A Historical Overview of the Peter Stutzman Family - Yule Tree Farms

Swiss/German ReligiousTimeline
1536 1693-1697
Reformation
Anabaptist Mennonites (1536) Amish
1) Were actually preceded by so called
“Waldenses” - Pre Reformation (1277-1487)
2) Movement spread from Zurich to Bern
3) Parted ways with Zwinglianism over infant
baptism, church state relationships, participation
in war.
4) Suffered 300 years of persecution by the
Swiss State Reformed Church during which
time they were periodically imprisoned, exiled,
or executed. This cruel treatment was for the
most part a fear of the clergy of losing their
monopolistic position over religious matters.
Finally accepted as free citizens in 1798.
5) Use of lay ministers selected by lot for at
home worship services (Acts 1:21-26) who
recieved no salary, and were ordained by
church (not state) officials
6) Disapproved of serfdom
7) Believed that church membership should
be voluntary
8) Believed that a true church was one in
which its members show by words and deeds
that they are subject to Christ’s teachings.
9) Practiced plainess of attire with required
head caps to be worn by women during public
services (1 Corinthians 11:5,6)
10) Baptism at Age of Accountability
11) Literal Bible Interpretation
12) Pacifism
13) Freedom of faith & belief
14) Abolition of oppressive Priesthood.
15) Mutual support for all members
16) Excommunication of “erring” members
17) Communal ownership of property
18) Forbids the swearing of oaths.
19) Nonconformity to the world & no participation
in governmental affairs
20) Obedience to God.
.
Menno Simons
(1496-1561)
1) Backed away from strict interpretation
of “Shunning”
2) First to ordain women.
3) Adult baptism (could not find Biblical
basis for infant baptism)
4)Exposed the idea of Bible
Centeredness; simple fundamentals of
obedience, simplicy, and love.
5) Communion was a symbolic representation
performed twice yearly / with
foot washing and the holy kiss. (John
13:1-10, 1Peter 5:14)
6) Maintained a system of mutual aid.
7) Traditional use of head garb on
women (1 Corinthians 11:5,6)
8) Have over the years absorbed many
of the Amish, thus blurring lines of difference.
(no Amish left in Europe)
9) Believe that a Mennonite is called
out of the general society to a lifelong
road of self sacrifice and descipleship,
doing the will of God, loving one’s enemies,
and living as Christ lived.
10) Pacifists (Believe in and teach that
waging war is the greatest violation of
Christian love)
11) Believe that governments are to
exercise their authority outside the
church.
12) Believe in the use of modern technology.
(unlike the Amish)
Page 11 (con’t)
Ultra Left Liberal
Amish
True Reformers (The Sect People) - Separation of Church & State
(Swiss Brethern/United Brethern)
Conrad Grebel / Felix Manz
(1521-1571)
Jakob Amman
(Born in Erlenbach)
(1656 - ?)
1) Strict interpretation of “Shunning”
(avoidance of an erring member)
(Matthew 18:15-17)
2) Conservative Dress (Romans 12:2)
3) Foot washing (John:13)
4) Seek no conflicts
5) No military service
6) No centralized organization
7) Believe in ORDNUNG - “Oral Tradition
of governing regulations” which may
vary from parish to parish
8) Separation from the outside world
9) Pay Taxes but collect no Government
Benefits
10) Obedience to God
11) Structure social life so as to remain
small & Simple
12) No formal education beyond
Elementary School (1 Corinthians 3:19)
13) Provide for the needs of their own.
(1 Timothy 5:8)
14) Marriages not allowed outside of
faith.
15) Do not take photos. (Exodus 20:4)
N.L.P., 12-25-04
TITLE 7 - RELIGIOUS CONSIDERATIONS, PAGE 11
PETER STUTZMAN HISTORICAL OVERVIEW