The Amish Way: Patient Faith in a Perilous World

by Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, David L. Weaver-Zercher

A sensitive and realistic look at the spiritual life and practices of the Amish This second book by the authors of the award-winning Amish Grace sheds further light on the Amish, this time on their faith, spirituality, and spiritual practices. They interpret the distinctive practices of the Amish way of life and spirituality in their cultural context and explore their applicability for the wider world. Using a holistic perspective, the book tells the story of Amish religious experience in the words of the Amish themselves. Due to their long-standing friendships and relationships with Amish people, this author team may be the only set of interpreters able to provide an outsider-insider perspective. Written in a lively and engaging style, The Amish Way holds appeal for anyone who has wanted to know more about the inner workings of the Amish way of life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Amish, Christianity, Religion, Spirituality, Cultural, Christian

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Michael Canoeist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three authors may have been two too many, as the writing remains detached in tone and occasionally repetitive. But the subject matter is so interesting, this book has value despite its less-than-perfect delivery. So a 2-star reading experience on a 4-star subject makes 3 Goodreads stars. The depth of the Amish commitment is greater even than I had imagined before reading this. And the rules and practices by which they lead their lives are so contrary to modern American society it can be hard to fathom. Some of the unusual practices of their communities: formal schooling stops after eighth grade. You can be shunned for some repeated disobedience, yet remain in the community -- they hope you will recognize your error and repent. You cannot be exceptional; the Amish believe that will lead to the sin of pride, and initiate divisions within the community. Holy Communion only occurs twice a year, and everyone must be free of grudges or other emotional issues in order for the community to be clear enough to accept communion properly. If not, the prepping among members to reach that state can take weeks. Also, there are no churches. Services occur every other Sunday, and rotate through members' homes. Technology is not automatically rejected, but television, radios and personal computers are not permitted as they fear they will bring about too much assimilation into the society beyond. And the level of forgiveness necessary to live by their deep Christianity is remarkable. According to the book, there are about 240,000 Amish in the U.S., and their numbers are doubling every 20 years or so. That is mostly because families are large; seven children is common, and roughly 90% of the children remain within the Amish world. It was not only interesting to get a look into this private world; it also made for great discussion at a book group. In some ways their lives seem simple, on the surface; but one wonders how much occurs in silence or otherwise below the simple appearance. How would one answer some of the Amish critiques of our world? Their community is very, very strong; submission to the community, and obedience to the rules, are some of the highest virtues in service to their vision of how the Bible tells them to live. Also, they sing a lot!

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for research, but was moved, all the same, by this and more:
When an Amish woman or man is v successful in business she or he will divide the business so that others may flourish
When a driver hit and killed an Amish school teacher, her family extended their sympathies to him, invited him to her wake and funeral, posted in the local paper that he needed letters of condolence, he received 80 some from Amish all over
Their stance toward technology, which is not monolithic, and is living, e.g. they accept electricity when it aids in helping someone heal, or helping a disabled person to live
Their case for slowness
That they call a day of mutual help (spring cleaning, barn raising, etc.) a “frolic”

[Marianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read on the Amish. Tons of detailed information about their religious practice and how that infuses the lifestyle. It's refreshing to read a book that does not romanticize the Amish way of life.

[adaynasmile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fascinating! I didn't expect to actually read it all the way through but couldn't put it down! It was very informative and entertaining all at the same time. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the Amish.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can a family find forgiveness after losing a child in such a horrific event as the Nickel Mines school shooting? In the Amish community forgiveness is a way of life, even when dealing with terrible life events.

Through a series of short, poignant stories of loss, hurt and betrayal, the author shared how the Amish free themselves from anger and bitterness. By forgiving those who have caused them harm, they do not harbor the long term psychological and physical effects of resentment and anger.

I found this book provided great insight into the process of forgiveness - an often misunderstood concept in our culture. I feel that I gained new perspective after reading how the Amish find forgiveness after experiencing some of life’s most heartbreaking events.

[Olivia Ransom · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, a book you can have on your nightstand and read any random page from time to time.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knowing very little about the Amish, this book gave me some background and insight about our new neighbors.

[Johannes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, academic look at Amish culture and belief. I highly recommend this if you are interested in a more objective presentation and examination of Amish lifestyle and doctrine.

[Zachary Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was excellent at what it sought out do, that being that it gave a pretty decent overview of what broadly defines Amish spirituality in practice. This book was written by non-Amish people for a non-Amish audience. All of this being said it did help me to understand the "Plain People" in a much deeper way than simply quilts and buggies. In fact there are several pieces of Amish Spiritual practice that I believe are beneficial for Christian practice in general. One such aspect of Amish spirituality that I found to be incredibly helpful is their emphasis on patience. This is something which in many Christian traditions including my own Baptist tradition has largely been lost at least to a large degree. Another aspect of Amish spirituality which happens to come from their interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount that I found to be particularly helpful was their strong emphasis on forgiveness in even in the face of heavy injustice and wrongs. In Amish culture there really is no such thing as asking for reparations for wrongs but rather an emphasis on putting away bitterness. One such example of this that is quite profound can be seen in the 2006 Nickle Mine Schoolhouse shooting where a crazed milk truck driver executed five Amish school girls. During the aftermath of this event the Amish came to the shooter's family and offered forgiveness and condolences for his suicide.

However while there is much to be learned from the Amish in the way of practical Christian living, their theology of assurance which actually denies assurance (this excludes the New Order Amish who do hold to assurance.) which is largely replaced with a works based method of assurance called Living Hope Theology which seems to posit that it is presumptuous to say that God has saved you and that your best way of getting to heaven is by living a Godly life in hopes that it will result in faith. Another aspect of Amish spirituality (once again excluding the New Order who do practice evangelism to some degree.)that I disagree with and frankly have found myself somewhat disturbed by as a Christian is their unwillingness to practice evangelism instead preferring to live only by example without ever telling anyone specifically about Jesus. My main problem with their view of this which is that it would be prideful to say that Jesus is the only way is that Paul says in Galatians 6:14 that Christians are supposed to boast in Jesus's name. In my view this probably where me and the Amish part ways in the most significant ways and why I could never be Amish. This is because Christ called all Christians to go out into to the world and to tell them about the Gospel with Romans 10 even declaring the beauty of the evangelist and preacher. Its important to live as a good example but if that is where it ends we have misunderstood the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Overall this is a fantastic read for anyone who has any curiosity about the Amish's Theology. Though I have my disagreements with the Amish I believe that they have retained a lot of what much of the church lost the enlightenment and in many ways are worthy of being emulated. However in other ways I think Christians ought to steer clear of other beliefs which contradict Christ's commissioning of the church to preach the Gospel to everyone.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently checked this out from my local library because I wanted to learn more about the Amish culture. This book has lots of interesting facts that I did not know prior to reading this book. This book answered my questions about the Amish culture. I would recommend this to those who have lots of questions about the Amish.

[Lisa Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book because the Amish have always fascinated me. This gave a brief history and explained a little about what and why they are and do. A lot made sense. You’d definitely have to be molded to that way of life for it to be full filing.

[Awoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Even though I am not Amish and do not have a desire to become Amish, I do agree with some of their practices. I checked this book out from the library in order to be more pleasing to the Lord.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting.

[David A-S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Amish Way is a readable, sensitive, honest, and thorough primer to the Amish community.

[Wes M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think we all can learn a thing or two from the Amish Way.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

An in depth look into Amish religion. Very interesting. It made me long for that sense of community.

[Sofiia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think there’s a lot we can learn from the Amish lifestyle😩 they’re on to something

[Asnaldo Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesante la manera en que se describe la comunidad Amish.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provided good insight into why the Amish community lives the way it does. The authors point out that non-Amish members can still benefit from some of the practices of slowing down and not becoming slaves to material consumption and technology. They state that such practices help the Amish have stronger bonds among family and friends. Some of the descriptions sound a little too communal or cult-like at times though. On the whole, still a great introduction for anyone who has seen the style of dress or horse-drawn buggy and wondered "Why?"

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broad, well researched and comprehensive with primary source material cited for further reading (if you can get hold of it!), this lovely book rounds off with a reflective chapter on what we can learn from these peculiar people. One of the books greatest strengths is that it always prefers balance to romanticizing the Amish communities, but that makes it all the more appealing and genuine. In terms of immediate spiritual riches, I found the "Rules of a Godly Life", actually of Lutheran rather than Anabaptist origin but much loved by the Amish, the most helpful.

[Karelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive, objective and fascinating look at the life of Amish. The authors help to demystify the lifestyle of the Amish and explain things that seem like contradictions. For example, why the Amish cannot own cars but are allowed to ride in cars. Everything boils down to living according to their interpretation of the Bible and maintaining a close-knit, supportive community and family.

[Joe Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really in depth look into the Amish life. Of the few books I have read, this is the most comprehensive. The previous book is not an intentional with the Amish way of life - it focuses more on the forgiveness after the tragic shooting. This book gives an entire overview and comes with great authority as the authors have deep relationships with Amish folks from all over the US. highly recommended.

[Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some interesting facts about what it means to be Amish.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent book, explaining all things Amish. It is like an anthropolical study, a detailed account of the Amish. The book expresses the Amish counter point to the typical American adoration of the self-freedom, independance, etc..

[Jaymie Komosinski]

Always having been intrigued by the simple Amish lifestyle I enjoyed reading this informative book taking away a sense of some of their ways could actually should be integrated into mainstream life

[Jan]

This sensitive book by 3 educators in the area is a wonderful read. Because the Amish don't, believe in boosting or photographs. The anecdotes told without revealing personalities unfold the themes which illustrate who they are and way community plays such an important day to day presence.

[Brad Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, so good...actually VERY good.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of this book is up at the Englewood Review of Books:

http://erb.kingdomnow.org/featured-th...

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on Amish. Donald Kraybill is an expert. My conclusion is that the Amish have a lot of characteristics to admire, but the religion is steeped in self-made legalism.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

What gentle people. Too bad you need to go whole hog in order to get the best results!