An observation
Jacob Stoltzfus Foos@studbox.uni-stuttgart.de
Wed, 07 Apr 1999 10:30:09 +0200 (00923491809, 370B1791.2781@studbox.uni-stuttgart.de)
> BACH
> Soooooo, I WAS correct that the Stoltzfus name IS somewhat indigenous to
> Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and is rooted in the Amish, right, Jakie?
> I will gladly apologize for flippantly suggesting that Stoltsfus might mean
> "dumbshit" in German, if you will forgive me by educating everyone else on
> this list with just a few of the details concerning exactly what your
> Mennonite religion is all about. It's only slightly to the left of the
> Amish isn't it?....i.e. you embrace some more modern technology...plow with
> tractors instead of horses, drive cars instead of buggies, are allowed to
> use elecrical appliances like microwaves and computers, etc. Otherwise, you
> are just another wonderful example of a fundamentalist Xian cult/sect that
> believes everything in the KJV bible and thinks that everybody else, who
> doesn't embrace your faith-held beliefs, is going to hell, right?
> Please explain to us the biblical reasons why your women must wear those
> little lacey doilies on their heads all the time and those dark black
> stockings under their simple print cotton dresses, shun make-up and
> jewelry, etc. Let's hear the reasons why your menfolk refuse to serve in
> the U.S. military. (I can think of several people on this list, me
> included, who wonder how you get away with this!)
> Frankly, you seem like a rather intelligent young man to me, now that you
> have settled down a bit and are willing to debate. Let's hear what you have
> to say.
> Tell us, Jake, how do you Mennonites harmonize all the dumb stuff in the
> holy bible?
> Regards,
> Bones
> thebachs@fgi.net
> P.S. Mr. Till is slow to kick anyone off this list unless they become a
> total nuisance. Personally, I would protest in your case if he did, because
> you are the first Mennonite that I ever heard of that was willing to debate
> with skeptics about religious matters!!!! You have the ability to
> single-handedly show our lurkers that fundamentalists are their own worst
> enemies.
> BTW, are your parents still living and do they know what you are doing? I
> don't think they would approve.
>
STOLTZFUS
Gee, I guess you just know everything about me. Got me pegged right
down to my underwear color -- which, of course, has to be black linen.
I'm a Mennonite, so I must be like every other Mennonite. Since you
know everything there is to know about Mennonites, logically you must
have the authority to question me in this manner. And since this is a
list concerning Mennonite history, traditions, theology, doctrine, and
dogma, of course I must recognize your authority and submit to your
interrogation.
Now, read through the above again with the knowledge that it is sarcasm,
since you don't have the benefit of hearing it in my voice. A few
comments: first, I don't recall that I ever met you, and we're
certainly not on intimate terms; so I vigorously object to being
addressed as Jakie. I don't speak Penna. Dutch and never have, so I
don't recognize Jakie as a valid form of address to my person. As I
have no academic degree as yet, feel free to use my Christian name when
addressing me.
Further, I suspect your comment on my intellectual abilities is
insincere and was only made to try and appease my ego. In light of the
posts you have directed at me, and, out of politeness, I will refrain
from making a similar assessment of your mental capacity.
Also, conscientious objection is an issue of religious freedom. If you
believe that the Constitution provides equal protection for all beliefs,
you cannot object to our stance of passive non-resistance. Or perhaps
you only believe in religious freedom as far as it supports your own
agenda?
Finally, this is most definitely not a forum intended to discuss
Mennonites. And in light of your antagonistic and prejudicial attitude,
I see no reason why I should explain anything about myself or my
doctrine to you. If you really wish to educate yourself, and you really
want my help, try treating me with dignity.
Respectfully yours,
Jacob Stoltzfus
P.S. I've never owned a copy of the KJV of the Bible. As long as I can
remember I've always been given the NIV.