15 - Mennonite migrations: genetic and demographic consequences

Summary

Introduction

In recent years, advances in molecular genetics have increased the understanding of past prehistoric demographic events. Yet, few molecular genetic studies have investigated more recent human migration, such as those from religious persecution (Behar et al., 2008, 2010; Melton et al., 2010; Non et al., 2011; Pichler et al., 2010). Throughout history, religious persecution has often led to human migration; which in turn has led to unique cultural and biological factors impacting human populations. The most classic example of religious migration in the scientific literature has focused on Jewish diasporas and movement of Ashkenazi and Sephardic populations in Europe (Behar et al., 2008, 2010; Non et al., 2011). Another example is the Reformation that occurred in sixteenth-century Europe. This in turn led to the migration of several groups throughout Europe and to the Americas. This chapter provides a brief summary of the Reformation and Anabaptist movement, and then compares existing knowledge of classical genetic polymorphism and molecular genetic markers to demonstrate that molecular genetic data provide a more accurate reflection of Mennonite demographic history.

The Reformation began in 1517 when Martin Luther hammered his 95 Theses to the door of the Catholic Church in present-day Wittenburg, Germany (MacCulloch, 2003). This movement began as an attempt to reform corruption within the Catholic Church. Western European Catholics were involved with false doctrines and practices, which included selling of indulgences, forgiveness of sins, and the buying and selling of church positions. Arguments regarding the explanation of doctrine and spiritual differences among Reformation leaders led to the formation of different Protestant denominations. The most important of these denominations were the Lutherans, Calvinists, Presbyterians, and Anabaptists (MacCulloch, 2003).