Mennonite

Dressed in black with no hint of make-up, Terri Good, a junior integrated language arts major, appears shy but is the exact opposite. Good is opinionated and outspoken, which might be unexpected of a young Mennonite woman.

The women of this faith are expected to remain secondary to men and wear skirts and a head covering.

“I could uncover my head, and it wouldn’t be the end of the world,” Good says, “but it would offend the people in my world.”

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The Mennonite religion originated in Europe when a group of people broke away from the Catholic Church. The sect disagreed with many Catholic beliefs, including infant original sin.

Mennonites choose their own appropriate time for baptism. Good chose to be baptized into the church when she was 15.

Although Mennonites are not as strict as Amish, Mennonites are not allowed to wear buttons or zippers or use technology. They are forbidden to drink or smoke, and most remain virgins until marriage.

In Mennonite communities, men are the leaders, and women usually do not work outside the home. But Good is able to work at a Mennonite restaurant because her parents say it is a “safe place to work.”

“I could uncover my head, and it wouldn’t be the end of the world, but it would offend the people in my world.”

“To work there is pretty traditional,” Good says, “but I don’t mind it.”

Good carries her prayer journal with her wherever she goes. It is filled with her personal thoughts and conversations with God.

“There is something that is meant to be reflected in our religion, and that’s what this is—letters to God from me,” Good says before her cellular phone interrupts her.

Good's community gradually has accepted technology. The line has almost become blurred as to how much is acceptable.

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