Donald Kraybill on Simply Amish (Q-and-A & Giveaway)
Donald Kraybill is the author of over a dozen books on the Amish, and currently serves as Senior Fellow Emeritus at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College.
I asked Don if he’d answer some questions for us today on the Amish and his newest book, called Simply Amish: An Essential Guide from the Foremost Expert on Amish Life. From the description
From America’s most trusted expert on Amish life comes Simply Amish, an essential guide to Amish life, culture, and faith. Why do the Amish reject technology and education or do they? Why do their young people choose to stay Amish when their beliefs and practices put them so at odds with modern society? How are they different from the Mennonites?
When it comes to learning about the Amish, it can be hard to sort out fact from fiction. Donald B. Kraybill has lived among, studied, written about, and befriended the Amish for many years, and Amish people read his books to learn more about themselves. Through stories from his friendship with the Amish and studies from his forty-year career, Kraybill takes readers on a gentle journey among a people known for their simplicity, rootedness in church and family, and commitment to peaceful living.
Win a copy of Simply Amish
You can enter to win a copy of Simply Amish courtesy of Herald Press.
To enter, simply (no pun intended) leave a comment on this post.
As usual, I’ll draw a winner at random, and post that here next week.
Donald Kraybill on Simply Amish
Below, Don answers questions about the book, the Amish in Lancaster County and in general, and his personal experience with the Amish. I hope you enjoy it.
Amish America: What is Simply Amish about, and who should read it?
Donald Kraybill: This book offers a sweeping overview of Amish faith and practice across North America. It’s for anyone who wants a quick introduction to Amish culture.
But it’s not an Amish for Dummies book. It does have steak and substance. Its price is remarkably low for a hardback.
You are a Lancaster County native. What are the big changes in the Amish community since you have lived there and have been studying the Amish?
I was born in Mount Joy about 7 miles from where I now live. Several things come to mind: widespread use of technology in barn, shop and fields; the growth of the settlement from about 20 church districts to over 220; and a huge shift from farming to business.
What makes the Lancaster Amish different from other Amish?
The Lancaster Amish are the largest of some 40 Amish tribes. Although they originate in the Lancaster area, the Lancaster tribe is also found in Central Pennsylvania and other states including Kentucky, Indiana, New York, Wisconsin and Missouri.
Have you seen any new practices recently?
Recently I spoke with an Uber driver who transports Amish people. At first I was surprised, but then realized that it fits within the widespread Amish practice of hiring English “taxi drivers.”
In fact it has the advantage of being anonymous—particularly for youth who don’t want the local regular “taxi driver” to know where they’re going, or heaven forbid, gossip about it to other Amish people.
We recently learned about motor-powered scooters being used by Amish firemen to get to the station faster. Which technologies, besides the smartphone, do you think are the most controversial or “gray area” currently among Amish?
The use of solar energy is difficult to control. Many Amish people use solar panels for producing electricity to charge batteries, operate small appliances, and office equipment such as a fax machine.
However the church generally disapproves of using large solar systems to electrify an entire home which would mimic an English house with a wide array of electric appliances and technology.
Another growing issue is the separation between the use of technology for the operation of businesses and for things at home. The growth of this indicates a shrinking of church authority to primarily the home and family, with less control over business operations.
If you had to guess, how do you think the Lancaster County settlement might look in 50 or 100 years? Will the community be significantly larger or will land prices prevent it growing so rapidly at some point?
It’s risky if not even foolish to make long-term projections. Over the past two years the collapse of milk prices has forced some Amish people out of dairy farming. I expect Amish people who continue farming will focus on small acreage and specialized produce and other goods that only require a few acres of land.
Those who want to continue general farming will likely migrate to more rural areas of the country.
The Amish are tenacious about maintaining a distinctive identity, even though their practices may change substantially in the coming decades.
Can you think of a unique practice that might emerge in the future?
Yes, it’s conceivable that sometime in the future the Amish might rent driverless electric cars. How so? It fits within their traditional practice that it’s okay to use certain technologies but not own them. For example hiring taxi drivers.
The Amish have always accepted the use of electricity from batteries. So a driverless electric car would seem to fit within their traditional practices, which is an important criteria for what they are willing to accept.
What is one of the most common misconceptions about the Amish you’ve encountered?
That they don’t pay taxes is a long-standing myth of outsiders who don’t live near Amish communities.
What’s the most interesting or unusual Amish experience you’ve had?
About five years ago, seeing my first 3D printer (actually a bank of 8 of them) in an Amish lantern shop. And receiving my first explanation of how 3D printers work from a young 25-year-old Amishman in that shop.
What are you up to lately?
I’m cleaning up old projects: trashing, filing, and transporting papers and correspondence etc. to the archives of Elizabethtown College where they will be available to scholars.
I’m also drafting a short book on things I’ve learned from the Amish, which a publisher has solicited. As time permits, I’d like to revise The Riddle of Amish Culture for a 3rd edition. There’s been so much change 15 years since the 2nd edition was published.
And finally, what’s your favorite Amish food?
Schnitz pie (dried apple) often served for lunch after a church service and eaten by hand without utensils.
Thanks to Don for taking the time to share with us. Check back next week for the winner. In the meantime, you can find Simply Amish at Amazon
Simply Amish
I would love to add this book to my collection of Kraybill and others about the various Anabaptist traditions.
Would love to win this book looks like a great read.
I would very much like to read this book. I have studied the Amish for years. Ty
Sounds like a well detailed book of interest, especially where I live, as there are a lot of Amish.
Simply Amish
It’s informative to read books from such a knowledgeable author. Thank you.
My thoughts
I live in the Arkansas Ozarks and we do have some Amish and Mennonite communities close. I would love to learn more about them and think that I could even live among them and would be quite comfortable. I enjoyed reading your comments and reading your book would be a fantastic journey. Thank you for the chance to win.
Kraybill
I read everything that Kraybill writes about the Amish.
A unique beauty
I’m a suburban Chicago native who weekended in Amish Indiana for years, and loved it enough to retire there last year. I think their culture and way of life, while not perfect by any means, is endlessly intriguing and has a unique beauty.
Lancaster O.O.A. Districts
Within the Lancaster County areas, which Old Order districts (excluding Nebraska & Beiler
groups) tend to be the most conservative? What/where are examples of such?
Is there any dialogue there between the Old Order Amish and the Old Order Plain Catholics
(also nonresistant & nonconformed)?
Interesting interview and article. I have several books written by Donald Kraybill and have enjoyed them all. It was interesting to me to hear about the attitude towards solar electricity. I was surprised to read about the concerns with it. I always presumed it wouldn’t be an issue as it’s a natural resource. Always more to learn!
looking forward to reading this book
Thanks for printing this interview. I’ve read several of Kraybill’s books and have been a subscriber to this blog for quite a while. Always interesting reading. We are lucky to live not too far from several WI Amish communities and I read a weekly Old Order Amish/Mennonite newspaper. Always something new to learn!
The Story of the Amish (for those interested in history)
Unser Leit by Leroy Beachy is just fascinating. You can purchase it on libe thru him.
for give away
I have always been very interested in the Amish life style
Simply Amish
I have always been fascinated with the Amish lifestyle and work ethic.
In all honesty I’m a little envious. From seeing them in the strength
they get from their faith,to their family, and their work. A great many
things missing from our English lifestyle. I really appreciate the chance
to win and to learn more about the Amish.
I am a retired social worker from southern Indiana. My youth was spent in and around Greene County Indiana and I saw many Amish type hired out in the area to build and repair house foundations. I always helped my dad in masonry projects on the weekends but we were not Amish. I was always impressed how well and quickly they did their work.
Going off to college to SW Missouri State U I was interested in studying the Amish through a Sociology Major. Because of family responsibilities I had to change my emphasis to social work, but always kept an interest in the Amish. It would be an honor to receive your book. Thank-you and have a pleasant life.
Robert Hubble
Simply Amish
I would love to win this book! hope this is where I am supposed to comment. Thanks
Simply Amish
Not sure if this is the same as what I did but covering all bases 🙂 I would love to have this book.
Sounds a good read!!
Sounds a good read!!
Thank you
I have to tell you how much I truly love your emails. I’ve been really interested in how the Amish live and when I travel lately I find myself in Amish country. So I have to thank you for keeping me in the know!
Thank you Irene!
Reply to email
Thank you so much for keeping me updated, please keep up the great work. I look forward to every email you send out! Thanks again!
I enjoy your books about the Amish. They are so informative.
I enjoy your books about the Amish and love visiting Lancaster County. I live in California now, so visiting is a treat. For several years I lived in nearby Chester County. I would live to read your new book.
Support
I am curious about the Amish support group for those in financial need. Is that talked about in your book?
Interesting
I am fascinated with the Amish as well and am interested in reading your book.
Computer Use
You mentioned the 3D printers at the lantern shop. Would love to know more about the use of technology for the businesses like this.
Simply Amish
I’ve always been fascinated about Amish. I read a lot of Beverly Lewis fictional books. They seem to live a very interesting & less stressful life life.
Love the amish
We sell Lots of Amish products in our farm market and read all kinds of amish books.
I find the Amish fascinating.
Here in Northeast PA we try to patronize their businesses as much as possible…. Especially the Stoltfus family and the Smucker family. They are honest hard-working, honest individuals. individuals.
Dear Donald, I found your Q-and-A segment on Amish America very interesting, especially the part about solar energy. I live in Hanover, PA, and I’ve befriended some of the Amish merchants who work at the local Amish Markets. Also, I don’t live far from the new Amish settlement just outside of Jefferson, PA. Your book is a must read for someone like me!
Best regards, Mike
Simply Amish
I have always interesting in their life and want to enjoy just one day to learn what Amish life is like. I think it amazing thing to do not live with technology today’s
Interested
Hi, Mr. Kraybill,
I submitted this once already but I don’t know if it went through. So, I’m submitting it again. I’m interested in knowing, what drew you to the Amish so many years ago and what started you on a career in leaning about them and their culture?
Thanks, Linda
I have always been fascinated with the Amish people and their ways of living, so I know that I will enjoy reading this book of yours. Thanks for the chance of winning a copy!
Loved
Learned a little more today about the Amish. Always enjoy learning more. Thank you. Cindy
Simply Amish
I truly find the Amish interesting. I love how they come come together to accomplish many of their activities. I think that your new book will give insight into the lives of the Amish family.
unsubscribe from comments
I have unsubscribed to comments on this post twice but they keep coming. Can you fix This please. It is clogging my email. Thanks
Admiration
I admire the Amish, and enjoy mingling with them at local auctions. I have a few friendly acquaintances among them. I enjoy reading more about them, their simple life, for information and leisure purposes.
Free Book!!
Count me in 🙂
The Q&A very informative
I love learning about the Amish and have lived in an area close to a small community of Amish all my life. When I lived with my sister I lived in same community as them. My interest in the Amish started when I started reading Amish stories. I don’t know if Mr. Kraybill is familiar with Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg Virginia that’s the area I’m talking about. I wonder if the Amish will be able to continue living as they have been the way things seem to be changing in the world. I will admit I love their way of life, slow paced. I love to how they put family first and take care of family members.
Godlyness through plainness
I have had interest in the Amish for over 30 years. The community they have is so biblical that it has always encouraged me to have better relationships and to visit people more often. Once I asked an Amish man what the difference was between being a baptist (which I was) and an anabaptist. He said a baptist was baptist on Sunday whereas an anabaptish was baptist seven days a week! Now that is a community. Thanks for all your postings.
Amish Fan
I would love to read this book! I have stayed with an amish family before and just love learning more about their culture and faith. Thank you!
3 D Printer
I have not personally viewed a 3 D printer. I am curious as to what they were being used for in the lantern shop?
Great info
I enjoy reading your blog as you always have interesting information.
Thank you Ali! I’m glad you find it worthwhile.
Great comunity
The Amish contribution is their community life from which we could learn . Their faithfulness,servanthood and strong family life set an example for all if us.
Simply Amish by Donald Kraybill
I would like to recieve a copy of: Simply Amish by Donald Kraybill. I am English and I believe it will help me to understand Amish Europe better because it is simply Amish. I hope to share it with my hoarding friend. Thank you very much for the Q & A Giveaway.
Book
This sounds like an interesting and informative book.
Give away
I’d love to receive this book!! Thank you !
The Fascinating Amish
I’m always interested in learning more about the Amish. When I was in Fort Myers Beach recently, I discovered an Amish family on the beach. They were there from Ohio for a short visit while the father measured a home for new cabinets he was building. They graciously spoke with me for a few minutes. It was one of the highlights of my vacation.
Hi! I love reading about the Amish. I am not sure why I am so fascinated by them. Maybe its their simple lives and less stress and our lives are so jam packed and stressful. I love how they make family time and want to spend time playing games.etc. I would love to win a copy of the book so I can read more about them. Thank you for doing this article.
Would love to read this book.
Thank you for insight
Thank you for such dedication to educating people on the Amish culture. I always learn something new and never stop being amazed at their adaptation to the changes happening around them. With technology growing so fast for us who have always been exposed-I have much respect for the Amish who are able to hold on to many of gheir ways.
I would love to read this book
Interesting changes
Interested in hearing more about how the Amish are finding ways to utilize technology yet stay within the boundaries of the Ordnung. They are a fascinating people!