history
The history of the Mennonite people is a lively one. It revolves around the success and failure of many a venture, with faith and persecution at its pinnacle. It takes us through an exploration of faith, as well as geographical locations, for the Mennonites have never settled in one location for long before moving on. The Mennonite faith is a product of the Reformation, as this sparked both their social and theological foundation. Mennonites not only have their own faith, they have their own unique traditions, language, culture, values, etc.
Mennonites were persecuted in the first few centuries following the origin of their faith. As a result, they felt the need to flee from one country to another. Initially they fled through Europe, fearing for their lives. Later, they relocated numerous times within South America, this time for faith reasons, which we will look into in more detail. As a result of their need to repeatedly relocate, the Mennonites have never truly settled in one area for more than a few generations. Perhaps this is why many, even today, are slow to become rooted in one place for too long.
The Mennonite peoples are a proud people, and this pride extends to their history as well, although many may not be fully aware of the true richness of their Mennonite heritage. Although there are many different Mennonite denominations, I will focus on those one encounters most often in Southern Alberta – the Low German speaking, Russian-Mexican Mennonites.
Mennonites were persecuted in the first few centuries following the origin of their faith. As a result, they felt the need to flee from one country to another. Initially they fled through Europe, fearing for their lives. Later, they relocated numerous times within South America, this time for faith reasons, which we will look into in more detail. As a result of their need to repeatedly relocate, the Mennonites have never truly settled in one area for more than a few generations. Perhaps this is why many, even today, are slow to become rooted in one place for too long.
The Mennonite peoples are a proud people, and this pride extends to their history as well, although many may not be fully aware of the true richness of their Mennonite heritage. Although there are many different Mennonite denominations, I will focus on those one encounters most often in Southern Alberta – the Low German speaking, Russian-Mexican Mennonites.