What Do Mennonites Believe?

Mennonites embrace distinctive doctrines shaping their way of life and faith journey. This Christian group has beliefs that inform their everyday interactions and spiritual commitments.

Mennonites advocate pacifism and nonviolence. They practice adult baptism, valuing personal faith commitment. Community living and simple living are key to fostering humility and mutual support. They believe in a clear separation of Church and State, prioritizing God’s kingdom.

How do Mennonites deal with conflict? How does baptism relate to salvation in the tradition? How do Mennonites live in simple ways? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions, and comparison charts, to learn more.

Also, compare Mennonites with other churches on the Christian Denominations Comparison Chart.

Mennonites Value Pacifism and Nonviolence

Mennonites are known for their commitment to pacifism. They believe in following Jesus’ teachings of nonviolence, including loving their enemies and turning the other cheek. This has led many Mennonites to be conscientious objectors, refusing to serve in military combat.

	Mennonite View	Just War View
Approach to Conflict	Mennonites believe in resolving conflicts through nonviolent means, following Jesus’ teaching of loving one’s enemies and turning the other cheek.	The Just War theory holds that war can be morally justifiable under certain conditions, such as in self-defense or to prevent a greater evil.
Military Service	Many Mennonites are conscientious objectors, refusing to serve in military combat due to their commitment to pacifism.	In traditions adhering to the Just War theory, Christians may serve in the military as long as the cause aligns with the principles of the theory.
Interpretation of Scripture	Mennonites interpret Biblical passages like the Sermon on the Mount as advocating for complete nonviolence.	Just War proponents often point to passages where force is used or sanctioned in the Bible, interpreting them as allowing for justified warfare.
Role in Society	Mennonites often prioritize peace-building roles in society, focusing on reconciliation and forgiveness.	Those adhering to the Just War theory might take up roles in government or the military, believing they can achieve justice and peace through these means.

Adult Baptism in the Mennonite Tradition

Mennonites practice adult or believer’s baptism rather than infant baptism. They believe that individuals should make a conscious choice to commit to the Christian faith, and baptism is a public affirmation of that personal choice.

	Mennonite View	Infant View
Age of Baptism	Mennonites practice adult baptism. They believe that individuals should consciously choose to commit to the Christian faith.	Infant baptism is common in many traditions. It’s believed that baptism introduces a child into the covenant community with a commitment to raise them in the faith.
Meaning of Baptism	For Mennonites, baptism is a public confession of faith and commitment to Christ, made after a person has chosen to follow Jesus.	Infant baptism is seen as a sign of God’s covenant, similar to circumcision in the Old Testament. Faith and commitment are nurtured as the child grows.
Baptism and Salvation	Mennonites often view baptism as closely tied to personal conversion and commitment to live a Christian life.	Those who practice infant baptism typically see baptism and personal faith as distinct but related aspects of salvation. The baptized child is expected to affirm their faith later.
Membership in the Church	In Mennonite churches, baptism often corresponds with church membership, as it’s seen as an adult decision to join the community of believers.	In traditions that practice infant baptism, membership is often conferred at baptism, but the baptized person usually undergoes confirmation as a teen to affirm their faith.

Also, see What Do Amish People Believe? to learn more.

Community Living in the Tradition

Mennonites deeply value community and mutual aid, embracing a shared way of life that takes root in the teachings of their faith. These close-knit communities are not just about geographic proximity, but more importantly, they’re about emotional connection, spiritual solidarity, and shared responsibility.

Mennonites consider mutual aid as a tangible expression of their Christian faith. This principle encourages members to actively support each other in times of need.

It could manifest in various ways, such as helping with farming tasks, providing meals during illness or after childbirth, pooling resources to assist those facing financial hardship, or offering emotional support and prayer in challenging times.

It is an embodiment of the scriptural admonition to “bear one another’s burdens,” fostering a strong sense of belonging and togetherness within the community.

Moreover, these communities are spaces for collective worship and spiritual growth. Regular church services, Bible studies, and communal activities create an environment that encourages spiritual nourishment.

Mennonites believe that faith isn’t just an individual pursuit but a shared journey. By praying, worshiping, and interpreting scripture together, they feel more connected to each other and their shared belief system.

Their emphasis on community living is also a reflection of their understanding of Jesus’ teachings. The New Testament, filled with exhortations to love one’s neighbor, feed the hungry, and support the weak, serves as their guiding manual.

Mennonites see these close-knit communities as a means of applying Jesus’ teachings to their daily lives, demonstrating the love and generosity that He preached.

Ultimately, the Mennonite commitment to community and mutual aid is a holistic approach to living out their faith. It’s a pathway that weaves together the spiritual and the material, the individual and the collective, the divine teachings and the human implementation.

Simple Living is a Shared Value

Mennonites promote a lifestyle of simplicity and humility. This principle can manifest in modest dress, simple homes, and a focus on service and work rather than leisure or luxury. It’s a way of rejecting materialism and focusing on spiritual growth.

	Mennonite View on Simple Living	Materialistic or Consumer-Oriented Lifestyle
Approach to Material Goods	Mennonites promote a lifestyle of simplicity and humility, often preferring modest dress and simple homes. Material goods are seen as less important than spiritual values.	A materialistic lifestyle values the acquisition of material goods and wealth. Success and status are often measured by material possessions.
Focus in Life	Mennonites prioritize their spiritual journey and community relationships. They believe in serving others and that work is a means of glorifying God.	A consumer-oriented lifestyle often emphasizes personal gratification, leisure, and the pursuit of wealth. Work is often seen as a means to accumulate more goods.
Impact on the Environment	The Mennonite lifestyle tends to be more sustainable, as it encourages moderation and responsible stewardship of resources.	A consumer-oriented lifestyle can contribute to overconsumption and environmental degradation, due to the constant demand for new products.
Attitude Toward Wealth	Mennonites generally see wealth as something to be shared for the benefit of the community. They often uphold the principle of mutual aid.	In a materialistic lifestyle, wealth is often viewed as an individual achievement and a personal resource.

Also, see the 100 Largest Denominations in America to learn more.

Separation of Church and State

Mennonites believe in a clear distinction between church and state. They often prefer to resolve disputes within the church community rather than relying on secular courts, and they emphasize loyalty to God’s kingdom over loyalty to earthly governments.

	Mennonite View	State-Supported View
Church and State Relations	Mennonites believe in a clear separation between church and state, prioritizing loyalty to God’s kingdom over earthly governments.	In state religions or closely aligned systems, the church and state are interconnected. The state may support the church, and the church may endorse the state’s authority.
Resolution of Disputes	Mennonites often prefer to resolve disputes within the church community rather than relying on secular courts.	In systems with close church-state relationships, religious and civil courts often overlap, and religious doctrine may influence civil law.
Political Involvement	Mennonites traditionally limit their involvement in politics, focusing instead on their religious community and values.	In states with a close church-state relationship, religious leaders often play significant roles in government, and religious values influence political decisions.
Religious Freedom	The separation of church and state allows for religious freedom and diversity, a value that Mennonites uphold.	State religions or closely aligned systems may offer less religious freedom, particularly for minority faiths, depending on the degree of tolerance in the specific context.

Also, see the Largest Denomination in Each State to learn more.