Posted on 10/03/2006 4:09:06 PM PDT by Pharmboy
The closest I have ever come to the Amish was about 10 years ago when I was in Hershey, PA at the amusement park. Many Amish families were there.
We should respect their lifestyle (don't we respect many others like gays?) and leave them alone!
I sympathize! I was in Lancaster Cty. about 30 years ago with my parents - visited Hershey, among other things :-). We have significant numbers of Amish and Mennonites in NE Missouri, where my Dad comes from, and we've often worked with them on farming projects.
Since the avoidance of modern technology is part of the "free exercise" of Christianity for the Amish, I think it would be thoughtful for the media to back off. But they won't. The only religion they "respect" is Islam, because you get killed if you offend.
I feel sorry for them as well. The modern world is actually against their religion so this must be an intrusion they don't welcome. What a terrible story however, so the media will not back off.
Good point, TC. If they were reclusive Muslims, the media would be 20 miles away. They are shameless.
I understand how their faith gives them some comfort during this tragedy, but they MUST be hurting pretty bad. Allow them their relative isolation.
You might be interested in this, it's a FAQ on Amish beliefs.
I did some research after hearing an elder member speak on camera. I was speechless after listening to him. No rage, shock or anger...just acceptance and forgiveness.
http://www.800padutch.com/atafaq.shtml
Thanks for the link. I read some stories with some quotes from the Amish. They spoke of forgiveness and understanding for the nutjob who visited this evil upon them. Wow.
They might even cut a little slack for ultra-Orthodox Jews, if they were in the mood. (Might!) But never for Christians.
They are a most impressive group of Christians. They are like a very serious monastic community made up of families. They strive to live a Christian life but do not insist that theirs is the only way to live such a life. An event like this shows that they mean business.
http://www.bethlehembooks.com/
The Bethlehem community in North Dakota is a Catholic association that lives an Amish-style life. They support themselves through farming and book-publishing. "Brazos de Dios" is a non-denominational Protestant group in the Waco, Texas, area, that practices low-tech farming.
Good information, thanks. On visits to Lancaster over the years, I've often thought, "If only . . . "
Their willingness to take the commandment of Jesus and “turn the other cheek”, especially in this case, is an outstanding testament to their strong commitment to a Christian lifestyle.
And muslims get all excited and kill people over cartoons. Muslims could learn much from our Amish brethren (and they say (muslims)that we serve the same god).
Low-tech farming is my dream (once I get all the Offspring out of diapers :-). Nothing produces well-adjusted boys like HARD work!
I could even deal with hand-laundry - I've done it. And wood-stove cooking.
Maybe someday my husband will agree ... at this point, I'm "If only ..." too!
They can keep their habits and wisdoms -- but they can not avoid the rest of the world. I think the elders already ken this, btw.
Time for them figure out how to come to terms with the modern first world circa 2006.
Almost, but they could be cool because they have some colorful customs and original food. And they live in New York.
Even Amish are cooler than the average "Christian fundamentalist," Wal-mart and all that.
BTTT!
Let them deal with this tragedy as they wish, which is with as much privacy as possible.
They ARE dealing with the rest of the world. In their own way. There is much that deserves to be avoided in the "big, wild world".
Amen!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.