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Question 8
The Swiss/Amish refugees arriving in Holland describe “masters in the art of worldly vanity,” dancing, flirting, music, feasting, “powdered white…woman-like hair,” and immodesty—even at “church”; what does their shock reveal about early Anabaptist assumptions regarding holiness, simplicity, and the danger of entertainment, and what parts of their critique feel unfair—or uncomfortably accurate—when applied to us?
Another way to ask: What does the refugees’ shock about vanity and entertainment (even at church) show about their beliefs on holiness and simplicity? Which parts of their criticism seem unfair, and which parts hit uncomfortably close to home for us?

Direct Answer Their shock reveals that they assumed Mennonite church life would be marked by humility, simplicity, and separation from worldly entertainment; the transcript presents their critique as a grieving witness against pride and vanity, though it doesn’t evaluate every detail as fair.

Support from Transcript:

  • Dean highlights the contrast: persecuted Swiss/Amish refugees walked into “modern Mennonitism of the 1700s,” like “the old coming into the progress of the new.”
  • The poem calls the Dutch wedding “masters in the art of worldly vanity,” full of “complimenting…flattering,” with bride and groom showing “pride.”
  • It expects church people to honor “humility and good morals,” but says, “Instead of pride and vanity, no, not at all.”
  • It warns of entertainment: “With rhythm of music and singing, there will be skipping and dancing. Herodias has returned,” linking dance imagery to spiritual danger.
  • It also critiques immodesty and sexualized display: “half-clothed, with naked shoulders…Oh, to the church? Not for worship…I surmise, but rather to display her fine attire.”
  • Dean’s summary: “they were very grieved…when they got to Holland and saw” these changes, even though “the Dutch were very nice to them.”
Discussion Follow-ups Where is the line between legitimate cultural difference and real spiritual compromise? How do we test that without excusing worldliness or judging superficially?

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