Comments on: Could You Ever Go “Amish”?

By: akaGaGa

akaGaGa — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:53:25 +0000

Good post. I missed this one somehow. We are surrounded by Amish, and I’ve gotten to know a few of them superficially.

Their simplicity does come with a price. Those women having their 10th and 11th children were probably missing many of their teeth, with no money available for a dentist.

One of the two Amish groups in our area has no problem with using someone else’s telephone or riding in someone else’s car – if we offer them free access. This seems a bit hypocritical to me, holding to the letter of the law by not possessing these things, but violating the spirit of the law by using them whenever they can.

And that’s my main problem with the Amish. Their traditions come from a works-based understanding of the New Testament, much like the Jehovah Witnesses. They are routinely threatened with hell if they don’t follow this rule or that rule. None have the assurance of ultimately going to heaven. I’ve been reading about all this for a while, and here’s a ministry for the Amish by former Amish you might find interesting:

http://mapministry.org/

As for me? By God’s grace, we plan to build off-grid in the middle of a 40 acre woodlot. But we’re planning solar and wind power for electricity, and the computer is going with me. After all, I got saved on the internet, so it can’t be all bad.

By: Acomplia

Acomplia — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 06:23:20 +0000

Lovely post. Please add my email address to your list and email me the updates if possible. I always like to read your blog and comment on it.

By: Mrs. Mecomber

Mrs. Mecomber — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:49:42 +0000

You’re right, Shireen– it takes a lot of commitment. This commitment stems from their deep convictions. I share many of them. I think they are worth attaining.

Cindi, hi and welcome. Oh, New York State is SOOOO beautiful! It’s the politicians and their stinkin’ high taxes and meddlesome ways that drive folks out.

By: Cindi-Moomettesgram

Cindi-Moomettesgram — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:37:14 +0000

My brother lives in Rochester, NY, has since he left CT and graduated RIT over 30 years ago. I flew up to visit him last month, and we spent the weekend at Keuka Lake. I was quite surprised to see the Amish presence there, around the lake area, as I always thought most Amish were in PA. We went to a wonderful outdoor market-the Windmill, and had some terrific baked goods, and I saw the most beautiful crafts. The Finger Lakes area was so peaceful, that I can understand why my brother never returned to CT permanently.

By: New York Renovator

New York Renovator — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:55:16 +0000

[...] I’ve blogged about the Amish before, written how I admire their simple ways. The reason they avoid most “technology” is because they realize that these things complicate our lives and threaten the family and community units. I think they have been correct about this. And yet the Amish are usually the first ones to show up after we “Gentiles” experience a natural disaster. The Amish came out in droves to help New Yorkers whose homes had been ravaged by floods in 2006. The Amish may have rejected modern ways, but they have not abandoned the timeless rule of loving one’s neighbor as oneself. [...]

By: New York Renovator

New York Renovator — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:34:04 +0000

[...] don’t think it’s money that makes you happy. I did a post about the Amish people recently. They have their problems, but they are, pound for pound, happier than the average [...]

By: shireen

shireen — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:14:33 +0000

A very enlightening post indeed. Seriously, I never thought of it that way at all. Never. However, I am too spoilt for choice i.e with technology and to live the armish way, it will take a lot, A Lot of commitment and perseverance. Which ultimately means, I salute them, really for being so consistent with their belief and faith.

By: Mrs. M

Mrs. M — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:09:09 +0000

The Amish have problems– sure. That’s the point of my whole post. Their lives are simpler, so they have fewer complications. But if you’re looking for peace, simple living will only take you so far, because peace of mind comes from God.

Thanks for your comments! I’ve never had the opportunity to personally interact with an Amish family, although when I delivered my children at the hospital, there were Amish women there delivering their 10th and 11th children.

By: Jude

Jude — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 01:40:14 +0000

There are a lot of things to say for the simple life that the outsiders might envy, but if you were on the inside you might be a little alarmed by the very strict principles you must uphold and at a certain age you are put out to know the world on your own and then decide by choice if you want to go back and uphold all the principles or stay in our corrupt outside world and be condemned. Okay that’s enough from me on that subject. There is also just as much incest and unnatural things in their world as ours.

By: Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near You

Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near You — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:06:42 +0000

Hi there – I’m here via Entre card – just had to comment – nope, couldn’t go amish – way too hooked on my ways.