Mennonites & Fashion (Part 1)
Jewelry, tattoos, hairstyle, clothing fads, etc. How do Mennonites fit into that? Except for liberal Mennonites, they don't. Below is a brief review of their stand in the fashion world.
Old Colony Mennonites
They condemn any and all sorts of fashion, deeming it as Satanic and harshly dealing with those who would be caught with it. They have no Scriptural basis except that God wants them to stick to their tradition of living and dressing plain and simple.
Old Order Mennonites
They are more spiritual in their view of fashion. Once again I will mention that within this group there exists a subdivision, with the more liberal ones being more focused on Biblical practices and the stricter conservative group holding on to their traditions like the Old Colonists. Anyways, in their viewpoint of fashion, jewelry, and clothing styles, they take the New Testament verses lierally such as the verses in Peter. They believe the Bible's requirement to avoid worldliness means to reject jewelry, dress plainly(in order not to be tempted by fashion clothing), and use horse and buggy(to discourage members from becoming focused on luxury and frivolousness.)
Kleine Gemeinde Mennonites
Here is an interesting group of people indeed. The older generation (and some of the younger one) are faithfully going by their church's belief and teachings concerning fashion and jewelry, makeup and hairstyles. They sincerely believe it is sinful and look with disapproval on those who use it, whether Mennonite or not. These ones dress very plainly, neatly and observe a strict moral life. Yet, here's the interesting part: many of the young people, although bound by their parents' and church's requirements, are open and straightforward in their opinion of makeup, high heels, faded jeans, T-shirts, etc. Their opinion? They're in favor of such things ! It's true, there is a growing liberalism within the KG group. Conservative minded members would call it worldliness. As a result, girls and women are switching to blouses and skirts, and men and boys to jeans and Tshirts. Cosmetics are becoming more popular, and young girls often risk their mother's wrath in risque skirts and hairstyles. KG's are still united in 3 things: its ok to buy luxury vehicles and the most modern farm machinery; drawing the line at jewelry; forbidding the use of pants for women. (Pssst: many of the rebellious teen girls look for opportunities to go swimming so they can wear pants..... but don't you tell their moms.) Note: instead of dividing or splitting like the Old Order Mennonites of Barton Creek, these 2 types of KG Mennonites get along very well together.
Beachy and Holdemans
The reason I mention them both at the same time is because they are doctrinally united in their beliefs concerning fashion, makeup, jewelry, etc. At the same time, it appears they are able to spiritually discern how much is too much and how far to go in their use of automobiles, home appliances and housing. They believe that dressing plainly and abstaining from jewelry is a Biblical command, yet they do not believe it is a command that can be sincerely and willingly followed without being born again. In other words, dressing modestly and rejecting earrings and necklaces won't save you unless you believe it is the Holy Spirit that has led you to live that way; and of course the Holy Sirit can't lead you if you haven't experienced the new birth.
Old Colony Mennonites
They condemn any and all sorts of fashion, deeming it as Satanic and harshly dealing with those who would be caught with it. They have no Scriptural basis except that God wants them to stick to their tradition of living and dressing plain and simple.
Old Order Mennonites
They are more spiritual in their view of fashion. Once again I will mention that within this group there exists a subdivision, with the more liberal ones being more focused on Biblical practices and the stricter conservative group holding on to their traditions like the Old Colonists. Anyways, in their viewpoint of fashion, jewelry, and clothing styles, they take the New Testament verses lierally such as the verses in Peter. They believe the Bible's requirement to avoid worldliness means to reject jewelry, dress plainly(in order not to be tempted by fashion clothing), and use horse and buggy(to discourage members from becoming focused on luxury and frivolousness.)
Kleine Gemeinde Mennonites
Here is an interesting group of people indeed. The older generation (and some of the younger one) are faithfully going by their church's belief and teachings concerning fashion and jewelry, makeup and hairstyles. They sincerely believe it is sinful and look with disapproval on those who use it, whether Mennonite or not. These ones dress very plainly, neatly and observe a strict moral life. Yet, here's the interesting part: many of the young people, although bound by their parents' and church's requirements, are open and straightforward in their opinion of makeup, high heels, faded jeans, T-shirts, etc. Their opinion? They're in favor of such things ! It's true, there is a growing liberalism within the KG group. Conservative minded members would call it worldliness. As a result, girls and women are switching to blouses and skirts, and men and boys to jeans and Tshirts. Cosmetics are becoming more popular, and young girls often risk their mother's wrath in risque skirts and hairstyles. KG's are still united in 3 things: its ok to buy luxury vehicles and the most modern farm machinery; drawing the line at jewelry; forbidding the use of pants for women. (Pssst: many of the rebellious teen girls look for opportunities to go swimming so they can wear pants..... but don't you tell their moms.) Note: instead of dividing or splitting like the Old Order Mennonites of Barton Creek, these 2 types of KG Mennonites get along very well together.
Beachy and Holdemans
The reason I mention them both at the same time is because they are doctrinally united in their beliefs concerning fashion, makeup, jewelry, etc. At the same time, it appears they are able to spiritually discern how much is too much and how far to go in their use of automobiles, home appliances and housing. They believe that dressing plainly and abstaining from jewelry is a Biblical command, yet they do not believe it is a command that can be sincerely and willingly followed without being born again. In other words, dressing modestly and rejecting earrings and necklaces won't save you unless you believe it is the Holy Spirit that has led you to live that way; and of course the Holy Sirit can't lead you if you haven't experienced the new birth.
