“These children are seen as important to the culture and the community. That they, through your efforts to help these children, that they teach you things that are helpful in other ways. And that that engenders within the community a sense of responsibility for everybody to take care of those who are disadvantaged.” That’s Dr. Holmes Morton discussing the role of ill and disabled children in…
A writer for the Washington Post visits the New Wilmington, PA Amish community in this article.  It’s a pretty straightforward Travel section piece.  One paragraph did jump out at me: Craftsmen and seamstresses advertise their wares with simple hand-lettered signs painted on scraps of wood — Furniture. Quilts. Jams & Jellies. Harness Maker — leaving you to discover the true quality of what’s for sale…
A reporter from the Cleveland Plain Dealer visited Bergholz recently, and has given us a look at the community from a different perspective. Unlike most previous coverage, this article provides a rather sympathetic look at the group: Last week, members of the Bergholz community scoffed at the government’s portrayal. They said they were tired of being treated like zoo animals by others in different Amish…
For people living in the East, Montana is one of those romantic Western states that make you think of big skies and freedom. And that also might explain why the state has attracted some Amish. The first permanent Amish settlers came to the Treasure State in the 1970s. Drawn by the scenery and hunting opportunities, Amish living back East visit Montana fairly frequently. The Montana…
From Rules of a Godly Life, Section 1 (“Thoughts”), Rule #8: If other people praise you, humble yourself. But do not praise yourself or boast, for that is the way of fools who seek vain praise. Be honest in all your dealings and this will be enough reward; then others will praise you. Of all the Rules, this one seems to strike hardest at the…
Every four years inquisitive reporters try to discern what the Amish are planning to do in the upcoming presidential election. Â I think this is partly due to natural curiosity–what do a “people apart” think about a civic activity such as voting? But mainly I believe people are interested because the largest Amish populations are found in Ohio and Pennsylvania, two swing states heavily contested in…
Autumn used to be my favorite season. I once pitied the folks who lived in areas of the country which don’t really have a legitimate autumn. Over the years, I’ve lost a little enthusiasm for the fall (knowing what’s right around the corner – months of frigid air, ice and darkness – prevents you from enjoying it as much). Still, on its own merits, autumn…
Like the holy kiss, foot washing is a symbolic communal act performed by Amish. Foot washing occurs during the twice-yearly communion service. The authors of The Amish Way note the words of the Dordrecht Confession on the custom: footwashing is “the true washing, when we are washed through His precious blood and purified in our souls.” The authors also describe foot washing as “an act…
You may remember hearing a while back from Anne, whose son Ed joined the Amish. Â Anne has just returned from a visit to see Ed and her new grandson in Minnesota. Â She also spent some time recently in Pennsylvania. Â I think you’ll enjoy this update in which she sheds light on how others, both Amish and non-Amish, have responded to her son’s decision. Two recent…
I’ll admit it’s a little odd to see an Amishman plant a kiss on his neighbor. But it’s a common-enough sight, one you’ll see before Amish church service. What is the Holy Kiss? The holy kiss is a practice with Scriptural basis (more on that below). As with other Amish practices, the way it is done varies. In some groups just the ministers exchange the…