Talk:Nonconformity to the world

Merger proposal
I propose that the article doctrine of separation be merged with "nonconformity to the world" by transfering its useful content to here. Metron (talk) 13:51, 29 March 2017 (UTC)
 * Merge this to the other. It is the older article. Walter Görlitz (talk) 14:31, 29 March 2017 (UTC)
 * I agree. This is more about the doctrine than actions. Alexander Roumega (talk) 06:13, 6 August 2017 (UTC)
 * A couple things argue against this idea. First Separation and Nonconformity are two slightly different topics. As the separation article states, separation indicates that 'members of a church should be separate from "the world" and not have association with those who are "of the world".' (emphasis mine). This preference for isolation still exists among a number of groups, but is becoming less and less uncommon. Those that I've had contact with who are on this spectrum include the Amish to the Hutterites and to a number of Jewish groups. A number of cultish groups have espoused this doctrine as well.  Nonconformity, on the other hand, is a much broader topic with a wider range of people adopting it.  As it is referenced in the primary Biblical source of Rom 12, it is not specifically a matter of physical separation but one of mental and spiritual discipline: "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds". Separation is not required by this verse, nor even implied in my understanding of it.. Second, this article is one of several in the Anabaptist series.  Whatever is done between these two articles must be done respecting this article's place in the Anabaptist article series. --Brianlayman (talk) 21:25, 23 September 2018 (UTC)
 * Even though I agree that separation and nonconformity are slight different topics, my view is that their are sufficiently similar (being based on the same biblical principles) that they can be discussed together on the same page. That would mean that shades of difference could be delineated on the same page. While one article is indeed on the Anabaptist series, it is already made clear on that page that nonconformity is not confined to Anabaptists. So, my feeling is that a merge is appropriate. Klbrain (talk) 07:17, 29 October 2018 (UTC)


 * Oppose. As mentioned above, they are different topics, operating at two levels: on the one hand, all Christian groups have some notion of being different to the world; on the other hand, some groups explicitly pursue a separatist line and are known for doing that. This should be reflected in two different articles, although both may need to be cleaned up. StAnselm (talk) 08:49, 29 October 2018 (UTC)