Expert: Carl Fuglein - 9/27/2004

Question
Hi this question is regarding the old fashioned mennonite. There is a boy age 16 almost 17 and i have a crush on him. We r starting to become a little more then friends. Any ways are the mennonite boys aloud to date girls that are not as strict as them. My family and i do follow the mennonite brethern religion. Would his family shund him or me.  And I really am seorisly wanting to join there way of relgion. Is there any way i can. Can i marry in. Or can i just convert. Thanks

Answer
Danie-

I'm afraid I don't know enough about the various sects of Mennonite to know how different families would react.  If you are Mennonite yourself, even if you are a little more liberal, I would think that your friend's family would probably accept you, especially if you're interested in their particular method of worship.  But I hope that the reason you want to join them is not just because you want to get closer to him - it's not a good idea to convert until you have thoroughly investigated their beliefs and agree with them.  I think what you ought to do is tell your friend that you would like to go to church with him on Sunday.  I doubt that his family would object.  Go, see what it's all about, and spend some quality time with him and his family.  You're still too young to get in a serious relationship, but I certainly wouldn't object to you going to church with him.

Sorry I can't help more.

carl