Revival The Missing Link?

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

So what is it like?

Do you think it's a good thing? I wonder if the retention of Pentecostal youth would be better if they practiced something similar.

Not that that would ever happen, since leaving the lifestyle is considered "sin", and they would consider the kids hell-bound if they died during that time.

For many it means nothing more than joining the youth group at sixteen, and experiencing some liberties that come with that - like square dancing, singings and late nights with the gang on Saturdays and Sundays.

For others, they take advantage of this "liberty" by drinking, smoking even getting a drivers license etc. In my case, I could not get a driver's license/car while living at home. (though the possibility of that happening was discussed, IF I were to join another very conservative Mennonite church who approved of automobiles.)

They would be viewed as hellbound if they were involved in sins of the flesh and died - but not so much because they had yet to officially "join the church" or because they dressed "worldly" etc..

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Baron1710

Why was it you chose not to follow the ways of the old order?

My parents allowed us to go to public school. This was the single most thing that influenced my decision.

"I did not value retention of the German language nor did I see enough value in existing as a subculture when it was apparent there were others who were Christian, but did not abide by the lifestyle of the Old Order Mennonites."

http://ninetyandnine.com/Archives/20.../testimony.htm

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

Do you think individualism being sacrificed for family and community is necessarily a good thing? I can see a whole lot of problems with that approach.

Real progress is usually always brought about by 'individuals'. People who are willing to step out. Error multiplies and is difficult to eradicate if everyone is subjugating themselves to keeping the peace with family and community.

Selfishness is not a good thing. Insisting on your own way, even if it's damaging to others. But just being a face in the crowd doesn't change the world, either. Jesus didn't seem to advocate not rocking the boat.

Taking care of family, absolutely. Jesus mandated that. But sacrificing your own individuality..... I'm not sure how profitable that is.

Well it's sacrificed without question, when it conflicts with family/community and church... nevertheless it's not discarded entirely, that's not what I meant. It's just that personal pride, and making a name for one'self does not take priority.

Humility is held at a highest premium.

[Baron1710]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

My parents allowed us to go to public school. This was the single most thing that influenced my decision.

"I did not value retention of the German language nor did I see enough value in existing as a subculture when it was apparent there were others who were Christian, but did not abide by the lifestyle of the Old Order Mennonites."

http://ninetyandnine.com/Archives/20.../testimony.htm

Hey thanks for the link I enjoyed the read.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

... nor did I see enough value in existing as a subculture when it was apparent there were others who were Christian, but did not abide by the lifestyle of the Old Order Mennonites."

http://ninetyandnine.com/Archives/20.../testimony.htm

If you worded that "nor did I see enough value in existing as a subculture when it was apparent there were others who were Christian, but did not abide by the lifestyle of the UPC," you would have the reason some leave the UPC.

There are obviously those around us who are Christians based on the fruit of the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit in their lives but they do not preach the dress code and preach that all who are not baptized in Jesus' name and do not speak with tongues are going to hell.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Sam

If you worded that "nor did I see enough value in existing as a subculture when it was apparent there were others who were Christian, but did not abide by the lifestyle of the UPC," you would have the reason some leave the UPC.

There are obviously those around us who are Christians based on the fruit of the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit in their lives but they do not preach the dress code and preach that all who are not baptized in Jesus' name and do not speak with tongues are going to hell.

I don't think I have ever really doubted that myself, Sam. I see Christ in some who are far more conservative than I, and also in others who are more permissive or liberal than I am.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

I don't think I have ever really doubted that myself, Sam. I see Christ in some who are far more conservative than I, and also in others who are more permissive or liberal than I am.

It took me a while to realize that the House of God is much larger than the little room I was living in

[whoami]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

Well, it's hard to "retain" children we don't have though, eh?

You seem to have a pretty good grasp of Amish life, Whoami. I was Old Order Mennonite but very much like the Amish. You are correct, rumspringa as practiced by us and most Amish too, is not at all like the Devil's Playground portrayed it.

PS nice to meetcha! If you care to divulge who whoami is PM me!

Yes, that certainly is difficult. LOL!

I think there are some Old Order Mennonite's around here, but I can't tell them apart from the Old Order Amish. The Beachy Amish are much easier to identify. heh

Nice to meet you as well!

[Baron1710]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

I don't think I have ever really doubted that myself, Sam. I see Christ in some who are far more conservative than I, and also in others who are more permissive or liberal than I am.

Agreed.

I know you are thinking how can anyone be more liberal than me...

[Scott Hutchinson]

I wonder how many members the Jehovah Witnesses retain ? And grow in membership ?
Since if you abandon that movement you get shunned.