Nonconformity to the world

Nonconformity to the world, also called separation from the world, is a Christian doctrine based on Romans 12:2,[1][2] 2. Corinthians 6:17 and other verses of the New Testament that became important among different Protestant groups, especially among Anabaptists. The corresponding German word used by Anabaptists is Absonderung.[3] Nonconformity is primarily expressed through the practices of plain dress and simple living.

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Dirk Willems (picture) saves his pursuer. This act of mercy led to his recapture, after which he was burned at the stake near Asperen (etching from Jan Luyken in the 1685 edition of Martyrs Mirror
Dirk Willems (picture) saves his pursuer. This act of mercy led to his recapture, after which he was burned at the stake near Asperen (etching from Jan Luyken in the 1685 edition of Martyrs Mirror).
Background
Doctrines and practices
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Biblical basis
  • "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
  • "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate." 2. Corinthians 6:17
  • "If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15
  • "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity against God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4
  • "That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." Luke 16:15
  • "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people." 1 Peter 2:9
  • "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27[4]

History

Even though not unique to Anabaptist Christians (such as Mennonites), the concept of nonconformity has found an unusually intense and detailed application among these groups.[5] Other groups that practice forms of separation from the world are the Exclusive Brethren and the Church of God (Restoration). 20th century minister and religious radio broadcaster Carl McIntire stressed the doctrine of nonconformity to the world.

Practice by Christian denomination

Anabaptism

Among traditional Anabaptist groups nonconformity is practiced in relation to dress, the use of technology like horse and buggy transportation instead of cars, the rejection of television and radio, the use of language, that is German dialects like Pennsylvania German, Plautdietsch and others instead of English or Spanish, nonresistance, avoidance of oaths, avoidance of lawsuits, and other questions.[6]

Anabaptist groups that practice nonconformity to the world today, belong either to the Old Order Movement, the "Russian" Mennonites the Hutterites or the Bruderhof.[7] These groups live either in Canada and the US or in Latin America ("Russian" Mennonites).

Methodism
Further information: Outward holiness

Methodist theology traditionally emphasizes the scriptural injunction "be ye separate", which lessens temptation.[8] The doctrine of separation from the world continues to be emphasized by Methodist connexions in the conservative holiness movement, such as the Evangelical Methodist Church Conference, which in its 2017 Book of Discipline, teaches:[9]

We believe the scriptures teach a clear separation between the church and the world. Such must ever exist if the church is to make her witness felt in a world committed to evil and darkness. Chaste and holy conversation as well as honesty in business transactions are rules of this separation. In matters of entertainment and recreation, our people are to avoid such pursuits as contributes to worldliness. We admonish our people to live in carefulness as instructed in Philippians 4:8, "Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Also bearing in mind Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit." Since sports have assumed a position in modern life out of all proportion to their value, our people are instructed to refrain from attendance at or participation in organized professional sports. We hold, further, that due to the influence/effect of media entertainment and social media upon spiritual life, our people should strive to harmonize with Philippians 4:8, when utilizing media devices or social media. Ungodly media entertainment and social media will be defined as those things that promote unbiblical values and philosophies. Philippians 4:8-"...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." James 4:4; I Thess. 5:22; II Cor. 6:17 —Evangelical Methodist Church Discipline (¶26-¶27)[9]

Quakerism
Further information: Peace Testimony, Testimony of integrity, Testimony of simplicity, and Testimony of equality

References
  1. J. R. Shank: Nonconformity to the World, in Bible Doctrine: A Treatise on the Great Doctrines of the Bible, Pertaining to God, Angels, Satan, the Church, and the Salvation, Duties and Destiny of Man, ed. Daniel Kauffman, Scottdale, PA 1914, page 510.
  2. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ro 12:2
  3. Donald B. Kraybill, Karen M. Johnson-Weiner, Steven M. Nolt: The Amish, Baltimore 2013, page 73.
  4. Daniel Kauffman: Manual of Bible Doctrines, Elkhart, Indiana (1898), page 188.
  6. Donald B. Kraybill (2010). Concise Encyclopedia of Amish, Brethren, Hurtterites and Mennonites. Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 152.
  7. "Life Among The Bruderhof". The American Conservative. Retrieved 2017-05-26.
  8. Lyerly, Cynthia Lynn (1998). Methodism and the Southern Mind, 1770-1810. Oxford University Press. p. 13. ISBN 978-0-19-531306-2.
  9. Evangelical Methodist Church Discipline. Evangelical Methodist Church Conference. 15 July 2017. pp. 18–19.

Sources
  • John C. Wenger: Separated unto God: a Plea for Christian Simplicity of Life and for a Scriptural Nonconformity to the World. Scottdale, PA 1951.
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