Posted on 11/06/2012 2:04:24 PM PST by PittsburghAfterDark
When one considers groups of likely voters, the Amish probably aren’t the first cohort to come to mind. To begin, this highly-religious, often secluded community generally avoids heading to the polls. However, in a highly-contested election cycle, considering all that’s at stake, there’s a grassroots effort afoot to court these individuals in both Ohio and Pennsylvania (two, important swing states).
Considering the religious community’s isolation, the choice to engage the Amish may seem curious. But, considering that approximately 60,000 adherents reside in Pennsylvania and another 60,000 in Ohio, their votes, especially in a close race, are precious. And considering that the Amish tend, on the rare occasion they vote, to align with conservatives, courting this population could greatly benefit Republicans.
(Excerpt) Read more at theblaze.com ...
The Amish, Mennonites, Bruderhoff, Hutterites, and other Anabaptist brethren hold to the doctrines of “non-resistance” and “non-participation”.
Non-resistance:
Jesus said, “Resist not evil.”
Non-participation:
Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world.”
I thought the democrats owned 95% of the Amish vote.
It happened in 2004, could happen again.
Jesus also said to be in the world not of it. He also said the go and make disciples of all nations. I can’t see how hou can do that by locking your selves up in inward facing communities.
I know many Mennonites are quite conservative. I actually have a left wing Bro-in-law (Past Pres of NEA, hates guns,typical lib) who had his only Catholic daughter marry a Mennonite; entire family will be Repubs, I just luv it.
The Amish may not vote, but they will start riots!!!!
I forgot to add, “Just sayin’”.
You dpn’t need to convince me.
:)
Obama took away their ability to sell fresh milk and vegetables stands. They are pissed, they will vote this time. Reports of buggies flowing in to vote have been reported.
Really? I fail to see in the bible where it says “Thou shall not have buttons” or “Thou shall restrict thyself to 19th century technology”. People look at them and think “If I have to give up electricity and indoor plumbing, there is no way I am going to be a Christian”. They seem to the world to be a dour and humorless people.
I am not saying that they are bad people, quite the opposite, but their methods are not biblical.
Hands offeth my milk, English!
They vote because they are prolife.
If memory serves me correctly, a lot of what they believe is derived from what their elders said.
But regardless of where they get their beliefs, if they can help us win, I’m all for them.
When I first moved here to PA, my husband took me to the Farm Show. I had never seen so many long denim skirts! I did see some Mennonites the other day at the Ryan rally.
Who cares. I’m all for any minority that pays their own bills and doesn’t look for a government handout. I’m also for freedom to live anyway you choose. Inner cities aren’t plagued with gangs of murderous, dope dealing, amish thugs so I gonna leave them alone.
****...have to give up electricity and indoor plumbing,****
A working companion told me of where he used to live. A large group of Amish bought up some houses in a suburb. Two days later, they all pulled out the commodes into the front yard and beat them to pieces with sledgehammers.
“Inner cities aren’t plagued with gangs of murderous, dope dealing, amish thugs so I gonna leave them alone.”
Really? I see all kinds of posts here that report the per as being Amish ;^)
I have a hard time seeing toilets as being the devil’s creation.
The issue with buttons/adornments/attire has to do with humility. Anything considered prideful (including buttons) is to be avoided. They dress so as to avoid drawing individual attention to self within their community.
While you may consider their lifestyle not in accordance with Sacred Scripture, they would likely disagree, and cite Rom 12:2 and 2 Cor 6:14, 17 and other passages. That's if they decided to respond at all instead of accepting the misunderstanding in silence.
Their selflessness in helping their own and outsiders is unparalleled if you ask me. Even though you've spoken unkindly of them, they'd be the first to help you if you were stranded by the road or otherwise in need of assistance in their power to give you. Unlike many of us English, they don't evaluate someone's worthiness of assistance before rendering it. If that's not living the Christian message by example, I don't know what is!
Peace be with you.
well seeing how they are sheltered and protected by The Brave of this great country, without threat of invasion or disruption of their little communities, I’d think the least they could do is vote.
Being a thrifty folk they probably had a use for crushed porcelain.
I wouldn’t doubt it.
Criticism is not unkind. When is the lat time you heard of an Amish missionary?
Ummm... Wrong clan of Amish...
Oh, the OTHER Amish.
My Bible doesn't list it as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Those who presume to have the Truth but present it without the gentleness of the Spirit can come across as mocking.
When is the lat time you heard of an Amish missionary?
It's true that knocking on doors or working foreign missions isn't their style. Some of us have been deeply moved by their fidelity to family and the Gospel as they understand it and strive to live it daily. As someone mentioned above, they strive to walk the walk. That may not meet your missionary criteria, but actions speak louder than words for many of us.
Most Amish I've met are more faithful to their understanding of the gospel than I can ever hope to be to mine. I will wish you peace and leave this thread. Perhaps you would consider learning more about them and the quiet manner in which they live their Christianity instead of pointing out what you seem to consider poor Christian witness.
Why do you have a gripe with the Amish? Are their buggies causing you to be late for church? Not specifically the Amish but there is a very large and successful Mennonite Disaster Service organization. There is also an Amish Disaster Service. Amish-Mennonite volunteers show up for many disasters around over the world and are often the first on the scene. I first saw them in action for Hurricane Camille in 1969. That is not so much a missionary work but by their unassuming and compassionate service to people in need of every other faith, I see them serving a similar purpose.
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