Third Way Media and its predecessor organizations, Mennonite Media and Mennonite Broadcasts, have long responded to questions posed by people who are not familiar with the Mennonite Church. The questions gave rise to a series of brochures on Mennonites and videos that attempt to answer some of the basic questions.
These days those questions come in the form of e-mail queries to the Third Way Café website.
Jodi Nisly Hertzler, author of the book "Ask Third Way Café: 50 Quirky and Common Questions about Mennonites" (Cascadia, 2009), responds to most of the questions, referring stumper questions to theologians or missiologists. Third Way Café averages 41,000 page views per month with about 9,200 absolute unique visitors a month (compare to statistics for other Mennonite websites in the Jan. 2011 issue of The Mennonite.)
Hertzler says she thinks the reason the general public is fascinated with Mennonites is "partly because the Amish and Old Order groups are so visibly distinct and have fairly successfully separated themselves from the surrounding culture," she said. "People are genuinely curious about the minutiae of this alternative lifestyle."
Also, popular trends towards gardening, simple living, and sustainability have also brought these groups into focus. "A lot of my time is spent explaining the differences between Old Order and ‘modern’ groups and dispelling misconceptions."
Hertzler notes an increase in people who are looking for a church home and who perceive Mennonites as having something unique to offer. These seekers tend to ask about various aspects of Mennonite beliefs and practices (Do I have to wear a covering? What if my husband is a police officer? How is communion served?).
Many readers are curious on the Anabaptist stance on pacifism, particularly since 9/11. "I get questions from both sides: from those who oppose our country’s military and political actions and are looking for people who share those convictions, as well as from those who are offended by what they perceive at Third Way Cafe or among Mennonites as unpatriotic," Hertzler said.
During 2010, Third Way Café responded to nearly 100 questions, averaging two per week; staff selected ten questions below as “top” for the year using these criteria: especially thoughtful questions; good questions for Mennonites to ask themselves or think about; questions that get at the heart of Mennonites values; or unusual questions.
1. DO I HAVE TO DO THAT?
My husband and I have attended a number of services at a local Mennonite Church. This past Sunday we saw a number of men kiss each other almost on the lips. A holy kiss? What is this all about and why? –Myrtle
2. CABLE DESIGNS OK?
I live in Calif. and one of my acquaintances is Mennonite. She is expecting a child in March and I am working on a baby blanket for the baby. I am incorporating a cable design in the center of the blanket, and it has only now occurred to me that this might not be a great idea. My question is: this lady appears to belong to the ‘plain people,’ as she and her friends wear head coverings. Do you think this cable design would be considered offensive and she might not want to use the blanket? –Biene
3. NATIONAL GUARD MENNONITE?
I am currently a member of the Air National Guard; would this membership negatively affect association with the Mennonite Church? – Name not given
4. WHERE ARE BLACKS/NATIVE AMERICANS?
I have been interested in becoming Mennonite but I have yet to see a Black/Native American member. Can one convert? Will I be accepted in the community? Will I be able to marry? There are so many questions but no one will answer. – [Name withheld]
5. NONVIOLENCE AND PARENTING.
I am interested in any information on Mennonites and raising children. Do your non-violent beliefs extend to children? Do you believe in peaceful parenting vs. physical punishment? I am very interested in the Mennonite church. – Laura
6. AMISH, MENNONITE, BAPTIST.
I’m at a crossroads. I’ve always been intrigued by the Amish and have recently heard of Mennonites. I’m currently Baptist, although not actively pursuing my faith, but have a desire to have a strong faith and walk. Any information you can give me would be most appreciated. – Beth
7. STACK UP?
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit are a fundamental belief of mine and the Bible-believing church I go to. How do you folks stack up with that? – James
8. ANGELS AND WARFARE?
I looked through your glossary, and I did not find any information about Mennonites and their belief in the spiritual realm. There are countless scriptures that refer to angels (messengers, in Greek and Hebrew) and their participation in the natural realm. I have talked with many Mennonites about this subject, and the trend seems to be that the spiritual realm is not discussed in Mennonite churches (or some popular Mennonite colleges). I am curious to know if there is a reason for this or if my findings are incorrect. If this topic is not well discussed, do you think it could be because the Bible mentions spiritual warfare, and it is difficult to reconcile with the belief in nonviolence? As someone who agrees with the Mennonite belief of nonviolence, let me say that it has been hard for me to reconcile the two.–Danielle
9. WANTS TO PROMOTE PEACE.
I am an Angolan refugee living in Zambia, Livingstone town, intending to go back home this year. I met a Mennonite whilst at the university (though I didn’t pay much attention to him then) and now am interested in becoming a Mennonite so as to promote peace in my country. More, I wish to be more equipped in conflict resolution. Can you be of any help? – Lourenzo
10. THE SIMPLE LIFE.
I would like information on [the] Mennonite way of living and how to simplify life and how to get free literature on them. – Karen
Some of these questions have entries in the “Glossary” section of Third Way Café, which Hertzler refers readers to frequently (http://www.thirdway.com/menno/glossary.asp ) For information on a brochure or DVD on Who are the Mennonites? visit https://store.thirdwaymedia.org/
