Algebraic varieties that are locally isomorphic to open subsets of affine space will be called plain. Plain varieties are smooth and rational. The converse is true for curves and surfaces, and is unknown in general. It is shown that plain varieties are stable under blowup in smooth centers.

I define the plain Anabaptists by answering two essential questions: “Who are the plain Anabaptists” and “What are the plain Anabaptists?” In asking “Who are the plain Anabaptists?” I investigate several dimensions of identity. First, I trace the history of seven religious traditions within Anabaptism: the Swiss Brethren/Mennonites, the Low German/Russian Mennonites, the Hutterites, the Amish, ...