Problematic Occupations for Mennonites

[Ken]

I should think that agriculture would be a good a safe vocation for the Anabaptist Christian conscience.

There are areas in Oregon where the wine and vineyard industry is so dominant, that it makes growing other crops uncompetitive. And even if you are an agricultural supplier, there may be some hesitancy in selling irrigation supplies and fertilizer supplies and services to the vineyards.
And in Montana growing malt barley for beer is huge.
We’ve always stayed away from this barley and vineyards and marijuana.
I suppose other areas would have tobacco.

I have pictures of my Menno great grandparents growing and picking hops in the Willamette Valley probably around 1912 or so. As far as I know, they are only used for brewing beer.

[RZehr]

I should think that agriculture would be a good a safe vocation for the Anabaptist Christian conscience.

There are areas in Oregon where the wine and vineyard industry is so dominant, that it makes growing other crops uncompetitive. And even if you are an agricultural supplier, there may be some hesitancy in selling irrigation supplies and fertilizer supplies and services to the vineyards.
And in Montana growing malt barley for beer is huge.
We’ve always stayed away from this barley and vineyards and marijuana.
I suppose other areas would have tobacco.

I have pictures of my Menno great grandparents growing and picking hops in the Willamette Valley probably around 1912 or so. As far as I know, they are only used for brewing beer.

Yes, I’m aware that happened in the past. And perhaps they weren’t opposed to an occasional beer either. But today, conservative Mennonites don’t do that. Back in the day, we also grew and enjoyed tobacco. Not so much today.

[ohio jones]

I doubt the Bible mentions pot either.

“O man of God, there is death in the pot!”
2 Kings 4:40

[RZehr]

I doubt the Bible mentions pot either.

“O man of God, there is death in the pot!”
2 Kings 4:40

We know that the original wasn’t divided into verses, right? If the Bible publishers had their act together, that would have been in verse 20.

[MaxPC]

I should think that agriculture would be a good a safe vocation for the Anabaptist Christian conscience.

There are areas in Oregon where the wine and vineyard industry is so dominant, that it makes growing other crops uncompetitive. And even if you are an agricultural supplier, there may be some hesitancy in selling irrigation supplies and fertilizer supplies and services to the vineyards.
And in Montana growing malt barley for beer is huge.
We’ve always stayed away from this barley and vineyards and marijuana.
I suppose other areas would have tobacco.

I can certainly understand avoiding such crops and I agree with your reasons.

I have seen other crops in the so called vineyard areas of VA, TN, NC, SC and GA. Sorghum molasses sells quite well in those areas as an alternative to maple syrup. Sorghum and cane for syrup are likewise popular in AL and MS.

Apple groves seem to be popular in the VA, TN, GA and NC states. Heirloom apples are a niche in that market. Corn and sweet potatoes also sell well. Cabbages and collards as well as farm eggs both organic and free range, are very popular.

In fact the southern states that have a large independent Baptist population seem to share your values regarding crops and their uses.

[mercysfree]

Just curious, have Mennonites refused to bake cakes for divorced and remarried couples at their bakeries?

I know a Mennonite lady who refused to sew a wedding dress for a divorced friend who was planning to remarry.

I also had an interesting discussion a few years ago with another friend who ran a local Mennonite bakery. She said she didn't inquire whom a customer was marrying when cakes were ordered, but wondered if she should. We felt at the time it was somewhat likely she would eventually face the dilemma of a couple coming in where the situation was obviously immoral. After some discussion, she decided the best course of action for her would be to share the gospel clearly and what the Bible says about marriage. Then she planned to ask them, "Do you still want me to bake a cake for you?" If they said yes, then she would give it to them in Jesus' name instead of selling it.

We commented at the time that this would not solve the dilemma for, say, a house-builder, but she would be able to give away a cake instead of just a cup of cold water.

[mercysfree]

Just curious, have Mennonites refused to bake cakes for divorced and remarried couples at their bakeries?

I know a Mennonite lady who refused to sew a wedding dress for a divorced friend who was planning to remarry.

I also had an interesting discussion a few years ago with another friend who ran a local Mennonite bakery. She said she didn't inquire whom a customer was marrying when cakes were ordered, but wondered if she should. We felt at the time it was somewhat likely she would eventually face the dilemma of a couple coming in where the situation was obviously immoral. After some discussion, she decided the best course of action for her would be to share the gospel clearly and what the Bible says about marriage. Then she planned to ask them, "Do you still want me to bake a cake for you?" If they said yes, then she would give it to them in Jesus' name instead of selling it.

We commented at the time that this would not solve the dilemma for, say, a house-builder, but she would be able to give away a cake instead of just a cup of cold water.

[MaxPC]

I have seen Christian businesses deliberately targeted by homosexuals in the hopes of winning a lawsuit. After the targeting of the CO baker one bakery owning couple decided that they will make wedding cakes only for Catholic, Byzantine, or Orthodox weddings - the engaged couple requests the cake through the parish. That solved the issue and the bakers have plenty of customers. If the engaged want a different baker, they arrange it themselves.

The Constitution specifically protects religious beliefs. When a homosexual couple bypasses other bakeries to target a Christian, Catholic, Orthodox, Byzantine, or Muslim baker, I genuinely believe that those cases need to be tossed immediately out of court. The same holds true for any business. There are always alternatives in which customers can receive service.

[temporal1]

Just curious, have Mennonites refused to bake cakes for divorced and remarried couples at their bakeries?

I know a Mennonite lady who refused to sew a wedding dress for a divorced friend who was planning to remarry.

I also had an interesting discussion a few years ago with another friend who ran a local Mennonite bakery. She said she didn't inquire whom a customer was marrying when cakes were ordered, but wondered if she should. We felt at the time it was somewhat likely she would eventually face the dilemma of a couple coming in where the situation was obviously immoral. After some discussion, she decided the best course of action for her would be to share the gospel clearly and what the Bible says about marriage.

Then she planned to ask them, "Do you still want me to bake a cake for you?"
If they said yes, then she would give it to them in Jesus' name instead of selling it.

We commented at the time that this would not solve the dilemma for, say, a house-builder, but she would be able to give away a cake instead of just a cup of cold water.

Thoughtful responses can go a long way. The credit goes to the Holy Spirit.
In the case of the house-builder, he might offer a Bible with the house? - let the buyers decide. A warm gift, no better gift. It could be life-giving.

If not their choice, they might go to a news reporter saying they were given unwanted materials.

[barnhart]

Just curious, have Mennonites refused to bake cakes for divorced and remarried couples at their bakeries?

I know a Mennonite lady who refused to sew a wedding dress for a divorced friend who was planning to remarry.

I also had an interesting discussion a few years ago with another friend who ran a local Mennonite bakery. She said she didn't inquire whom a customer was marrying when cakes were ordered, but wondered if she should. We felt at the time it was somewhat likely she would eventually face the dilemma of a couple coming in where the situation was obviously immoral. After some discussion, she decided the best course of action for her would be to share the gospel clearly and what the Bible says about marriage. Then she planned to ask them, "Do you still want me to bake a cake for you?" If they said yes, then she would give it to them in Jesus' name instead of selling it.

We commented at the time that this would not solve the dilemma for, say, a house-builder, but she would be able to give away a cake instead of just a cup of cold water.

I really appreciate the spirit of this, serving unbelievers not struggling with them.