Donald Kraybill on Renegade Amish (3-Book Giveaway)
Donald Kraybill’s new book Renegade Amish: Beard Cutting, Hate Crimes, and the Trial of the Bergholz Barbers tells the story of the beard-cutting attacks of 2011 and the subsequent investigation, trial and aftermath.
Kraybill spent six months helping federal prosecutors with their case against the Bergholz group, and served as an expert witness for the trial. Renegade Amish is based on trial transcripts, interviews of key subjects including victims, Sam Mullet’s relatives, and former Bergholz members.
Today we have a 3-book giveaway of Renegade Amish and Q-and-A with the author. Part two of this post and our context winners will come next week.
Win a copy of Renegade Amish
Johns Hopkins is giving away three copies of Renegade Amish to Amish America readers. To enter to win a copy, just leave a comment or question on this post.
For an extra entry, share this contest on Facebook, Twitter, other social media, or on your own site or blog. Then just email me (at amishamerica@gmail.com) letting know you did. We’ll announce the winners here next Monday, September 15.
Donald Kraybill Q-and-A on Renegade Amish
Have beard cutting attacks happened before in Amish history?
Donald Kraybill: This is a precedent. I’m not aware of any forcible beard cuttings in 325 years of Amish history. It’s the most bizarre thing I’ve come across in researching and writing on the Amish of North America over the last 35 years.
How did you get involved?
In the spring of 2012 the US Department of Justice asked me to assist them in the prosecution. I helped them to understand Amish beliefs and practices. I served as an expert witness for five hours during the three-week federal trial in September 2012. It was a legal maze, with five attacks, nine victims, 16 defendants (including four married couples), 90 separate verdicts, and 20 attorneys. I devote a chapter in the book to the trial.
Why did you write the book?
For several reasons. This was such a benchmark case in Amish history. I wanted to understand it better and also document it for historical purposes. I also aimed to gather together all the pieces of this puzzle—scattered by the media over two years—into one coherent narrative. I was also curious about the background of the Bergholz Amish which executed the attacks. Who were they? How were they transformed from a peace-loving group into a violent one? Were they in fact, really Amish?
How did you answer that question in the book?
The Bergholz clan engaged in some two dozen aberrations of Amish life: They rejected a Christian identity, terminated Sunday worship services, rejected Amish values of nonviolence and forgiveness, condoned physical punishment of adults, placed deviants in animal pens dubbed “Amish jails,” made death threats to law enforcement officers, and committed various sexual improprieties. In my judgment they are not Amish, at least not according to any conventional standard of Orthodox Amish belief and practice. Of course there are no laws that prevent any group– regardless of what they believe—from claiming the Amish brand.
How do other Amish people view the Bergholz clan?
The 65,000 other Amish people in Ohio were disgraced and shamed by the beard cutting attacks. The attackers even included members of the Bergholz clergy. Another reason I wrote the book was to vindicate the thousands of sincere and devout Amish people in Ohio and other states whose Amish identity was maligned by these pernicious attacks
Why did the federal Department of Justice become involved in what might appear as a petty Amish quarrel?
There were nine victims, 16 offenders, and five different attacks in various counties. It would have been extremely difficult to undertake multiple prosecutions in different counties for a host of reasons which I explain in the book. Because the attacks could be considered hate crimes and because they involved interstate commerce the federal government prosecuted the offenders under the 2009 Shepard-Byrd Hate Crimes Act. The jury agreed and convicted the 16 defendants with some 87 different criminal counts.
What surprised you most about the story?
The defendants appealed their convictions to the United States Sixth District Circuit Appellate Court in Cincinnati. In the spring of 2014 the national Anti-Defamation League pulled together a coalition of 40 different groups vigilant about civil rights abuses. These groups filed a friend of the court brief urging the appellate court to uphold support the convictions. The coalition of these groups view the Bergholz convictions of federal hate crimes as a benchmark case that is significant for other Americans who might be attacked because of their religion, sexual orientation, race, gender, nationality or disability.
What is the most important takeaway of the book?
The sad irony is that some former pacifist “Amish” have been the first Americans to be charged with hate crimes under the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act. Nonetheless these convictions have underscored the long-standing American tradition that citizens are free to practice their religious faith without fear of being attacked by those who may deplore their religion.
With the appellate court reversal of the hate crime convictions about 10 days ago, what does that mean for this case?
I will explain that in Part Two in the next post.
The reversal surprised me
Perhaps Prof Kraybill’s next posting will let me know if I was correct to be surprised.
Surprised me too
Alex,
Yes, I was surprised that the reversals turned on a technicality in the district judge’s instruction to the jury. I would have been less surprised if other issues would have led to a reversal.
Does the Bergholz group still consider itself to be Amish? If so, what is their definition of being Amish? Do they use any Confession of Faith document to guide their ordnung?
Still Amish
Al,
I devote a section to this in the book. Some of them say yes, others no. Their identity is really in flux. The bishop and the two ministers are all in prison. Not sure that they have any confession of faith. One of the ministers explicitly rejected being called Christian during the attacks. There is no copy right to the Amish brand so any group could use the name regardless of what they teach or practice. For me the fact that they violate some 25 standard Amish beliefs and practices places them far outside the conventional and orthodox definition of “Amish.” I explain all of these deviations in the book.
the term "Christian"
the Amish that I have been in contact with sometimes suggest that to use the term “Christian” in reference to themselves is pride. Also for them to say they “know” they will be in heaven is a prideful statement. They usually only say they “hope” to be in heaven. It is a distinct Amish way of thinking. Humility plays a big part in their public statements.
Comment
Amish are mostly peaceful and some of the reasons they do things aren’t understood by those who weren’t raised up Amish.
Yes, Agree
James, it’s true there is a lot of misunderstanding about the spiritual and religious motivations for the Amish way of life. Too many outsiders just see the cultural externals and don’t grasp the deeper historical and religious beliefs that shape Amish life.
Prof. Kraybill’s work is always so comprehensive. I’d love to read his views on this particular situation. I did not realize this particular group had deviated in so many ways from traditional Amish beliefs and practices and would like to know more details about that.
Thanks for Your Kind Words
Pat, I appreciate your kind words about my work. I hope you get a chance to read the book. It’s fairly short and hopefully interesting and readable, yet at the same time it delves into a lot of big important issues in Amish life.
any hate crimes on women?
I was curious to know if any of the Amish women have faced similar hate crimes in the form of having their long hair cut off. I look forward to reading your book. Thanks for documenting this.
Kim,
one of the nine victims was a woman whose hair was cut. There were two other women who were attacked however their hair was not cut. They were basically restrained so they couldn’t interfere with the attacks on some of the men. Believe it or not, all those whose beards were cut were men!
Mafia?
So would these be considered the “real” Amish Mafia?
Always been interested in the Amish and their peaceful way of life. Disturbing that a group of them acted out like this.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Donald’s books. They are written nicely and very informative. I’ll have to read this one next.
I am looking forward to reading the book. I left the Amish, yet I live among them and have a deep respect for them. Perhaps I am still Amish in my heart.
Katie, you may have “left us,” but I still think of you as “one of us.”
To Katie
If you don’t mind me asking why did you leave your Amish faith. I have said for many years that I would like to become Amish but have had no luck in the subject.
Hate Crimes
This whole situation is just mind boggling. Not claiming to be Christian? No Sunday worship? What are they? Certainly not Amish, other than perhaps if you consider the ethnic aspect of Amish.
Club or church
Without faith in God and a belief in Jesus Christ, a group could become a club instead of a church. I don’t know what all the Bergholz beliefs are.
Mr. Kraybill, did you ever meet Sam Mullet’s wife? Her name is hardly mentioned.
Would you say that the Bergholz group represents of form of “Amishness” that is divorced from its spiritual roots and instead centered upon maintaining cultural purity alone, or does it represent a kind of religious superfundamentalism (like what we are seeing in some Islamic groups)?
victims
I have heard of sympathy for Mullet and his group. What of those who were attacked? It is sad when the guilty appear to have more rights than the true victims. Looking forward to reading this book.
Ready to read...
Another book I am looking forward to reading!
I look forward to reading this book. I have read a lot of Dr Kraybill’s work in the past and appreciate the scholarly approach to learning Amish ways and customs. This book is already primed for a sequel, given the court’s reversal of the hate crimes convictions.
I have read Dr. Kraybill’s other books and would love to read this one as well. Sounds fascinating. I’ve been following this story for a while. I had no idea they had strayed so far away from what we think of as Amish.
Renegade Amish
Would SO love to read this book!
I hope that you win one!!
This case presents an interesting test of hate crime legislation, about which I have long had misgivings. From the time hate crime laws first began to be passed, I have felt that an assault should simply be prosecuted as an assault, vandalism as vandalism, and murder as murder, without special penalties for being motivated by a twisted belief system, because that sounds to me like punishing the belief itself, quite the opposite of what the legislation is supposed to accomplish. However, in this case, do you think if there were no hate crime law available, that sufficient penalties would be available under preexisting laws to deter the violent behavior? For that matter, do you think, given the seemingly cultlike nature of this community, that even convictions under hate crime legislation will really change how things are done within the group?
Trish, I am with you on this. Most crimes I know have to do with one hating another. It seems we should be punishing the ACTIONS, not the FEELINGS.
Which brings us around to the question of why Sam has gotten away with all that he has done… what about punishing him for the death threats he’s made, the physical attacks he’s had others carry out for him, the locking up of men in the chicken coops while sleeping with their wives? And what about the mysterious child deaths in his community? He has for way too long had the narcissistic view that rules do not apply to him.
The bottom line is how to best hold Sam accountable for his actions. If the hate crimes law is the best way to do that, then I guess the law serves a purpose.
book giveaway
I have never read any of Donald Kraybill’s books, but I would like to win these so that I can read them. They sound very interesting, I am totally into Amish books. Thats all I read lately.
Historical record
I have read some of Dr. Kraybill’s work, and am glad that he’s seen fit to record these particular crimes and court proceedings for posterity. Who would have believed such events would happen in/to/by part of the Amish community? I would love to include this book in my growing Amish “library”. This part of history needs to be recorded and recalled.
Does anyone know what has happened to the families of the Bergholz group who are incarcerated? Have they been ostracized or embraced by the “traditional” Amish (or English)community around them? I’d be interested in THAT side of this story, as well.
Alice Mary
Does anyone know if the books “Amish Above the Law” #1 & #2 are about the Bergholz Amish? Just wondering. If they are, I’d like to order them. (Sorry if I’m jumping subjects!)
Amish Above the Law book
That book may indirectly involve Bergholz.
https://www.facebook.com/AmishAboveTheLaw
https://www.facebook.com/AmishAboveTheLaw/posts/531327156896665
Thanks for the info, Linda.
Sam Mullet's son
Mark, on another post right here on Amish America, Lori Wood wrote, “Sam Mullets Son is a previous owner of the farm we bought in 2012. I’ve written 2 books about our experience in buying the farm. (Sams Son sold it to another Amish, who sold it to us).”
https://amishamerica.com/new-from-donald-kraybill-renegade-amish/
Donald Kraybill on Renegade Amish (3-Book Giveaway)
I would like to win this book and I can’t believe that they were let go, I figured that they would definitely go to Prison and I don’t understand why they could do that to their own people.
Not Let Go
George,
Just to be clear the defendants, were “Not Let Go.” About six or seven, mostly women, have served their one-year sentence and come home this past spring/summer. The rest are still in prison. The US Justice dept is deciding what next steps to take. This case is “still in play” so to speak. More on that next week in my blog here in AA
I am very interested in reading these books.
This happened very close to me. I followed in it in our local news. We have many Amish now living in our area and am very interested in reading this book.
I too look forward to reading this book. Like many others here I have ready many of his other books and gained new insights from them. I also was very suprised when I heard about the court reversal recently. Looking forward to the next post to see what Dr. Kraybill’s response is.
Book giveaway
I look forward to reading this book.
My son, Mark's view
I asked my son, Mark, who joined the Amish what he thought about the Bergholz group being Amish. He said that a person or a group can call themselves whatever they want. However, do the other Amish recognize the Bergholz group as Amish. In Mark’s opinion no Amish consider the Bergholz Amish. They were excommunicated. They are in fellowship with no other Amish. They are outcast. Amish-like perhaps. But not Amish. Mark wonders about the future of this group. They will have to intermarry or something because no other Amish will join such a group or choose a partner from among them. Sad.
I Certainly agree with the points that Mark makes.
I agree with Mark Curtis. I’m Amish and those people do not hold the beliefs, values, or ways that we feel is part of being Amish. A lot of us are very grateful the newspapers often mentioned this group as break-away Amish or a cult break off.
woulD love to read this book!!
Enjoyed reading the article and would love to be entered.
Would love to read this. Very interesting!!
Preventing future breakaway groups?
Donald, you know I have a lot of respect for your work, and I will read this book whether or not I win a copy.
I have two questions for you. In your estimation, when did Sam Mullet stop being Amish? I’ve heard that he grew up in the same community as I did, and that he was ordained minister there. He later was ordained bishop (sort of, my understanding is that he took over for a son or son-in-law who was actually ordained) in Holmes County. So he was Amish… when did he stop being Amish? do you think it was a slow drift, or was there one particular event that marks when he crossed over the line?
My second question has to do with whether the Amish have concerns about any future renegade groups? In my estimation Sam Mullet is a narcissist and a psychopath… a dangerous combination. I think the Amish ordination process more or less screens out these types of personalities from making it into leadership positions. But if one person made it, it seems possible for others to abuse their power as Sam has.
I shudder at the possibility of Sam walking free again. He has potential to do a lot of damage to others in the remaining years he has left on this earth.
Saloma, nice to hear your thoughts. Sam was born in September 1945 near the little hamlet of Mespo, in the western edge of Trumbull County (which is part of the Geauga settlement). When the division took place in the late 60s his father who was a Bishop, was on the strict traditional side of things.
Sam started the new settlement in Bergholz in 1995, and he was the first one ordained minister and then was ordained Bishop in 2001. He did not take over for anyone. At first he sort of drifted away (but he would say was more Amish than the rest because he was emphasizing traditional ways.) The breaking point came in the fall of 2006 when 300 ministers and preachers unanimously revoked his authority to excommunicate. (This came after about nine couples were arbitrarily excommunicated earlier that year.) After that the lines of fraternal fellowship were severely strained, I should say cut. I think this sad story has encouraged many other Amish communities to think about how to prevent similar tragedies in other small settlements with just one church district, especially those that tend to isolate themselves.
Yes, would love to read your latest book.
Renegade Amish 3 book Giveaway
Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity.
I would love to win the book.
Sounds like a very interesting book! I didn’t realize how much they diverted from what is considered true Amish practices. It sounds as if they were trying to come up with a “Heinz 57” of religion; always a dangerous thing.
win the latest book
I am very interested in the Amish people. I have had much contact with these loving people in the past as well as watched programing on them on t.v. This book would help me understand them better and can,t wait to read it.
I have read Donald Kraybill’s books and would like to read Renegade Amish. Wonder how Sam could do such thing to the Amish people and think he was right?
Some very interesting comments and questions! I agree with Saloma, that Sam Mullet is a very sick, dangerous man. I’ll be checking for next week’s edition, and would love to win the book!
Thank you for your explanation of why they should not be considered Amish. I agree 100%, for what that’s worth….
CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT!
Thanks for the opportunity to try for it!
New Book
I have at least one of this author’s books and would love to own another to read and add to my collection.
http://m.lancasteronline.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/kraybill-defines-amish/article_25c86ca6-352a-11e4-8c72-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm
copy that
Lancaster Newspapers again gave Donald Kraybill a platform to slander and vilify the Amish beard-cutting defendants in the Aug. 28 article “Amish feel shame.”
Kraybill insists on defining the beard-cutting defendants as not Amish. It is time to question Kraybill’s impartiality in his work regarding the Amish.
History is resplendent with tension, even violence, over religious differences. Why not allow the Amish to have theirs? Sure, the laws of the land should apply, but charging them with hate crimes for minor assaults smacks of overzealousness.
The non-Amish world is trying to impose its idea of who the Amish are allowed to be. Hence, Kraybill’s insistence that the beard-cutting defendants aren’t Amish: The non-Amish world needs to preserve and protect its image of the Amish.
It isn’t even about the Amish, but it is about what the dominant culture needs. That is the greatest insult of all: this need to have the Amish be something for us, therein depriving them of working on and dealing with their own issues.
Elam Zook
Lancaster
Does the fact that the Amish don’t consider these people to be Amish not count for anything?
book give away
would love to win book
This book sounds fascinating.
Thanks to Dr. Kraybill
Thanks, Dr. Kraybill, for all the work you have done. I’m very interested in reading this latest book!
Fascinating Case
This case drew me in as it did many others and I very much look forward to reading Prof. Kraybills new book. Would especially love to read this book as I know his reputation as an “amish” expert. Have read at least two of his other books. Thanks for an opportunity.
Professor Graybill.
I’ve the whole situation had a funny ring to it. Maybe now we can read the truth.
Would be an interesting read
I always enjoy Kraybill’s work. He is the premier Amish scholar. This was an interesting path of research for him, I’m sure–quite the departure.
Im with Saloma.. I’ll read the book whether I win it or not.. but I’d really love to win it.. and the other two also. 🙂
I dont live too far from Mespo & Geauga Co.. its one of our favorite motorcycle ride destinations…
I would imagine that there are still many family members of Sam Mullet in the area.. I wonder what they think about it all..
Im sure they’re hanging their heads for his shame..
Don K, thanks so much all the work you’ve done, bringing understanding of the present day Amish to those who wish to have the knowledge. I really cant wait to read this book.. I bet its going to be a page-turner!
Blessings,
KimH
Excited to read!
Recently discovered Mr. Kraybill and am thoroughly enjoying his writing. Looking forward to this book as well. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Give away
Please enter my name for the give away.
Please do *not* enter my name for the giveaway, as I went out, bought the book, and am absolutely tearing through it. Oh, what a heartbreaking story! I’m so glad that Don Kraybill wrote this book; he’s able to capture the pain of broken family ties, broken church ties, broken unity that cause as much shock and pain as the sensational beard-cutting incidents that got all the press. The more I read, the more I think, “Now, I’m no expert, but Sam Mullet is about as much a servant-leader as Vladimir Putin, and that’s just how he wants it.”