What is the difference between Quakers and Mennonites?

@bjskid (322)
United States
February 8, 2007 11:34am CST
I'm interested in finding out more about Christian religious groups that are anti-war.
1 response
• United States
3 Apr 07
Oh, where to begin? Both of these sects are very dear to my heart! I will keep it simple though. The main component to Quakerism is that there is God or the "Inner Light" within everyone and every person is equal in their ability to hear God and know God (or the Inner Light, Spirit, whatever). Because of that, most Quakers (or Friends) have unprogrammed meetings, where everyone sits together in silence and listens for God. If someone is moved to speak, he or she may do so. There are no creeds, and the personal beliefs of Quakers are incredibly vast, but most value the "four testimonies" which are Equality, Simplicity, Peace, and Truth (Integrity). Mennonites on the other hand are a lot closer to a other Protestant sects. They usually have some kind of Pastor or Minister and hold planned church services. They generally value plain-living (simplicity), peace, and community, but the sects within the Mennonite religion range from ultra-conservative (almost Amish) to incredibly liberal (g-a-y pride, women pastors, say no to meat!).