The Mennonites are a religious, social and ethnic group with origins in the time of the sixteenth century Reformation. The group was named after a Dutch Anabaptist leader, Menno Simons, who provided the members with substantial theological leadership. Throughout the last four centuries, the Mennonites have migrated around the world and divided into over a hundred different sub-groups. In 1989, Canada was home to over 100,000 Mennonite members who belonged to 735 church congregations that were part of 30 separate groups. The two largest Mennonite groups in Canada are the Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (MB) and the Conference of Mennonites in Canada (CMC). These two groups, and the Colleges they own and operate, are the focus of this thesis topic - Mennonites and Higher Education in the 1960s. By 1960, the Mennonite Brethren Bible College (MBBC) and the Canadian Mennonite Bible College (CMBC) had become involved in the process of opening their communities to the professional and vocational opportunities available in Canada while selectively closing the community to secular influences. The Colleges made institutional decisions which allowed them to offer a university standard education in a parochial setting. These decisions created an active discussion within the two sponsoring Mennonite constituencies. Some members, within each group, were less inclined to embrace the influences of a growing urban, modern worldview because involvement in modern Canadian society would require the adaptation of their traditional, rural identity. The Colleges, on the other hand, encouraged changes while attempting to maintain continuity with essential community ideals. This process of change is the focus of this thesis.

German-speaking Mennonite people from Mexico are moving into Southern Alberta. They are mainly employed as farm labourers. Their low level of income makes it difficult to provide for the needs of their large families. Many also encounter difficulties because of their lack of English and literacy, unfamiliarity with Canadian ways and laws, and a lack of understanding and trust in the helping agencies and school system. By using the Participatory Action Research approach and te principles of Community Development, representatives of community health services were able to enter into a unique partnership with the Mennonite people to work toward meeting their identified needs. A family-centred approach was used, with special attention being given to cultural and religious traditions and values. Programs that were developed addressed the needs of the Mennonite people including English as a Second Language, literacy, nutrition, health, safety, dental, socialization, education, and German literacy for the children. A key finding of the research study was that a participatory action research approach did allow the Mennonite people in this study to find more effective ways of making the transition from life in Mexico to life in southern Alberta. Participants did take steps towards their goal of a better quality of life. As well, agency people found new ways of working with the Mennonite people and with each other. Finally, this study shows that as Mennonite people adapt to life in Canada changes do occur in their ways of interacting with each other and with the broader community. / vii, 167 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.

Historic rural settlement patterns and agricultural land utilization appear to have been partially influenced by pre-settlement landscape characteristics (especially drainage and soil fertility). Therefore efforts to document, interpret and ultimately protect and manage rural historic resources (sites, structures and objects) must include a broad survey methodology which integrates traditional architectural inventory procedures with natural landscape history and cultural influences.The preliminary findings of a recent rural landscape survey of southern Adams County, Indiana suggest a possible correlation between landscape characteristics and early Swiss Mennonite settlement patterns. While these settlers were probably not cognizant of the region's geologic history, they seem to have had an appreciation and awareness of certain landscape characteristics (elevation, drainage and vegetation as a clue to soils) as an indication of desirable farmland.This creative project uses the preliminary findings of The Southern Adams County Rural Landscape Survey as the basis for an in depth study of the apparent relationship between nature and culture which exists in this locality.The area which is the focus of the project is the historic home of the majority of Amish and Swiss Mennonite settlers in southern Adams County. It includes portions of French, Monroe, Hartford and Wabash Townships and centers on an uneven morainic belt which parallels the northern side of the Wabash River.The goal of the study is to explore the hypothesis generated by the survey, that: natural features and subculture geographic distribution as revealed in building types (the half-timber house, the white frame summer kitchen and the red Sweitzer barn) seem to correlate. The study is not an attempt to prove empirically the relationship between nature and culture. Rather it is an effort to reveal additional information about these variables which might later serve as the basis for analytical models or methodologies for studying other rural, cultural landscapes. / Department of Architecture

The Mennonites are a religious, social and ethnic group with origins in the time of the sixteenth century Reformation. The group was named after a Dutch Anabaptist leader, Menno Simons, who provided the members with substantial theological leadership. Throughout the last four centuries, the Mennonites have migrated around the world and divided into over a hundred different sub-groups. In 1989, Canada was home to over 100,000 Mennonite members who belonged to 735 church congregations that were part of 30 separate groups. The two largest Mennonite groups in Canada are the Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (MB) and the Conference of Mennonites in Canada (CMC). These two groups, and the Colleges they own and operate, are the focus of this thesis topic - Mennonites and Higher Education in the 1960s. By 1960, the Mennonite Brethren Bible College (MBBC) and the Canadian Mennonite Bible College (CMBC) had become involved in the process of opening their communities to the professional and vocational opportunities available in Canada while selectively closing the community to secular influences. The Colleges made institutional decisions which allowed them to offer a university standard education in a parochial setting. These decisions created an active discussion within the two sponsoring Mennonite constituencies. Some members, within each group, were less inclined to embrace the influences of a growing urban, modern worldview because involvement in modern Canadian society would require the adaptation of their traditional, rural identity. The Colleges, on the other hand, encouraged changes while attempting to maintain continuity with essential community ideals. This process of change is the focus of this thesis. / Arts, Faculty of / Classical, Near Eastern and Religious Studies, Department of / Graduate

Text in German with abstracts in German, English and Xhosa / In dieser Foschungsarbeit werden zwei theologische Ansätze auf Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede zueinander untersucht. Hierfür wird zunächst die täuferisch-mennonitische Gemeindearbeit auf ihre zugrundeliegende Theologie und Ekklesiologie untersucht. Als nächstes wendet sich der Fokus dem zweiten Ansatz, der Missionalen Theologie zu. Auch hier wird die zugrundeliegende Theologie und Ekklesiologie untersucht. Die notwendige Zuspitzung erfolgt durch die Eingrenzung auf die Entwicklungen in Deutschland. Nach dieser synchronen Herangehensweise können beide entfalteten theologischen Ansätze miteinander verglichen werden. Anschließend werden praktische Folgerungen gezogen, ob und inwiefern beide theologischen Ansätze miteinander kompartibel sind und welche Integrationsmöglichkeiten lohnenswert erscheinen. Hierbei wird die inhaltliche Nähe beider Ansätze deutlich. Die Missionale Theologie scheint der täuferisch-mennonitischen Gemeindearbeit eine Chance zu bieten, durch Ganzheitlichkeit und Kontextualisierung mehr Relevanz für die Gesellschaft zu entwickeln. / In this research, two theological approaches are examined for commonalities and differences. For this purpose, the Anabaptist-Mennonite church work is first examined for their underlying theology and ecclesiology. Next, the focus turns to the second approach, the missional theology. Again, the underlying theology and ecclesiology is examined. The necessary aggravation is achieved by limiting it to developments in Germany. Following this synchronic approach, both unfolded theological approaches can be compared. Subsequently, practical conclusions are drawn as to whether and to what extent both theological approaches are compatible with each other and which integration options seem worthwhile. The content of both approaches becomes clear. Missionary theology seems to offer Anabaptist-Mennonite church work a chance to develop more relevance for society through holistic and contextualization. / Kolu phando, iindlela ezimbini zakwalizwi ziyavavanywa kwizinto eziqhelekileyo kunye nokwahluka. Ukulungiselela le njongo, umsebenzi wecawe yama-Anabaptist-Mennonite kuqala uvavanyelwa isiseko sabo semfundiso yenkolo kunye ne-ecclesiology. Emva koko, ukugxila kugxila kwindlela yesibini, i-theology yobufundisi. Kwakhona, kuyaxilongwa ubuxhakaxhaka besayensi kunye ne-ecclesiology. Ukongezwa okufanelekileyo kufezekiswa ngokunciphisa umda kuphuhliso lwaseJamani. Ukulandela le ndlela ye-synchronic, zombini iindlela ezingachazwanga zenkolo zingathelekiswa. Emva koko, izigqibo ezisebenzayo ziyatsalwa malunga nokuba ingaba iindlela zombini ezi ndlela zenkolo ziyahambelana kwaye yeyiphi indlela yokudibanisa ebonakala iluncedo. Umxholo wezi ndlela zombini ucacile. I-Theology yabefundisi ibonakala ngathi inika icawe yama-Anabaptist-Mennonite ithuba lokuphuhlisa ukubaluleka koluntu ngokubhala izinto nangomxholo. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)

Since the time of colonialism the Colombian territory has experienced many problems, which brought a lot of instability in society throughout its history. Colombia has been bleeding all these years, but especially in the time known as “The Violence”. With the creation of the Guerrilla group FARC, of Paramilitary organisations, and Drug Cartels, the problems were intensified. Different attempts to find a solution have unfortunately failed, as is shown over a period of history. This paper argues that to deal with such conflicts there is need for an alternative concept for building sustainable peace. The model of John Paul Lederach, “Professor of International Peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame“, is described as a possible solution that goes beyond what has been achieved by the peace efforts of President Andrés Pastrana. The Churches, both Catholic and Evangelical, have a role to play in building peace as part of a Transformational Mission effort. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M.Th. (Missiology)

Our cultural orientation informs our fundamental understandings of health. It has the potential to guide how we define health, how we understand the determinants of well-being, and how we respond to illness. For researchers, the recognition of this reality is central to not only how we interpret our findings, but also to the ways in which we develop the approach, questions, and methods central to our research. The Old Order Mennonites and Amish are a culturally, ethnically, and religiously distinct population existing within the North American society. This thesis sought to improve upon previous health-related research on this population by asking several basic questions: Among Old Order Mennonites and Amish, how is health perceived and 'good health' understood? What are the perceptions of the determinants of health? How is illness perceived? What is the response to illness? And how does culture relate to health in the Old Order community? A hermeneutical approach was adopted to address these questions and a qualitative textual analysis of an Old Order magazine, <i>Family Life</i>, completed. To allow the voices of community members to guide understandings, a broad approach to health was adopted throughout the examination of two years of the publication (2001, 2000). Findings indicate that in the <i>Family Life</i> writings health is primarily defined by an individual's ability to fulfill his or her role. A focus on nutrition and reproduction dominated discussions of the determinants of physical health and an individual's relationship with God was viewed by many as the central source of mental health or illness. Emotionally, analysis suggests that individuals may have a range of responses to illness including a desire to accept the experience of illness as a part of God's plan, a struggle to find this acceptance, and the incorporation of community and Divine support throughout this pursuit. Behaviourally, health information appears to be transferred through a variety of mediums including health practitioners, community members, and advertisements. Individuals expressed concern with appearing too quick to seek professional medical care and may incorporate a range of considerations into the decision of whether to begin, continue, or end medical treatments. The textual analysis indicated that a mixture of methods may be adopted for achieving health. Individuals appear to care for themselves through home remedies or non-medical measures (including alternative treatments) for as long as possible. In situations of acute physical illness, however, there appears to be comfort with seeking formal medical care. Amidst limited discussion of a physiological root of mental illness, analysis suggested that the main method of treating mental illness is refocusing concentration toward God rather than the self. In consideration of the cultural understandings guiding these submissions related to health and illness, there were two primary themes. The first is that God determines life and is an active and present force in the lives of individuals. The second theme is that the community responds to this belief in God's defining role in particular ways. More specifically, the Old Order orientation to life which includes a deferment of individual will to that of the authority of God and Community (<i>Gelassenheit</i>) and appreciation for a set of rules guiding behaviour (<i>Ordnung</i>), directs discussions and understandings of health in culturally-unique ways. Overall, this study highlighted the distinct ways in which cultural perspective guides understandings of health and illness within the Old Order community.

Our cultural orientation informs our fundamental understandings of health. It has the potential to guide how we define health, how we understand the determinants of well-being, and how we respond to illness. For researchers, the recognition of this reality is central to not only how we interpret our findings, but also to the ways in which we develop the approach, questions, and methods central to our research. The Old Order Mennonites and Amish are a culturally, ethnically, and religiously distinct population existing within the North American society. This thesis sought to improve upon previous health-related research on this population by asking several basic questions: Among Old Order Mennonites and Amish, how is health perceived and 'good health' understood? What are the perceptions of the determinants of health? How is illness perceived? What is the response to illness? And how does culture relate to health in the Old Order community? A hermeneutical approach was adopted to address these questions and a qualitative textual analysis of an Old Order magazine, <i>Family Life</i>, completed. To allow the voices of community members to guide understandings, a broad approach to health was adopted throughout the examination of two years of the publication (2001, 2000). Findings indicate that in the <i>Family Life</i> writings health is primarily defined by an individual's ability to fulfill his or her role. A focus on nutrition and reproduction dominated discussions of the determinants of physical health and an individual's relationship with God was viewed by many as the central source of mental health or illness. Emotionally, analysis suggests that individuals may have a range of responses to illness including a desire to accept the experience of illness as a part of God's plan, a struggle to find this acceptance, and the incorporation of community and Divine support throughout this pursuit. Behaviourally, health information appears to be transferred through a variety of mediums including health practitioners, community members, and advertisements. Individuals expressed concern with appearing too quick to seek professional medical care and may incorporate a range of considerations into the decision of whether to begin, continue, or end medical treatments. The textual analysis indicated that a mixture of methods may be adopted for achieving health. Individuals appear to care for themselves through home remedies or non-medical measures (including alternative treatments) for as long as possible. In situations of acute physical illness, however, there appears to be comfort with seeking formal medical care. Amidst limited discussion of a physiological root of mental illness, analysis suggested that the main method of treating mental illness is refocusing concentration toward God rather than the self. In consideration of the cultural understandings guiding these submissions related to health and illness, there were two primary themes. The first is that God determines life and is an active and present force in the lives of individuals. The second theme is that the community responds to this belief in God's defining role in particular ways. More specifically, the Old Order orientation to life which includes a deferment of individual will to that of the authority of God and Community (<i>Gelassenheit</i>) and appreciation for a set of rules guiding behaviour (<i>Ordnung</i>), directs discussions and understandings of health in culturally-unique ways. Overall, this study highlighted the distinct ways in which cultural perspective guides understandings of health and illness within the Old Order community.

Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity International University, 2000. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 157-168).

This study asks whether the use of non-English words in the novels of Canadian Mennonites perpetuates a cultural binary, and concludes that it does not. The use of the non-English word, rather than enforcing a binary between "us and them", ultimately reveals that cultural boundaries are permeable and unstable. Recent reader-response theory, which sees the reader as always influenced by a context, is central to this inquiry. Analysis of readers' responses in the form of questionnaires constitutes part of the support for my assertions, while an examination of typography, orthography, interlingua, and theme in three novels by Canadian Mennonites provides the balance. Chapter one lays the theoretical framework for the investigation. It discusses: reader-response theory and the impossibility of accessing a stable textual meaning coincidental with the author's intention, the challenge of the non-English word to the concept of universality, and the distinction between proper “English" and non-institutional "english". Chapter two examines some readers' responses to non-English words and finds that “inside" readers have interpretations in common with "outside” readers, and that variations exist between the interpretations of “inside" readers. A binary model is too simplistic to encompass the range of contexts from which readers read. Chapter three discusses typography, orthography, and interlanguage in relation to (Low) German, and suggests the importance of these features to a discussion of the texts. Chapters four through six examine Rudy Wiebe's The Blue Mountains of China (1970), Anne Konrad's The Blue Jar (1985), and Armin Wiebe's The Salvation of Yasch Siemens (1984) respectively. Each novel's thematic concern with cultural boundaries serves as a framework for interpreting its physical and linguistic features. Chapter seven concludes by examining the influence of my own fragmented identity on the development of my argument, and revisits the issue of authorial intent in our politically less-than-perfect world. A lengthy appendix serves as a pluralistic glossary to the texts, and contains the responses to my questionnaires. A brief section outlines some of the appendix's interesting patterns and trends. An index to the appendix is provided since the appendix is not arranged alphabetically.