Mennonites use technology in a modern world

Amish and Mennonite: Two sects of Christianity that were born out of the reformation almost 500 years ago. Both live a simple way of life; the Amish actively avoid technology, while the Mennonites have become more open to it. Central Georgia is home to an established Mennonite community. One of the families, the Swartzentrubers, invited Jobie Peeples into their home to show you how they balance their traditional faith in an age of technology.

Donny Swartzentruber says Mennonites live a simpler way of life.

"We believe the lifestyle of simplicity, modesty, is very important," Donny said. "We love it. We believe it's the right way, we still adhere to that."

And he says their lifestyle is centered around their religious beliefs.

In this age of cell phones, internet, constant texting, and online interaction, Donny and his wife Bertha raised their seven children to use technology - cautiously.

"We're just trying to live the Bible," Donny said.

Just two of Donnie and Bertha's seven children still live at home, but they say they still have a close family.

"Most of our children end up coming back on the home farm or working with the family," Donny said.

Like the Swartzentrubers' 20-year-old son, Matthias. He works with his father on their farm.

Matthias says the internet is so prominent now, it's forced Mennonites to become more open to the benefits of technology.

He even shops online.

"I bought my last hair gel online, and toothpaste," Matthias said. "Do you have Amazon Prime?" Jobie asked. "Yes," Matthias responded.

Matthias and Charity monitor themselves when it comes to technology.

Charity's favorite site? Pinterest. She says that's the only social media she uses.

"It's kind of hard to know really where to draw the line," Charity said.

She says she doesn't see the purpose if it's just for entertainment.

"I see hindrances in it, but I don't know, especially probably Snapchat and things like that, I feel like can be kind of shallow," Charity said.

But Matthias feels a little differently.

"At lunch I thought I saw you had Snapchat. Is that right?" Jobie said. "I do," Matthias said.

This family has found a way to function in a modern world while honoring their traditions.

"We would never ever want to, in any way, be classified as a cult, or you know, we're not the only people of God," Donny said.

"We are somewhat different, you know, in the way we dress, or go about our life, but we're really ,you know, as far as meeting other people and friendly, we're really just normal people like everyone else," Matthias said.

There are around 1,200 Mennonites in several different churches across the state of Georgia.