Historically speaking, many (not all) Mennonites have been fairly removed from the broader ecumenical conversation. An obvious consequence of that is a lack of respect from that culture. However, in recent years, Anabaptist Mennonite theology has evolved into a rather prominent stream of evangelicalism, although often not identified as such. A few weeks ago I was listening to a lecture by Gregory Boyd on nonviolence, one of the crucial aspects of Mennonite theology. He preached a message on the distinction of the kingdom of God from the kingdom of any political system. It was a fantastic message. When asked whether he felt alone in his view, he mentioned some other Christian groups that shared his view, including the Mennonites. But then he brushed them off as a sectarian movement that did not lend a powerful voice to his cause. Again, why? Is the accusation or irrelevance the root of Mennonite stereotypes? A few days ago I was asked, in all sincerity, how I could be an avid hockey fan and still be a Mennonite. I was so taken back, I was not sure how to respond. Are you serious?! What do you think a Mennonite is?
I am currently doing some research on the Donatists, a branch of Christianity from North Africa in the 4th century. It is interesting how the orthodox, catholic church at the time used the power of the state to manipulate the masses into isolating and executing (literally) the Donatists. This movement was labelled heretical by the Catholic church and has historically (almost exclusively) been painted in that light. A little closer look at Donatist theology reveals that they are not that "heretical". In fact, most of their theology looks a lot like my own evangelical Anabaptist theology. But, history is usually recorded by the victors, in this case Augustine, a vigorous opponent of Donatists. Thus, they get painted with a negative brush by historians because their research is done through the eyes of the victors. Is this the case with Mennonites as well?
I realize that Mennonites have recently experienced relative freedom in many parts of the world. I also want to be clear that I am not claiming Mennonites as victims under the oppression of the "victors" of history. However, I do want to suggest that maybe Mennonites have been stereotyped because most people have not bothered to give them a decent chance. It is very frustrating to hear a straw man get erected and then blown away as a ridiculous proposition when that straw man represents what I believe! But this also gives me a stark reminder that I need to do the same for my brothers and sisters in the church. It is way to easy to create compartmentalized theological straw people and then dismiss them as irrelevant to the body of Christ. I want to encourage all of us, let's give our neighbor an honest listening ear. He/she can probably open up our view of reality if we just give some of our time, not to mention, that our stereotypes probably will not hold up very long.
