Examining how the Wengers have cautiously and incrementally adapted to the changes swirling around them, this book offers an invaluable case study of a traditional group caught in the throes of a postmodern world."--Jacket.

Isaac R. Horst presents his beloved Old Order people to a group touring the Mennonite country of Ontario. In Martin's Meetinghouse, he explains church events such as baptism, counsel meeting, conference of ministers, communion, feet washing, ordinations, and funerals. At a schoolhouse, Horst tells why the parochial school system was started and how it operates. His group visits farms and shops and helps with a barn raising. Horst also shares an array of subjects he has tested with an Elderhostel, such as marriage, roles of women and men, raising children, the unequal yoke, and mutual aid. Finally, his granddaughter asks questions that let grandpa share from his experience and wisdom. This book deftly gives an insider's account of Old Order Mennonites and why they live a separate life. Yes, Virginia, life is possible without Santa Claus and TV.

Donald B. Kraybill has spent his career among Anabaptist groups, gaining an unparalleled understanding of these traditionally private people. Kraybill shares that deep knowledge in this succinct overview of the beliefs and cultural practices of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites in North America. Found throughout Canada, Central America, Mexico, and the United States, these religious communities include more than 200 different groups with 800,000 members in 17 countries. Through 340 short entries, Kraybill offers readers information on a wide range of topics related to religious views and social practices. With thoughtful consideration of how these diverse communities are related, this compact reference provides a brief and accurate synopsis of these groups in the twenty-first century. No other single volume provides such a broad overview of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites in North America. Organized for ease of searching—with a list of entries, a topic finder, an index of names, and ample cross-references—the volume also includes abundant resources for accessing additional information. Wide in scope, succinct in content, and with directional markers along the way, the Concise Encyclopedia of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites is a must-have reference for anyone interested in Anabaptist groups.

This book tells a story which until now has not been available in such an interesting and comprehensive form. What holds these people together? Why are they growing in number? Where do they live? The Old Order Mennonites are less well known than the Amish, but are similar in many beliefs and practices. Some Old Order Mennonites drive horses and buggies. Others use cars for transportation. Conservative Mennonite groups vary a great deal, but in general espouse strong faith and family life and believe that how they live should distinguish them from the larger society around them. The author details courtship and wedding practices, methods of worship, dress, transportation, and vocation. Never before has there been such an inside account of these people and their lives. The author spent years conferring and interviewing members of the various groups, trying to portray their history and their story in a fair and accurate manner. An enjoyable, educational, inspiring book.

Donald Martin, who stands within the conservative Mennonite community, provides a unique and detailed history of the formation of the numerous groups of Old Order Mennonites. He traces the principle of Gelassenheit through the centuries from the teachings of Jesus, to the Anabaptists in Europe, to the hearts and homes of the Old Order Mennonites of today. The application of the principle of Gelassenheit is portrayed as a primary difference between the Old Order Mennonites and modern forms of Christianity.

A photographic exploration of the way of life of Mennonite communities.