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FOR THE LOVE OF GOD: The Mennonites & Benjamin Eby
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Lesson Plan - Student Worksheet - Bibliography/Resources
EPISODE: 4 "For The Love Of God: The Mennonites & Benjamin Eby"
Directed by Ann Kennard

SYNOPSIS

Ann Kennard delves into the Mennonite community of St. Jacob's, Ontario, following the story of the family of Benjamin Eby who crossed the Canadian border in 1807 with 10,000 silver dollars hidden in a quilt.

KEY IDEAS

  • Freedom of religion and its importance in Canada
  • Contributions of Benjamin Eby and other Mennonites to Canada
  • Mennonite customs and beliefs

KEY TERMS

  • Mennonite
  • Anabaptist
  • Pacifism
  • Bolshevik revolution
  • Mutual aid

OBJECTIVES

  • Comprehension of the basic beliefs of the Mennonites
  • Appreciation of the contributions of Benjamin Eby to Canadian society
  • Knowledge of the contributing factors that brought the Mennonites to Canada

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

  1. The Christian Bible says, "stay apart from the world." Write a 300 - word answer to explain how this quote has influenced Mennonite life.

  2. Using an organizer chart, compare the religions of the Hutterites, the Amish and the Mennonites. A possible organizer is provided :
    [Chart]

    Church Leaders Role of Men and Women Beliefs Ceremonies Values

  3. Research the life and career of Menno Simmons. Prepare a poster that presents his life.

  4. Complete a profile on what makes a person a Mennonite.

  5. View the barn raising scene in "For the Love of God: The Mennonites and Benjamin Eby". Have the class perform a group/ community related service of their choice.

  6. Live one day without electricity. Explain your daily uses of electricity. This can also be done by having the students record every use of electricity in a log book over a 24-hour period. Students can then write a one - page summary of their uses of electricity and any observations they can make about those uses.

  7. Research the 1997 "bottle throwing" incident that occurred outside of Stratford, Ontario in which a Mennonite was severely hurt. Debate the following question as a class: How should the offenders be punished?

  8. Research William Penn and the history of Pennsylvania. Prepare a three minute oral report for the class or a one-page biography profile using the following headings:
    Early life
    Education
    Beliefs
    Accomplishments
    Dates and Statistics
    Evaluation

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