The acronym for P.R.I.N.T. Project stands for People, Religion, Information Networks, and Travel. The project focuses heavily on the travel of religious minorities and also how they interacted with not just each other, but also other groups. For the past few weeks, I have been renaming files in the Amsterdam Database. Most of the documents in this database concern the Mennonites, as the documents are ones that were held by the United Mennonite Church.
However, sometimes the documents do mention other groups, such as the Anabaptists. The other four databases within the project all discuss various kinds of religious groups. It can get difficult to remember the similarities and differences within these groups, which is important so that we may accurately compare them. Especially because while some share a common origin, which can result in similar beliefs, others were drawn to similar conclusions, but have different origins or vice versa. During the Tuesday meeting one of the other members made a comment about needing an infographic, so that it would be easier to understand all the various groups. Dr. Beiler agreed, saying it would be good for everyone to have a better idea of the various beliefs of each group.
Well, I am someone who enjoys research and as a new member jumping into all this, I cannot think of a better way to learn it all, than to actively do the research myself. So, I volunteered to create the infographic. Dr. Beiler encouraged my enthusiasm, so this week she and I started the initial research. Although she said a PowerPoint might be more useful, as an infographic might simplify too many things. While left to my own devices to begin the research portion, I got a bit carried away. Many of these newly developed religious groups disagreed about various parts of the Christian religion. So, I felt obligated to begin my research at the start of Christianity, with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Granted, I did keep the first 1500 years of Christianity’s history pretty broad, really only including the parts that would become significant during the Reformation. However, there is a lot. And once things get to the Reformation, a great deal of drama unfolds, as all these religious leaders are inspired by each other, but also all think the other one is wrong which results in a great deal of arguments, not all of which are recorded. Admittedly, it seems that everyone in the Reformation is going through an identity crisis, which will likely take some time for me to sort through.
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