N. Eshelman
Puritan Board Senior
Growing up in PA I came across the Amish quite a bit. They were always seen as quaint, harmless, and o-so-godly. What do you think?
Cult, Sect, or something else?
Cult, Sect, or something else?
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I say "sect." This is because, of what I know about the Amish, they differ from the Mennonites chiefly in what they accept or reject in the culture (technology, etc.) The Amish reject the cultural involvement because they believe they then reduce their temptation to sin. However, at root (As far as I know), their theology is the same as the Mennonites, whose theology is summarized here.
some members of my church who live near there got a mailing from them. There was very little in the mailing about Christ and much about how living a simple life makes one more spiritual
I am somewhat serious in that if I could find an Amish group that was Reformed I would consider looking into it.
I am somewhat serious in that if I could find an Amish group that was Reformed I would consider looking into it.
That may just be the biggest theological juxtaposition I have ever heard expressed! I love the lifestyle, and I could drift that way easily. The joiner I with whom I apprenticed as a good man, but he was as lost as a goose in a hail storm. He was the perfect fruit of multigenerational faith Pelegianism. I still pray for his soul.
Thanks Laurence. I saw a documentary not so long ago when I was in Scotland visiting (BBC perhaps?) on the young males who are given time to pursue their worldly desires. It has German name, but I forget it now. Boy, these kids were wild, but I think they all went back to the Amish. I wonder if many people leave the Amish community. If so, I wonder if they profess Christ and join biblical churches?
Thanks Laurence. I saw a documentary not so long ago when I was in Scotland visiting (BBC perhaps?) on the young males who are given time to pursue their worldly desires. It has German name, but I forget it now. Boy, these kids were wild, but I think they all went back to the Amish. I wonder if many people leave the Amish community. If so, I wonder if they profess Christ and join biblical churches?
Amish education ends at the 8th grade, which makes it really hard to leave the community. Leaving without anything would be hard anyway, but not having any high school makes it almost impossible to get a job - especially if you're a woman and can't do physical work. (We have what is either an Amish or Hutterite community not too far from where I live).
Menno-Hof is a non-profit information center that teaches visitors about the faith and life of Amish and Mennonites. Located in Shipshewana, Indiana, Menno-Hof invites groups and individuals to learn about and experience Anabaptist history and lifestyle. Menno-Hof’s multi-image presentations, historical environments, and colorful displays take you on a fascinating journey inside the unique world of the Mennonites and Amish. See where the Anabaptists had their beginning in a Swiss courtyard and how they were persecuted for their faith in the dungeon. Travel with the Anabaptists down the cobblestone streets of Holland and board a 17th century sailing boat on a journey to America and freedom. Take a virtual tour for a glimpse of what Menno-Hof has to offer.
Let them get on this site and defend themselves.
Source? (for the wedding figures, I am aware of being susceptible to temptation)For what it's worth, in something like 20 percent of the wedding in Puritan New England, the bride was expecting. The temptations are common to all of us.