What is ‘Anabaptism’ and who are the ‘Plain Communities’?

 

About anabaptism

Anabaptism is a Christian movement that began in the early 1500s during the Protestant Reformation, primarily in Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Major Groups Today

  • Mennonites

  • Amish

  • Hutterites

  • Brethren in Christ (in some definitions)

Key Beliefs

  • Believer’s baptism: Only adults who consciously choose to follow Christ should be baptized—not infants.

  • Separation of church and state: Anabaptists opposed state-run churches and believed in a voluntary church community.

  • Nonviolence and pacifism: Many Anabaptists reject military service and violence, choosing instead to follow Jesus’ teachings on peace.

  • Simple living: A focus on humility, modesty, and community life.

About the plain communities

Plain communities are groups, mainly descended from the Anabaptist tradition, that live a simple, traditional lifestyle—often separated from mainstream society.

Plain groups include:

  • Old Order Amish

  • Old Order Mennonites

  • Hutterites

  • Some conservative Brethren groups

Characteristics of Plain communities:

  • Simple dress ("plain" clothing, modest)

  • Horse-and-buggy transportation (in more conservative groups)

  • Limited use of modern technology (often avoiding cars, electricity, or phones)

  • German dialects (e.g., Pennsylvania Dutch)

  • Tight-knit, rural communities with an emphasis on family and faith

  • Religious services held in homes or community buildings rather than elaborate churches

For more information

Books

  • "The Amish" by Donald B. Kraybill, Karen M. Johnson-Weiner, and Steven M. Nolt

    • Comprehensive look at Amish life, beliefs, and community.

    • Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

    • ISBN: 9781421409146

  • "Anabaptist History and Theology: An Introduction" by C. Arnold Snyder

    • A thorough academic overview of the origins and development of the Anabaptist movement.

    • Publisher: Pandora Press

    • ISBN: 9780968925919

  • "Plain Diversity: Amish Cultures and Identities" by Steven M. Nolt and Thomas J. Meyers

    • A sociological and historical look at different Plain groups.

    • Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

    • ISBN: 9780801883725

Websites & Articles

  • Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online (GAMEO)

    • An excellent source of historical and theological entries on Anabaptist groups.

    • Website: https://gameo.org

  • The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies (Elizabethtown College)

    • Offers research and resources on Amish and Plain groups.

    • Website: https://www.etown.edu/centers/young-center/

  • PBS - "The Amish" (American Experience Documentary)

    • Background and interviews with scholars and Amish individuals.

    • Website: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/amish/

  • Mennonite Church USA - Who Are the Mennonites?

    • Explains modern Mennonite beliefs, practices, and diversity within the tradition.

    • Website: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/who-are-mennonites/