law onto our hearts (Heb 10:16). We believe Yahshua did not abolish the law but showed us how Yahweh's imparted righteousness granted through faith enables us to satisfy the law's requirements (Mt 5:17) so that we, in being "perfect as our father in heaven is perfect" (Mat 5:48) can "fulfill all righteousness" (Mat 3:15). We believe Yahshua reiterated the same command we had from the beginning: to love one another (1 Jn 2:7); that all things are fulfilled in love (Rom 13:10), and that honoring the precepts we learned from the "schoolmaster" (Gal 3:24) are an important element in demonstrating our love and faith through obedience (Jhn 14:15, Eph 2:8-10, James 2:14-26).
VI. We believe the world was created perfect "in the beginning" (Gen 1:1) and was corrupted after satan's rebellion when he was cast from heaven (Isa 14:12, 45:16). We believe Yahweh spoke life into the darkness through the Messiah (Psa 104:29,30) in a period of six literal days (Gen 1), forming man from the dust of the earth (Gen 2), afterward resting on the seventh and commanding us to follow His example as a memorial. We believe that all living things reproduce their own kind (Gen 1:11-12,21-28) and that our Heavenly Father forbids the mixing of plant and/or animal species (Lev 19:19, Deut 22:9), leaving no room for "progressive creationism" or the claim that He formed the world through an "evolutionary cycle". We believe the prohibition on mixing species also sets a precedent towards organic farming without the use of GMO seeds, and avoiding the consumption of genetically engineered food sources.
VII. We believe the Sabbath is to be observed weekly on the seventh day according to the command in Genesis and the example of Messiah and the apostles who are recorded keeping it no less than 85 times throughout the book of Acts;5 a practice which continued to be maintained by early anabaptists such as Andreas Fischer and Oswald Glaidt,6 the Waldensian Brethren of Bohemia,7 colonial American settlers such as Conrad Beisel, the Seventh Day German Baptists, and the Seventh Day Adventists, all of which found no Biblical evidence or example of the Sabbath being changed to Sunday.8
VIII. We believe in the annual observance of the Passover memorial supper, including the partaking of unleavened bread, fruit of the vine, and washing of feet according to Yahshua's example, and removing leaven from our homes for seven days during this time (Lk2:42, Jn 5:1, Mt 26:17,29). We also believe in the observance of Pentecost which portrays not only the giving of the 10 Commandments, but also the anointing of the Spirit on the apostles and outpouring of Yahweh's Spirit on all flesh as prophesied by Joel 2:28. Whereas the latter has not yet occurred and the apostles continued to keep Pentecost throughout the book of Acts (2:1, 20:16), we believe that we also should continue its observance.
IX. We believe the fall set of Feasts, including the Day of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles were observed by Yahshua (Jn 7:2,10,14) and the apostle Paul (Acts 18:21), and will continue to be observed by non-Israelites throughout the Millenium according to Zech 14:16-19. We also believe that the only time the phrase "Lord's day" is used in the Bible is in Rev 1:10, where it refers to the exact timeline of events when these Feasts will be fulfilled, and therefore believe that they should continue to be observed today in anticipation of the future events which they still foreshadow.
XI. We believe that "English Holidays" including Christmas, Easter, and Halloween were avoided by both the early Anabaptists and Puritans who understood the Messiah was not born in December, Passover had not been replaced by the resurrection, and the new "English feasts" were drawn respectively from the Roman saturnalia, Saxon spring fertility festival of Ishtar or Ashtoreth, and Druid feast of the dead9 - all incorporating pagan customs and symbolism which the Bible clearly prohibits (see Jer.10:2, Rev 11:9, Ezek 8:13-18, Jer 7:18, Jdg 2:11,13).
XII. We believe that dietary restrictions are given in Lev 11, Ex 23:19, 34:26, Lev 22:8, Deut 12:16,23, 14:21 which are reaffirmed in Acts 10:19-28, 15:20 as guidelines for us to follow today, and that while vegetarianism is not a requirement, eating meat is a concession to the Creator's original plan (Gen 1:29,30; Gen 9:1-4). These dietary restrictions preclude pigs, horses, carnivores, rodents, reptiles, birds of prey, crustaceans, and fish which are bottom feeders, from human consumption. Peter's vision of the sheet from heaven, although commonly misunderstood as permission to eat animals which are "ritually unclean", was interpreted otherwise by Peter himself in Acts 10:28 where he says "Yahweh has showed me not to call any man common or unclean". We believe Peter refused the command to "kill and eat" 3 times saying "Not so Yahweh, for I have never eaten anything common or unclean" until the sheet was drawn back to heaven. Afterward he was immediately approached by 3 gentiles (whom the Jews considered "ritually unclean") desiring Peter's presence in the house of a Roman centurian named Cornelius (Acts 10:19,20). The absence of unclean meats being eaten by Peter thereafter reveal that Yahweh's intent was never for Peter to eat food which He himself had forbidden, the same as His intent was not for Abraham to kill Isaac as a human sacrifice although he did in fact "command" it the same as he commanded Peter to "kill and eat". We believe Yahshua cast the demon in Matt 8:28-34 - not into goats or sheep or cows - but into swine, destroying their owner's livlihood for a reason. Paul's words in Romans 14:2,3 should likewise not be misconstrued as sanctifying unclean animals for human consumption, considering this same phrase is found in Genesis 9:3 where the dietary restrictions are still clearly applicable (Gen 7:2).
XIII. We believe that Adam was created uncircumcised (which Yahweh called "very good" - Gen 1:31, Rom 2:27) and that circumcision is entirely absent from the Bible for the first 2000 years from Adam until Abraham, nor was it actively practiced during the 40 years the Israelites were in the wilderness (Josh 5:5-7). We believe Jeremiah 9:25 further indicated that the circumcised and uncircumcised would again be equated together by Yahweh at a time then future tense, and hold to the literal interpretation of Paul's words in Romans 2:25-29, that "circumcision verily profiteth, if thou observe the Law: but if thou be a breaker of the Law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the Law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the Law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the Law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of Elohim." We believe that circumcision in relation to keeping the Passover applied to the sacrifice of the lamb itself as opposed to the memorial supper or seder (Acts 10:28) and that physical circumcision was initiated as a sign but never a method of acquiring salvation (Deut 10:16; 30:6; Ezek 36:26), neither should it be misappropriated as such today (see Eccl 12:13,1 Jn 5:3, also compare Isa 49:1 and 1 Cor 7:18-20 Aramaic: "If a man circumcised hath been called, let him not turn to uncircumcision; and if in uncircumcision he hath been called, let him not be circumcised. 19 For circumcision is not any thing, nor uncircumcision, but the observances of the commandments of Elohim. 20 Let every man in the calling in which he hath been called remain.") In light of Lev 19:28 which forbids cutting the flesh as a religious rite and Deut 23:1 which disallows "cutting off the genitals.10, we addionally believe it possible that Abraham's circumcision at age 90 may have been less invasive than that routinely performed by medical doctors today (compare Gal 5:12,6:12,13).
XIV. We believe animal sacrifices under the Levitical priesthood atoned for sin on a daily basis and Yahshua's crucifixion as the "Lamb who takes away the sins of the world" (Gen 22:8, Zeeh 12:10. Jn 1:29,19:37) is the event which these sacrifices pointed to in the first place. We believe Yahshua is the High Priest after the order of Melchisedek (Psa 110:4, Heb 5:6, 7:17,21) who makes perpetual atonement through the offering up of Himself (Zech 12:10, Heb 10:12,14) and that while the "sacrificial laws" are not "done away", once sin is perpetually atoned for, there is no longer requirement of repeated animal sacrifice to fulfill the commandment (Heb 7:25-27,10:18) "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin....For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment." (Heb 10:14-27)
XV. While we do not require uniformity for fellowship we do apply a Biblical dress-code for men and woman, given that physical guidelines are necessary in defining and applying the principle of modesty. We believe that clothing worn in public should completely cover the upper torso, including the chest (Ezek. 16:7,8;15;36-38; 23:3,18) and shoulders (3Hermas 9.80,81,128-33), reach below the upper calf (Isa 47:1), draw attention away from the procreative parts of the body (Prov 7:10,1 Tim 2:9), and that clothing should be considered immodest if it is styled sensually, if the fit would cause it to be easily undiscerned were it the same color as the skin, or if it reveals any part of the body while bending, lifting, sitting, or stretching which would be inappropriate to be exposed on a general basis. To this end, those in fellowship should be willing to make necessary changes without being asked in order to maintain purity by not bringing offence or being a stumbling block to other brethren (1 Cor 8:9, Mk 9:32, Gal 5:13,2 Tim 2:15). We believe the prohibition on cross-dressing would likely include the wearing of slacks by women which was unheard of before the radical feminest movement (Deut. 22:5); also that a man should not grow his hair as a woman or wear a woman's veiling (Ezek 44:20, 1 Cor 11:4,14), that he should grow a beard if he is able (Lev 19:27), and that a woman's hair is not to be cut as a man's or used to attract attention from men other than her husband. (Isa 47:2,3, 1 Cor 11:6,10,15,1 Tim 2:9).
XVI. Although we do not find any Biblical prerequisite against jewelry in moderation, we do stress that true beauty is dependant on "the women adorning themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly; not in braiding the hair with gold or pearls or wearing of costly attire" (1Ti 2:9). To this end, overdoing jewelry, clothing, hairstyles or anything else in order to draw attention to oneself crosses outside of what can be Biblically defined as "discreet" and "modest".
XVII. We view the use of women's headcoverings as a symbol of headship and for additional modesty (Gen 24:65, Num 5:18, Isa 47:2,31, Cor 11:4-16), and do not obligate a man to wear a hat, although neither do we make it a subject of contention if he is so persuaded, understanding that there are varying yet equally valid interpretations of the underlying Greek words in 1 Cor 11, and that people arrive at different conclusions in seeking to reconcile this passage with the historical, cultural attire and practices of the Bible upon which the New Testament is based.11
XVIII.We believe marriage is for life and only between one man and one woman (Gen 2:24); that marriage is a holy institution, divinely created and intended as the exclusive environment for sexual intimacy and subsequently raising "righteous children" (Mal 2:15, Gen 9:1, Psa 127:3), and that it should ideally be preceded by a time of courtship with limited physical contact (Lev 21:7,13; Ezek 44:22,23; Rev 14:4). We counsel strongly against divorce (1 Cor 7:10), and do not condone remarriage (Mk 10:11,12, Lk 16:18) with concesions being given specifically for widows and widowers (Rom 7:3b, 1Cor 7:39). We believe that a betrothal or engagement, according to the Bible should only be broken as a result of infidelity (Hos 2:19,20, Matt 1:18-20; 5:3f; Deut 22:13-21) and that the damage from divorce and remarriage is humanly unrepairable (Deut 24:1-4). We believe that if a couple has remained abstinate during their estrangement as they should, that it is pleasing to Yahweh and a good thing for them to reunite in marriage again together (1 Cor 7:5,10,11). We believe those having a history of divorce are prohibited from holding positions of spiritual leadership outside of their own home (1 Tim 3:2,12, Titus 15-9), while those promoting divorce and remarriage as an acceptable lifestyle should not be permitted to teach. We believe that disregard of these prohibitions by engaging in an adulterous, polygamous, or homosexual relationship, the same as any other glaringly evident sin, should result in being dis-fellowshipped or excommunicated with both strictness and brotherly love, calling the sinner to repentance until a public profession evidenced by actions is apparent. (Deut 13:5, 17:7,12, 1 Cor 5:11-13, Rom 16:17, Titus 3:10,11).
XIX. We believe that each man is ordained responsibility as a physical provider and spiritual leader subject to proper accountability (Eph 5:23,1Cor 11:3), and that his wife is "created to be his helpmeet (Eph 5:22, 1Cor 11:3, 1Tim 2:12) raising and mothering their children, and maintaining a smoothly running home (Titus 3:2-5, Psa 113:9). We believe that parents are to be in unity fulfilling these divinely ordained and historically proven roles (Mt 19:5) and share responsibility for training and educating (homeschooling) their own children (Prov 13:24,22:15,29:15, Eph 6:4, Deut. 4:9,6:6-7,11:18-19, Prov 22:6, Eph 6:1). We believe an unborn child is a living human being (Ex 21:22-25);12 that children are a commanded blessing (Psa 127:3, Gen 1:28,9:1,7) and that natural spacing of childbirth through timed abstinence is permissible (1 Cor 7:5) but that medical contraception (Rev 9:21) or physical barrier to accomplish birth control (Gen 38:8) are to be avoided. We believe that grown children are to provide for the care for their aging parents (1Tim 5:4,8), and that the purpose of the fellowship is to provide, not only spiritually, but also for the physical needs of the sick, aged, widows, orphans, and needy (Acts 2:42-47, James 1:27), understanding that Yahweh is the giver of life and health, and pure and undefiled religion is to be the nucleus of our social security.
XX. We are "nondenominational", avoiding religious hierarchy (Matt. 23:8-12,1 Cor 1:13-15,27-29,31) while encouraging order (1Cor. 14:40), respect of elders (1Tim 3:1-13) love of the brethren (Lev 19:17,1 Jn 3:14, Heb 13:1,1 Pe 4:8), and respect of government officials, obeying the laws of the land as much as conscionable without disregarding Yahweh's principles (Acts 5:29,1Tim 2:1,2, Titus 3:1). "We believe in non-violence as exemplified in the Biblical admonitions of "turning the other cheek" (Mt 5:38-40), "sheathing the sword as opposed to slaying by the sword" (Jn 18:11),13 "if they persecute you in one city, flee to another" (Mt 10:23), "if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, dwell at peace will all men" (Rom 12:18), and Yahshua's words in Jn 18:36: "My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight...but now my kingdom is not from hence". We do believe in "resisting the devil" while submitting to Yahweh's commandments (James 4:7) and that true faith and conviction sometimes includes "struggle against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in high positions" which seek to interfere with that (Eph 6:12).14 We also believe in the commandment to love our enemies (Mt 5:43-48) and that that true love includes restraining them where possible from taking life by committing violent deeds. To this end we understand that in willingness to lay our own life down (Jn 15:13) we remain responsible to protect the defenseless (Psa 82:3) "so that innocent blood is not shed" (Deut 19:10), realizing that "he who does not provide for (or protect) his own is worse than an infidel" (1Tim 5:8), and will be "considered partaker in the evil deeds" committed against them (Lev 19:7, 2Jn 1:11). To this end, we would not refrain from physically restraining a violent adult attempting to inflict harm, or even disenabling them if necessary any more than we would refrain from physically reforming a disobedient child with the "rod of correction" all the while in the spirit of love (Prov 13:24,23:14, Heb 12:6). We would however, denounce intentional violence, stressing that intentionally taking a life as in war, is neither required or desired to defend one's faith or protect one's family on an individual basis.
XXI. We believe that "today is the day of salvation" (Lk 16:19-31, 2Cor 6:2) and "it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment" (Heb.9:27). We believe Acts 24:11-15 indicates a resurrection of both the righteous and wicked for this judgment and Rom 6:23 clarifies that the wages of sin is death, rejecting as unbiblical the doctrines of purgatory or prayers for the deceased. Additionally, while mercy may indeed be extended to those without knowledge of Yahweh who by nature do what is moral and right (Rom 2:13-14), we stress that all have sinned (Rom 3:23), Yahweh will hold each person accountable for their sins (Rom 2:12) and that no one should bank their eternal destiny on pleading ignorance (Rom 1:20). Concerning hell, we believe the Greek in the New Testament reads hades which translated literally is the grave, while the Hebrew alternately reads either sheol or gehenna, referring to the grave or the actual valley where the bodies of convicted criminals were burned in the first century. We believe that Yahshua's reference to the unrighteous rich man in perpetual torment in Luke 16:19-31, whether intended literally or metaphorically may be open to speculation, given that we do not intend on being there personally to find out, but instead work out our salvation with fear and trembling" as the apostle Paul exhorts.
XXII. We believe those known as "anabaptists" and Christianity in general were descended from the 12 tribes of Israel,15 ten of which assimilated becoming the "multitude of gentiles" or "Christians" after the Assyrian captivity (Gen 48:16-19), and are now returning to their Hebrew roots in fulfillment of prophecy. We believe many are called to this faith (Mt. 20:16, Jer 31:31-33, Isa 49:8, Lk 2:32, Heb 8:8-10, Jn 3:16) but few are chosen because few are willing to forsake all to be his disciples (Mt 22:2-14, Lk 18:18-24). We believe the final restoration of true faith will occur when the Messiah returns to establish His Kingdom (Zech 14:4,9) and those attaining the resurrection rise to meet Him in the air (Rev 21:10) along with the remnant who have endured the tribulation which He calls the "firstfruits" (Psa 104:29,301, Jer 32:37, Thes 4:16,17). At that time we believe satan will be bound for 1000 years (Zech 13:1,2, Rev 20:2) awaiting judgment with the beast, and false prophet in the lake of fire (2 Pe 2:4 Jude 6 Rev 19:20,20:3,10), along with the spirits of the fearful and unbelieving, the abominable and murderers and whoremongers and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, and whoever is not found written in the book of life (Rev 20:15) which is the second death (Rev 20:14). We believe the ensuing millennial kingdom will "put an end to transgression, sealing up sins, covering crookedness, and bringing in everlasting righteousness". (Dan 9:24)
Footnotes:
1. The intent of the anabaptist movement, from its inception, was to remove idolatry and unbiblical practices from the faith, and it is in keeping with this same vision that we use the Hebrew name of the Heavenly Father and Messiah today in our worship. As the prefaces to most English Bibles reveal. "Lord God" and "Jesus Christ" as names do not exist in the original manuscripts, including some of the earliest copies of the Greek Septuagint, but were incorporated from other religions by the Catholic Church following the Jewish tradition initiated between 500-1000 AD of substituting the Name of God with alternate titles. In the same spirit that anabaptism stressed purity by repudiating unbiblical traditions, our aim is to obey the words of the Messiah and the apostle Paul who advised us not to follow "cleverly devised Jewish fables" and "commandments of men" (Ti 1:14, Col 2:14, Mt 15:9, Mk 7:13) which attribute His glory to other names and titles (Isa 42:8), but to worship our Creator in spirit and truth the way he desires us to (Jn 4:24, Psa 68:4,135:1, Ex 3:13-15).
2. Early anabaptist teachers such as Menno Simons, supporting this same belief, said that "there is an only, eternal and true God, who is a Spirit. One God, who created heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is therein....and besides this only, eternal, living, Almighty over-ruling God and Lord we know no other This...we believe and confess with the Scriptures, to be the eternal, incomprehensible Father, with his eternal, incomprehensible Son, and with his eternal, incomprehensible Holy Spirit....and although they are three, yet in Godliness, will, power and operation they are one, and can no more be separated from each other than the sun, brightness and warmth; for the one cannot exist without the other."
3. "Another subject that may take you unawares, especially if you come from an evangelical background, is how we look at faith and works. One visitor to our community said, 'They act like they thought their works have something to do with their salvation.' He was perceptive. We do. The same modern-day emphasis on faith only is a dangerous imbalance that leads to cheap grace, and a false hope. We do not find such an imbalance supported either in Scripture or in the teaching of our forefathers, whose writings we trust." Community, by Elmo Stoll
4. From "The Apocrypha", by David A Desilva, pg 150. These books were all preserved in the Greek translation of the Old Testament completed 300 BC, Hebrew fragments have been found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, were included in the English Bible as late as 1611, are canonized today in the Catholic, Slavonic.and Greek Orthodox Bibles, and "anabaptist use of the Apocrypha diminished it would appear, [only] under pressure from other protestants and as a result of the increasing publication of Bibles without these texts."(lbid)
5. www.eliyah.com/85times.html
6. www.12tribehistory.com
7. Leroy Room, the Prophetic Faith of our Forefathers Vol 1, p 836
8. www.12tribehistory.com, also Sabbath and Sunday in your Bible
9. "The propensity of the rude and uneducated converts from paganism to cling to the festival rites of their forefathers proved to be invincible, so that it was seen to be necessary to seek to adopt the old customs into the new rather than abolish them altogether; moreover, although the Empire had become Christian, it was manifestly expedient that the old (pagan) holidays should be recognized as much as possible in the new arrangement of the calendar." (Encyclopedia Brittanica)
10. Hebrew, Shoph-kah, male organ, from Sha-fak, to pour out, spill, shed blood
11. Certain men did wear headpieces during worship in the Old Testament (Ezek 24:17) and an equally valid interpretation of the Greek word used in 1 Cor 11:4,7 translates it as prohibiting a man to wear a woman's hair-scarf or veil, thereby completely obscuring the face such as with a "prayer shawl". "But if any wish to be contentious concerning this, we have no such practice, nor does the assembly." 1Cor 11:16
12. What Exodus 21, 22 Says About Abortion, www.str.org
13. "The regenerated do not go to war, nor engage in strife. They are the children of peace who have turned their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruninghooks, and know of no war.... Since we are to be conformed to the image of Christ, how can we then fight our enemies with the sword?...Spears and swords of iron we leave to those who, alas, consider human blood and swine's blood of well-nigh equal value." - Menno Simmons
14. Menno Simons said "we must maintain our cause and defend it...with (patience, silence, hope, and the word of God) we intend and desire to resist the kingdom of the devil, and not with swords, spears, cannons, and coats of mail."
15. www.MennoniteIsrael.org
I. We believe that life and faith should center around serving the Almighty who is a Spirit (Jn 4:24a), called "Yahweh" in the Hebrew Bible.1 We believe the Messiah was born with the Hebrew name "Yahshua"; that He pre-existed and was incarnated as the only begotten Son (Jn 3:16), born of a virgin (Isa 7:14, Mt 1:23), and brought salvation to mankind whom he created. We believe the Spirit is an extension of his power2 also called the "helper" (Jn 14:16) and is something which all believers are to be filled with (Jn 4:24b, Col 1:27).
II. We believe that all have sinned (Rom 3:23); that we are not saved by our own righteousness (Deut 9:5, Ezek 33:13-19, Php. 3:11-14), and that salvation is dependant on both love and faith, as evidenced by our obedience, which the Bible calls "good works" (James 1:14-26).3 We believe the Messiah's death and resurrection makes atonement, extending grace to us (Zech 12:10, Acts 17:30) and that our responsibility is to repent, turning from sin which the Bible defines as disobedience (Num 15:28-31, Heb 10:26), and keeping His commandments out of love from a pure heart (1 Tim 1:5).
III. We believe in baptism by immersion (Col 2:12, Acts 8:38,39, Mk 1:10, Jn 3:23, 1Cor 10:2) in the name Yahshua (Lk.8:15, Acts 2:38, 8:16, 19:5) for the remission of sins (Mk 1:4, Acts 19:4, 22:16, 1 Pe 3:20,21). We believe that baptism by the spirit occurs through the inner working of repentance (Matt 3:11, Acts 10:47), and that being "baptised from above" or "bom again' is a prerequisite for receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Jn 3:3-8). We believe establishing an "age of accountability" runs contrary to the Bible (Ezek 18:20,21, Prov 20:11); that anyone able to understand the meaning of baptism and repentance is able to be baptized (Acts 16:29-34, Matt 18:3-6), and that Yahshua's atonement covers errors committed through ignorance (Num 15:28, Acts 17:30, cf. 1Cor 13:11). Although we do not associate baptism with organizational membership we do believe that in accordance with the Hebrew concept of "mikvah" or ritual washing in Lev 13-15 and 2Ki 5:1-14 that one may choose to be baptized or immersed again.
IV. We believe the Bible is divinely inspired; that Genesis through Malachi is profitable for doctrine, reproof, and instruction in righteousness (2Tim 3:16), and that Matthew through Revelation continues the process of imparting Yahweh's righteousness into our lives through Yahshua's example. We also accept the "intertestament books" which are not only still included in the Catholic, Slavonic, and Greek Orthodox Bibles, but were also quoted by early anabaptist leaders such as Hans Denck. Menno Simons, and Dirk Philips, all of which "retained a very high view of the Apocrypyha (and) quot(ed) them almost as often as books of the Hebrew Bible and with equal authority.4
V. We believe the "New Testament" is established on the same moral foundation which the law creates, and the "new covenant" is enacted through the impressing of the same law onto our hearts (Heb 10:16). We believe Yahshua did not abolish the law but showed us how Yahweh's imparted righteousness granted through faith enables us to satisfy the law's requirements (Mt 5:17) so that we, in being "perfect as our father in heaven is perfect" (Mat 5:48) can "fulfill all righteousness" (Mat 3:15). We believe Yahshua reiterated the same command we had from the beginning: to love one another (1 Jn 2:7); that all things are fulfilled in love (Rom 13:10), and that honoring the precepts we learned from the "schoolmaster" (Gal 3:24) are an important element in demonstrating our love and faith through obedience (Jhn 14:15, Eph 2:8-10, James 2:14-26).
VI. We believe the world was created perfect "in the beginning" (Gen 1:1) and was corrupted after satan's rebellion when he was cast from heaven (Isa 14:12, 45:16). We believe Yahweh spoke life into the darkness through the Messiah (Psa 104:29,30) in a period of six literal days (Gen 1), forming man from the dust of the earth (Gen 2), afterward resting on the seventh and commanding us to follow His example as a memorial. We believe that all living things reproduce their own kind (Gen 1:11-12,21-28) and that our Heavenly Father forbids the mixing of plant and/or animal species (Lev 19:19, Deut 22:9), leaving no room for "progressive creationism" or the claim that He formed the world through an "evolutionary cycle". We believe the prohibition on mixing species also sets a precedent towards organic farming without the use of GMO seeds, and avoiding the consumption of genetically engineered food sources.
VII. We believe the Sabbath is to be observed weekly on the seventh day according to the command in Genesis and the example of Messiah and the apostles who are recorded keeping it no less than 85 times throughout the book of Acts;5 a practice which continued to be maintained by early anabaptists such as Andreas Fischer and Oswald Glaidt,6 the Waldensian Brethren of Bohemia,7 colonial American settlers such as Conrad Beisel, the Seventh Day German Baptists, and the Seventh Day Adventists, all of which found no Biblical evidence or example of the Sabbath being changed to Sunday.8
VIII. We believe in the annual observance of the Passover memorial supper, including the partaking of unleavened bread, fruit of the vine, and washing of feet according to Yahshua's example, and removing leaven from our homes for seven days during this time (Lk2:42, Jn 5:1, Mt 26:17,29). We also believe in the observance of Pentecost which portrays not only the giving of the 10 Commandments, but also the anointing of the Spirit on the apostles and outpouring of Yahweh's Spirit on all flesh as prophesied by Joel 2:28. Whereas the latter has not yet occurred and the apostles continued to keep Pentecost throughout the book of Acts (2:1, 20:16), we believe that we also should continue its observance.
IX. We believe the fall set of Feasts, including the Day of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles were observed by Yahshua (Jn 7:2,10,14) and the apostle Paul (Acts 18:21), and will continue to be observed by non-Israelites throughout the Millenium according to Zech 14:16-19. We also believe that the only time the phrase "Lord's day" is used in the Bible is in Rev 1:10, where it refers to the exact timeline of events when these Feasts will be fulfilled, and therefore believe that they should continue to be observed today in anticipation of the future events which they still foreshadow.
XI. We believe that "English Holidays" including Christmas, Easter, and Halloween were avoided by both the early Anabaptists and Puritans who understood the Messiah was not born in December, Passover had not been replaced by the resurrection, and the new "English feasts" were drawn respectively from the Roman saturnalia, Saxon spring fertility festival of Ishtar or Ashtoreth, and Druid feast of the dead9 - all incorporating pagan customs and symbolism which the Bible clearly prohibits (see Jer.10:2, Rev 11:9, Ezek 8:13-18, Jer 7:18, Jdg 2:11,13).
XII. We believe that dietary restrictions are given in Lev 11, Ex 23:19, 34:26, Lev 22:8, Deut 12:16,23, 14:21 which are reaffirmed in Acts 10:19-28, 15:20 as guidelines for us to follow today, and that while vegetarianism is not a requirement, eating meat is a concession to the Creator's original plan (Gen 1:29,30; Gen 9:1-4). These dietary restrictions preclude pigs, horses, carnivores, rodents, reptiles, birds of prey, crustaceans, and fish which are bottom feeders, from human consumption. Peter's vision of the sheet from heaven, although commonly misunderstood as permission to eat animals which are "ritually unclean", was interpreted otherwise by Peter himself in Acts 10:28 where he says "Yahweh has showed me not to call any man common or unclean". We believe Peter refused the command to "kill and eat" 3 times saying "Not so Yahweh, for I have never eaten anything common or unclean" until the sheet was drawn back to heaven. Afterward he was immediately approached by 3 gentiles (whom the Jews considered "ritually unclean") desiring Peter's presence in the house of a Roman centurian named Cornelius (Acts 10:19,20). The absence of unclean meats being eaten by Peter thereafter reveal that Yahweh's intent was never for Peter to eat food which He himself had forbidden, the same as His intent was not for Abraham to kill Isaac as a human sacrifice although he did in fact "command" it the same as he commanded Peter to "kill and eat". We believe Yahshua cast the demon in Matt 8:28-34 - not into goats or sheep or cows - but into swine, destroying their owner's livlihood for a reason. Paul's words in Romans 14:2,3 should likewise not be misconstrued as sanctifying unclean animals for human consumption, considering this same phrase is found in Genesis 9:3 where the dietary restrictions are still clearly applicable (Gen 7:2).
XIII. We believe that Adam was created uncircumcised (which Yahweh called "very good" - Gen 1:31, Rom 2:27) and that circumcision is entirely absent from the Bible for the first 2000 years from Adam until Abraham, nor was it actively practiced during the 40 years the Israelites were in the wilderness (Josh 5:5-7). We believe Jeremiah 9:25 further indicated that the circumcised and uncircumcised would again be equated together by Yahweh at a time then future tense, and hold to the literal interpretation of Paul's words in Romans 2:25-29, that "circumcision verily profiteth, if thou observe the Law: but if thou be a breaker of the Law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the Law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the Law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the Law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of Elohim." We believe that circumcision in relation to keeping the Passover applied to the sacrifice of the lamb itself as opposed to the memorial supper or seder (Acts 10:28) and that physical circumcision was initiated as a sign but never a method of acquiring salvation (Deut 10:16; 30:6; Ezek 36:26), neither should it be misappropriated as such today (see Eccl 12:13,1 Jn 5:3, also compare Isa 49:1 and 1 Cor 7:18-20 Aramaic: "If a man circumcised hath been called, let him not turn to uncircumcision; and if in uncircumcision he hath been called, let him not be circumcised. 19 For circumcision is not any thing, nor uncircumcision, but the observances of the commandments of Elohim. 20 Let every man in the calling in which he hath been called remain.") In light of Lev 19:28 which forbids cutting the flesh as a religious rite and Deut 23:1 which disallows "cutting off the genitals.10, we addionally believe it possible that Abraham's circumcision at age 90 may have been less invasive than that routinely performed by medical doctors today (compare Gal 5:12,6:12,13).
XIV. We believe animal sacrifices under the Levitical priesthood atoned for sin on a daily basis and Yahshua's crucifixion as the "Lamb who takes away the sins of the world" (Gen 22:8, Zeeh 12:10. Jn 1:29,19:37) is the event which these sacrifices pointed to in the first place. We believe Yahshua is the High Priest after the order of Melchisedek (Psa 110:4, Heb 5:6, 7:17,21) who makes perpetual atonement through the offering up of Himself (Zech 12:10, Heb 10:12,14) and that while the "sacrificial laws" are not "done away", once sin is perpetually atoned for, there is no longer requirement of repeated animal sacrifice to fulfill the commandment (Heb 7:25-27,10:18) "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin....For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment." (Heb 10:14-27)
XV. While we do not require uniformity for fellowship we do apply a Biblical dress-code for men and woman, given that physical guidelines are necessary in defining and applying the principle of modesty. We believe that clothing worn in public should completely cover the upper torso, including the chest (Ezek. 16:7,8;15;36-38; 23:3,18) and shoulders (3Hermas 9.80,81,128-33), reach below the upper calf (Isa 47:1), draw attention away from the procreative parts of the body (Prov 7:10,1 Tim 2:9), and that clothing should be considered immodest if it is styled sensually, if the fit would cause it to be easily undiscerned were it the same color as the skin, or if it reveals any part of the body while bending, lifting, sitting, or stretching which would be inappropriate to be exposed on a general basis. To this end, those in fellowship should be willing to make necessary changes without being asked in order to maintain purity by not bringing offence or being a stumbling block to other brethren (1 Cor 8:9, Mk 9:32, Gal 5:13,2 Tim 2:15). We believe the prohibition on cross-dressing would likely include the wearing of slacks by women which was unheard of before the radical feminest movement (Deut. 22:5); also that a man should not grow his hair as a woman or wear a woman's veiling (Ezek 44:20, 1 Cor 11:4,14), that he should grow a beard if he is able (Lev 19:27), and that a woman's hair is not to be cut as a man's or used to attract attention from men other than her husband. (Isa 47:2,3, 1 Cor 11:6,10,15,1 Tim 2:9).
XVI. Although we do not find any Biblical prerequisite against jewelry in moderation, we do stress that true beauty is dependant on "the women adorning themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly; not in braiding the hair with gold or pearls or wearing of costly attire" (1Ti 2:9). To this end, overdoing jewelry, clothing, hairstyles or anything else in order to draw attention to oneself crosses outside of what can be Biblically defined as "discreet" and "modest".
XVII. We view the use of women's headcoverings as a symbol of headship and for additional modesty (Gen 24:65, Num 5:18, Isa 47:2,31, Cor 11:4-16), and do not obligate a man to wear a hat, although neither do we make it a subject of contention if he is so persuaded, understanding that there are varying yet equally valid interpretations of the underlying Greek words in 1 Cor 11, and that people arrive at different conclusions in seeking to reconcile this passage with the historical, cultural attire and practices of the Bible upon which the New Testament is based.11
XVIII.We believe marriage is for life and only between one man and one woman (Gen 2:24); that marriage is a holy institution, divinely created and intended as the exclusive environment for sexual intimacy and subsequently raising "righteous children" (Mal 2:15, Gen 9:1, Psa 127:3), and that it should ideally be preceded by a time of courtship with limited physical contact (Lev 21:7,13; Ezek 44:22,23; Rev 14:4). We counsel strongly against divorce (1 Cor 7:10), and do not condone remarriage (Mk 10:11,12, Lk 16:18) with concesions being given specifically for widows and widowers (Rom 7:3b, 1Cor 7:39). We believe that a betrothal or engagement, according to the Bible should only be broken as a result of infidelity (Hos 2:19,20, Matt 1:18-20; 5:3f; Deut 22:13-21) and that the damage from divorce and remarriage is humanly unrepairable (Deut 24:1-4). We believe that if a couple has remained abstinate during their estrangement as they should, that it is pleasing to Yahweh and a good thing for them to reunite in marriage again together (1 Cor 7:5,10,11). We believe those having a history of divorce are prohibited from holding positions of spiritual leadership outside of their own home (1 Tim 3:2,12, Titus 15-9), while those promoting divorce and remarriage as an acceptable lifestyle should not be permitted to teach. We believe that disregard of these prohibitions by engaging in an adulterous, polygamous, or homosexual relationship, the same as any other glaringly evident sin, should result in being dis-fellowshipped or excommunicated with both strictness and brotherly love, calling the sinner to repentance until a public profession evidenced by actions is apparent. (Deut 13:5, 17:7,12, 1 Cor 5:11-13, Rom 16:17, Titus 3:10,11).
XIX. We believe that each man is ordained responsibility as a physical provider and spiritual leader subject to proper accountability (Eph 5:23,1Cor 11:3), and that his wife is "created to be his helpmeet (Eph 5:22, 1Cor 11:3, 1Tim 2:12) raising and mothering their children, and maintaining a smoothly running home (Titus 3:2-5, Psa 113:9). We believe that parents are to be in unity fulfilling these divinely ordained and historically proven roles (Mt 19:5) and share responsibility for training and educating (homeschooling) their own children (Prov 13:24,22:15,29:15, Eph 6:4, Deut. 4:9,6:6-7,11:18-19, Prov 22:6, Eph 6:1). We believe an unborn child is a living human being (Ex 21:22-25);12 that children are a commanded blessing (Psa 127:3, Gen 1:28,9:1,7) and that natural spacing of childbirth through timed abstinence is permissible (1 Cor 7:5) but that medical contraception (Rev 9:21) or physical barrier to accomplish birth control (Gen 38:8) are to be avoided. We believe that grown children are to provide for the care for their aging parents (1Tim 5:4,8), and that the purpose of the fellowship is to provide, not only spiritually, but also for the physical needs of the sick, aged, widows, orphans, and needy (Acts 2:42-47, James 1:27), understanding that Yahweh is the giver of life and health, and pure and undefiled religion is to be the nucleus of our social security.
XX. We are "nondenominational", avoiding religious hierarchy (Matt. 23:8-12,1 Cor 1:13-15,27-29,31) while encouraging order (1Cor. 14:40), respect of elders (1Tim 3:1-13) love of the brethren (Lev 19:17,1 Jn 3:14, Heb 13:1,1 Pe 4:8), and respect of government officials, obeying the laws of the land as much as conscionable without disregarding Yahweh's principles (Acts 5:29,1Tim 2:1,2, Titus 3:1). "We believe in non-violence as exemplified in the Biblical admonitions of "turning the other cheek" (Mt 5:38-40), "sheathing the sword as opposed to slaying by the sword" (Jn 18:11),13 "if they persecute you in one city, flee to another" (Mt 10:23), "if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, dwell at peace will all men" (Rom 12:18), and Yahshua's words in Jn 18:36: "My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight...but now my kingdom is not from hence". We do believe in "resisting the devil" while submitting to Yahweh's commandments (James 4:7) and that true faith and conviction sometimes includes "struggle against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in high positions" which seek to interfere with that (Eph 6:12).14 We also believe in the commandment to love our enemies (Mt 5:43-48) and that that true love includes restraining them where possible from taking life by committing violent deeds. To this end we understand that in willingness to lay our own life down (Jn 15:13) we remain responsible to protect the defenseless (Psa 82:3) "so that innocent blood is not shed" (Deut 19:10), realizing that "he who does not provide for (or protect) his own is worse than an infidel" (1Tim 5:8), and will be "considered partaker in the evil deeds" committed against them (Lev 19:7, 2Jn 1:11). To this end, we would not refrain from physically restraining a violent adult attempting to inflict harm, or even disenabling them if necessary any more than we would refrain from physically reforming a disobedient child with the "rod of correction" all the while in the spirit of love (Prov 13:24,23:14, Heb 12:6). We would however, denounce intentional violence, stressing that intentionally taking a life as in war, is neither required or desired to defend one's faith or protect one's family on an individual basis.
XXI. We believe that "today is the day of salvation" (Lk 16:19-31, 2Cor 6:2) and "it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment" (Heb.9:27). We believe Acts 24:11-15 indicates a resurrection of both the righteous and wicked for this judgment and Rom 6:23 clarifies that the wages of sin is death, rejecting as unbiblical the doctrines of purgatory or prayers for the deceased. Additionally, while mercy may indeed be extended to those without knowledge of Yahweh who by nature do what is moral and right (Rom 2:13-14), we stress that all have sinned (Rom 3:23), Yahweh will hold each person accountable for their sins (Rom 2:12) and that no one should bank their eternal destiny on pleading ignorance (Rom 1:20). Concerning hell, we believe the Greek in the New Testament reads hades which translated literally is the grave, while the Hebrew alternately reads either sheol or gehenna, referring to the grave or the actual valley where the bodies of convicted criminals were burned in the first century. We believe that Yahshua's reference to the unrighteous rich man in perpetual torment in Luke 16:19-31, whether intended literally or metaphorically may be open to speculation, given that we do not intend on being there personally to find out, but instead work out our salvation with fear and trembling" as the apostle Paul exhorts.
XXII. We believe those known as "anabaptists" and Christianity in general were descended from the 12 tribes of Israel,15 ten of which assimilated becoming the "multitude of gentiles" or "Christians" after the Assyrian captivity (Gen 48:16-19), and are now returning to their Hebrew roots in fulfillment of prophecy. We believe many are called to this faith (Mt. 20:16, Jer 31:31-33, Isa 49:8, Lk 2:32, Heb 8:8-10, Jn 3:16) but few are chosen because few are willing to forsake all to be his disciples (Mt 22:2-14, Lk 18:18-24). We believe the final restoration of true faith will occur when the Messiah returns to establish His Kingdom (Zech 14:4,9) and those attaining the resurrection rise to meet Him in the air (Rev 21:10) along with the remnant who have endured the tribulation which He calls the "firstfruits" (Psa 104:29,301, Jer 32:37, Thes 4:16,17). At that time we believe satan will be bound for 1000 years (Zech 13:1,2, Rev 20:2) awaiting judgment with the beast, and false prophet in the lake of fire (2 Pe 2:4 Jude 6 Rev 19:20,20:3,10), along with the spirits of the fearful and unbelieving, the abominable and murderers and whoremongers and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, and whoever is not found written in the book of life (Rev 20:15) which is the second death (Rev 20:14). We believe the ensuing millennial kingdom will "put an end to transgression, sealing up sins, covering crookedness, and bringing in everlasting righteousness". (Dan 9:24)
Footnotes:
1. The intent of the anabaptist movement, from its inception, was to remove idolatry and unbiblical practices from the faith, and it is in keeping with this same vision that we use the Hebrew name of the Heavenly Father and Messiah today in our worship. As the prefaces to most English Bibles reveal. "Lord God" and "Jesus Christ" as names do not exist in the original manuscripts, including some of the earliest copies of the Greek Septuagint, but were incorporated from other religions by the Catholic Church following the Jewish tradition initiated between 500-1000 AD of substituting the Name of God with alternate titles. In the same spirit that anabaptism stressed purity by repudiating unbiblical traditions, our aim is to obey the words of the Messiah and the apostle Paul who advised us not to follow "cleverly devised Jewish fables" and "commandments of men" (Ti 1:14, Col 2:14, Mt 15:9, Mk 7:13) which attribute His glory to other names and titles (Isa 42:8), but to worship our Creator in spirit and truth the way he desires us to (Jn 4:24, Psa 68:4,135:1, Ex 3:13-15).
2. Early anabaptist teachers such as Menno Simons, supporting this same belief, said that "there is an only, eternal and true God, who is a Spirit. One God, who created heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is therein....and besides this only, eternal, living, Almighty over-ruling God and Lord we know no other This...we believe and confess with the Scriptures, to be the eternal, incomprehensible Father, with his eternal, incomprehensible Son, and with his eternal, incomprehensible Holy Spirit....and although they are three, yet in Godliness, will, power and operation they are one, and can no more be separated from each other than the sun, brightness and warmth; for the one cannot exist without the other."
3. "Another subject that may take you unawares, especially if you come from an evangelical background, is how we look at faith and works. One visitor to our community said, 'They act like they thought their works have something to do with their salvation.' He was perceptive. We do. The same modern-day emphasis on faith only is a dangerous imbalance that leads to cheap grace, and a false hope. We do not find such an imbalance supported either in Scripture or in the teaching of our forefathers, whose writings we trust." Community, by Elmo Stoll
4. From "The Apocrypha", by David A Desilva, pg 150. These books were all preserved in the Greek translation of the Old Testament completed 300 BC, Hebrew fragments have been found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, were included in the English Bible as late as 1611, are canonized today in the Catholic, Slavonic.and Greek Orthodox Bibles, and "anabaptist use of the Apocrypha diminished it would appear, [only] under pressure from other protestants and as a result of the increasing publication of Bibles without these texts."(lbid)
5. www.eliyah.com/85times.html
6. www.12tribehistory.com
7. Leroy Room, the Prophetic Faith of our Forefathers Vol 1, p 836
8. www.12tribehistory.com, also Sabbath and Sunday in your Bible
9. "The propensity of the rude and uneducated converts from paganism to cling to the festival rites of their forefathers proved to be invincible, so that it was seen to be necessary to seek to adopt the old customs into the new rather than abolish them altogether; moreover, although the Empire had become Christian, it was manifestly expedient that the old (pagan) holidays should be recognized as much as possible in the new arrangement of the calendar." (Encyclopedia Brittanica)
10. Hebrew, Shoph-kah, male organ, from Sha-fak, to pour out, spill, shed blood
11. Certain men did wear headpieces during worship in the Old Testament (Ezek 24:17) and an equally valid interpretation of the Greek word used in 1 Cor 11:4,7 translates it as prohibiting a man to wear a woman's hair-scarf or veil, thereby completely obscuring the face such as with a "prayer shawl". "But if any wish to be contentious concerning this, we have no such practice, nor does the assembly." 1Cor 11:16
12. What Exodus 21, 22 Says About Abortion, www.str.org
13. "The regenerated do not go to war, nor engage in strife. They are the children of peace who have turned their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruninghooks, and know of no war.... Since we are to be conformed to the image of Christ, how can we then fight our enemies with the sword?...Spears and swords of iron we leave to those who, alas, consider human blood and swine's blood of well-nigh equal value." - Menno Simmons
14. Menno Simons said "we must maintain our cause and defend it...with (patience, silence, hope, and the word of God) we intend and desire to resist the kingdom of the devil, and not with swords, spears, cannons, and coats of mail."
15. www.MennoniteIsrael.org