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Think No Evil: Inside the Story of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting...and Beyond
THE TRUE STORY OF OCTOBER 2, 2006, WHEN CHARLES ROBERTS ENTERED AN AMISH SCHOOLHOUSE, bound and shot ten schoolgirls, and then committed suicide, stunned all who read the headlines or watched the drama unfold on television screens. Somehow, the senseless violence seemed all the more horrific against the backdrop of horse-and-buggy funeral processions and scenes of wide-eyed innocent children clad in bonnets and suspenders. But perhaps even more startling than the violence was the quiet yet powerful response of the Amish community offering unconditional forgiveness to the murderer and reaching out to his family with baskets of food and warm welcomes into their homes. Could such forgiveness be genuine, truly heartfelt? Surely there must be simmering rage behind those peaceful words. Jonas Beiler wondered. He had grown up in that very Amish community. His own pain of losing his daughter in a tragic accident years before resurfaced, and the lingering shadows of other life tragedies loomed darker. As he met with the grieving families, he could see how devastated and broken they felt, and yet he was drawn to the strength he saw in them. Outsiders, too, had difficulty understanding the rock-solid faith of the people in this Amish community. How could they forgive someone who killed their innocent daughters? How could they reach out and embrace his family, expressing unconditional love for them in these circumstances? Letters from around the world poured in, asking these universal questions in the face of suffering. And so began Jonas Beiler's journey into this story -- the story behind the headlines, behind the farmhouse doors, around the lantern-lit kitchen tables, at the local market, and alongside the tiny coffins. His quest is now yours to read. His discoveries yours to consider. Walk with those closest to the an Amish grandfather, an ambulance driver, a surviving Amish schoolgirl, and volunteer firefighters. Even look on as the community demolishes the school where the murders took place and builds the New Hope School that holds no memories of bloodstained walls. Think No Evil is the first insider account of the tragic events, the personal victories and the daily Amish life in Nickel Mines, written by a native of the Amish community who still lives and works where most of his relatives are Old Order Amish. Against the rich and fascinating backdrop of Amish culture, Beiler reveals the best of the human spirit in the midst of the worst, and leaves us all drawn heavenward, the richer for it.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2009
15 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
Jonas Beiler
1 book7 followersJonas Beiler grew up in a traditional Old-Order Amish family in the 1950s. He is the cofounder and chairman of The Angela Foundation. He is also a licensed family counselor and founder of Family Resource and Counseling Center and The Family Center of Gap, both located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Jonas is married to Anne Beiler, founder and creator of Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels, an acclaimed international pretzel franchise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 5, 2022
What a book. What a story! I’m fairly certain I read a book years ago—maybe when I was 10 or 11—that told the story of the schoolhouse shooting. It was written from an Anabaptist perspective, and what I remember of it was good. Since then, I’ve thought of the story a few times, but when I saw that Shawn Smucker had a hand in the crafting of this book, I knew I wanted to read it. Not only did it have the potential to be a life-changing story; I appreciate the way he writes, so I knew I was in for a good reading experience.
I wasn’t disappointed. What surprised me, though, was my reaction to the story. Since first reading about the Nickel Mines School shooting, I’ve experienced some tragedy in my own life, and watching the different community members respond to these precious girls’ deaths challenged me in my own responses. I tried to make the right choices at the time—I knew what could potentially happen if I did not—but watching these families walk through something so difficult, even in the few short chapters in this book, challenged my thinking and reactions. Does Jesus’ way of love, peace, and forgiveness really hold up in the 21st century? Yes, I believe it does—and after reading this book, I’m even more convinced that it does.
This is a beautiful, moving, heartfelt read. I had to gulp down tears a time or two, but the overarching theme of hope and forgiveness left me awed as I finished the book, instead of depressed. I’d recommend this book to anyone who appreciates true, redemptive stories.
I wasn’t disappointed. What surprised me, though, was my reaction to the story. Since first reading about the Nickel Mines School shooting, I’ve experienced some tragedy in my own life, and watching the different community members respond to these precious girls’ deaths challenged me in my own responses. I tried to make the right choices at the time—I knew what could potentially happen if I did not—but watching these families walk through something so difficult, even in the few short chapters in this book, challenged my thinking and reactions. Does Jesus’ way of love, peace, and forgiveness really hold up in the 21st century? Yes, I believe it does—and after reading this book, I’m even more convinced that it does.
This is a beautiful, moving, heartfelt read. I had to gulp down tears a time or two, but the overarching theme of hope and forgiveness left me awed as I finished the book, instead of depressed. I’d recommend this book to anyone who appreciates true, redemptive stories.
March 26, 2010
Think No Evil: Inside the Story of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting...and Beyond, by Jonas Beiler, with Shawn Smucker
In October 2006, the world was shocked when a man entered an Amish schoolhouse and shot 10 girls inside, and then killed himself. When the Amish proceeded to forgive the killer, the concept of Amish forgiveness may have shocked the world even more.
Jonas Beiler is perfect to tell the story of the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting. While he was raised in an Amish family, he chose not to be baptized and left the Amish way of life. Eventually he became a counselor, and had a unique understanding of the struggles the Amish victims and their families went through after the shooting, and the modern world's incredulity that the Amish could forgive the gunman.
In a half true-crime, half autobiography book, Beiler sets the scene of the Nickel Mines community, details some of his own life, and describes the horrific shooting. While he does heavily concentrate on forgiveness, the writing isn't overly preachy. Beiler presents why the Amish forgive, and the benefits it gives them, and asks readers to consider doing the same.
I enjoyed this book, mainly for the insights into the Amish way of life.
4/5.
In October 2006, the world was shocked when a man entered an Amish schoolhouse and shot 10 girls inside, and then killed himself. When the Amish proceeded to forgive the killer, the concept of Amish forgiveness may have shocked the world even more.
Jonas Beiler is perfect to tell the story of the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting. While he was raised in an Amish family, he chose not to be baptized and left the Amish way of life. Eventually he became a counselor, and had a unique understanding of the struggles the Amish victims and their families went through after the shooting, and the modern world's incredulity that the Amish could forgive the gunman.
In a half true-crime, half autobiography book, Beiler sets the scene of the Nickel Mines community, details some of his own life, and describes the horrific shooting. While he does heavily concentrate on forgiveness, the writing isn't overly preachy. Beiler presents why the Amish forgive, and the benefits it gives them, and asks readers to consider doing the same.
I enjoyed this book, mainly for the insights into the Amish way of life.
4/5.
November 29, 2009
Though I would have liked to have more information about the Shooter and his motives, this is a really important book. The Amish's ability to forgive the shooter, fascinated the world and for good reason. Their actions/beliefs are something to think about and maybe learn from. There are lessons in this book.
January 23, 2020
This was a heartbreaker. A look into the lives of the Amish, their history, daily living and the ability to forgive. I have never been in a position that I’ve needed to forgive someone, so the steps to that didn’t interest me, nor did the references to Jesus. I do admire anyone who believes so strongly in their faith, I’m just not one of them.
Interestingly enough I just went to google about the shooting - lots of discrepancies between google and the book??
Interestingly enough I just went to google about the shooting - lots of discrepancies between google and the book??
July 9, 2015
After such a tragedy how could the Amish not think of doing evil to the man that shot and killed their innocent little girls. It was an amazing site to behold for the world who takes an eye for an eye. Revenge is mine this world says—watch out. Forgiveness is the choice the Amish families made that tragic day October 2, 2006. “We forgive because we can not forget…God commanded them to forgive seventy times seven.”
The author Jonas tells of how the peaceful Amish community quickly sought to comfort the shooters wife and his two small children. They knew they had nothing to do with the act done to their children.
I found it almost unbelievable as I read how the Amish community—who tries avoid the outside world and their influence as much as possible—was bombarded by the media monster after the killings by having cameras everywhere wanting to know every single detail of the tragedy.
The author says, “From the beginning…they saw this horrible tragedy as a way to bear witness to the world about the radical forgiveness they practice, which was learned from Jesus, who said of those who nailed him to a cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Jonas also relates.”…The Amish were wise enough to tear down a “monument” that would remind them, ..of the pain dealt them by one man..” The author asks the question “Am I willing to dismantle those things that have caused me bitterness and pain in my own life?”
Great question, this is one amazing story of an ultimate, unbelievable event of forgiveness, and love not only to the killer of their children but to the killers’ family and to a community that embraces violence.
This will definitely give you a deeper understanding into the Amish community and how the world watched and responded. You’ll just have to read this for yourself. It will touch you deeply. You won’t look at forgiveness the same. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy of this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
The author Jonas tells of how the peaceful Amish community quickly sought to comfort the shooters wife and his two small children. They knew they had nothing to do with the act done to their children.
I found it almost unbelievable as I read how the Amish community—who tries avoid the outside world and their influence as much as possible—was bombarded by the media monster after the killings by having cameras everywhere wanting to know every single detail of the tragedy.
The author says, “From the beginning…they saw this horrible tragedy as a way to bear witness to the world about the radical forgiveness they practice, which was learned from Jesus, who said of those who nailed him to a cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Jonas also relates.”…The Amish were wise enough to tear down a “monument” that would remind them, ..of the pain dealt them by one man..” The author asks the question “Am I willing to dismantle those things that have caused me bitterness and pain in my own life?”
Great question, this is one amazing story of an ultimate, unbelievable event of forgiveness, and love not only to the killer of their children but to the killers’ family and to a community that embraces violence.
This will definitely give you a deeper understanding into the Amish community and how the world watched and responded. You’ll just have to read this for yourself. It will touch you deeply. You won’t look at forgiveness the same. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy of this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
January 10, 2010
How do the surviving families forgive the man who shot 10 innocent Amish schoolgirls before turning the gun on himself? Is it even possible? It is possible and Beiler shares how the Amish families and their greater community have walked the walk and not only forgiven the shooter but forged an abiding friendship with his widow and children.
The author himself grew up in an Old Order Amish family but chose to leave as an adult so he has an insider perspective which allows him to share insights with real clarity. He sheds a great deal of light on the values (and their historical origins) the Amish hold dearest that permits such an astonishing response to so great an evil.
This is not merely a narrative of terror and an exposition on culture. Beiler is also forthright about his desire to challenge the reader to examine the role and importance of forgiveness in his own life. He does so by sharing personal examples not related to the shooting. Some might be inclined to regard this as capitalizing on the horror but it seems in keeping with the stated desire of the Amish who, in the wake of the tragedy, did not completely shun the media but rather stated clearly their desire that the example of Christ's forgiveness be what was expressed above all. It serves to connect the reader to more common situations where forgiveness is needed.
He sometimes sets a scene in an overly romantic style but that's a really minor quibble in a book which shares such a rare story of the power of true forgiveness even when it is exceedingly costly to give.
The author himself grew up in an Old Order Amish family but chose to leave as an adult so he has an insider perspective which allows him to share insights with real clarity. He sheds a great deal of light on the values (and their historical origins) the Amish hold dearest that permits such an astonishing response to so great an evil.
This is not merely a narrative of terror and an exposition on culture. Beiler is also forthright about his desire to challenge the reader to examine the role and importance of forgiveness in his own life. He does so by sharing personal examples not related to the shooting. Some might be inclined to regard this as capitalizing on the horror but it seems in keeping with the stated desire of the Amish who, in the wake of the tragedy, did not completely shun the media but rather stated clearly their desire that the example of Christ's forgiveness be what was expressed above all. It serves to connect the reader to more common situations where forgiveness is needed.
He sometimes sets a scene in an overly romantic style but that's a really minor quibble in a book which shares such a rare story of the power of true forgiveness even when it is exceedingly costly to give.
Read
July 31, 2011Anyone who has ever had to forgive someone for whom forgiveness didn't come naturally...definitely read this book. It chronicles the Amish school shootings that occurred in 2006 in Nickel Mines, PA...about 30 min. from where I was living at the time. I watched this story unfold with horror at how anyone could do something so awful to such a peaceful people group, especially the most innocent of them - their little girls. Jonas Beiler, who was once Amish himself and is the husband of the founder of Auntie Anne's, writes from first hand experience how the Amish quickly, but not effortlessly, forgave both the perpetrator and his entire family...not only forgiving them but forming ongoing relationships with them in a profound act of reconciliation. He also relates the story by delving into his own struggle to forgive when his sister-in-law accidentally drove a tractor over his daughter, killing her instantly, and when his wife had an affair with their minister. Everyone who reads this book will be blessed and encouraged. "We do not forgive and forget. We forgive because we cannot forget."
January 6, 2010
I thought I was reading a true-crime book with an Amish twist, but instead I got an impressive lesson on forgiveness. This is not a long book, but within it you actually get three non-fiction stories. One is the story of the Amish Schoolhouse shootings you may recall from the news in 2006. The other is a brief history of the Amish, and why they choose to forgive in the face of injustice, including these school shootings. Also, you get a look at the author's own life as it pertains the other stories. He was raised Amish and chose to leave the community. He also suffered the sudden loss of his own young daughter. He interweaves all of these elements into a book which ultimately tries to teach the reader about forgiveness and how it might help in their own lives.
January 29, 2020
Where to start. This book was decent for the type of book it is. It was extremely hard to read about the shooting itself. I had to put it down for a few days to regroup. After that I had a hard time getting into it because it was more about faith and God. Which I understand are huge in the Amish faith but the book became more about that and less about the event. All in all I am happy to have read it, there were many parts that made me think. Just don't go into this thinking it's 200+ pages about the tragic event, because in all reality there might only have been about 50 pages about it.
November 25, 2009
A very good book about forgiveness. Would have given it 5 stars if the writing had been a little better, but the story is compelling and moving. It is the story of the Amish schoolhouse shooting in Pennsylvania and its aftermath. Most of the story is about the Amish virtue of forgiveness. After the shootings, in which 5 Amish girls and the shooter died, the Amish community reached out to both the shooting victims' families and the shooter's family.
February 24, 2018
I checked out this book the beginning of February after seeing it mentioned on a blog. I hadn’t expected to be reading it in the aftermath of another school shooting.
3 1/2 stars.
3 1/2 stars.
January 30, 2024
A sort of true crime book which also gives an interesting perspective on the victims willingness to forgive as part of their own healing. Good food for thought.
December 17, 2012
So much pain, so much sadness. How do you cope? How do you get past the anger? For the Amish, you pray, you believe your loved one is waiting to see you in Heaven, and you forgive. You forgive the family of the shooter, and the shooter himself, even though he is already gone. You think no evil of the man who has ripped your life apart. He, too, suffered, and his family is suffering as you are. You offer comfort and support even as you are in need of it yourself.
I looked this book up in the middle of last week. I had no idea that the words within would be so true all over again. I almost returned it to the library unread, but I decided that instead of patrolling the internet for answers to a new tragedy, I would be better off reading about how a not so different community dealt with this heartache and loss.
As I read this book, I couldn't help but think of how the families in Newtown, CT would respond compared to how the Amish responded. How those of us not even involved or connected to the recent shootings are responding. Through our sadness and anger are we reaching out to others? Are we reaching out to the shooter's family? That was the part that struck me the most. 2 weeks after the Amish school shooting, a meeting was held between the Amish, the first responders, and the shooter's family. The first concerns voiced were that the Amish families didn't really know the shooter's family and that they were sorry for that. They wanted to invite the widow and her children into their homes to get to know them better. Wow. That is a level of forgiveness that I can barely comprehend, and yet, it makes all the sense in the world. She is also suffering. She not only lost her husband and her kids lost their father, but they also have to spend the rest of their lives wondering how this man they knew and loved could do this. Rather than isolating them in their pain and confusion, the Amish reached out. Could we be so brave? Could we be so compassionate? I hope we can.
How do they Amish do this? They understand that forgiveness is a choice, but that to not chose it means pain and anger in your own heart. To hold a grudge against the wife of your daughter's killer doesn't help her and it doesn't help you. The author describes forgiveness as a 2 part process: "Forgiveness is a decision to release yourself from anger, resentment, hate or the urge for revenge despite the injury you suffered AND forgiveness is letting go of hope for a different past." (page 178) Both of those require action on the part of the sufferer. It won't just happen and it won't happen easily. But the alternative is to be eaten up by hate, anger and regret. The author also states that even after you've chosen forgiveness, the anger, hate and regret will resurface, and you will have to choose again to forgive. One of my favorite quotes from the book was "they forgave, and when they woke up the next morning, they would forgive again."
I hope that in the coming days and weeks we can remember those lost and do what we can to prevent it from happening again, but without the vitriol that usually accompanies these horrific acts. Enough anger and violence has already been expressed. Please don't add to it. You have a choice. I will chose peace and forgiveness. Will you?
Peace and love for all people. Happy Holidays.
I looked this book up in the middle of last week. I had no idea that the words within would be so true all over again. I almost returned it to the library unread, but I decided that instead of patrolling the internet for answers to a new tragedy, I would be better off reading about how a not so different community dealt with this heartache and loss.
As I read this book, I couldn't help but think of how the families in Newtown, CT would respond compared to how the Amish responded. How those of us not even involved or connected to the recent shootings are responding. Through our sadness and anger are we reaching out to others? Are we reaching out to the shooter's family? That was the part that struck me the most. 2 weeks after the Amish school shooting, a meeting was held between the Amish, the first responders, and the shooter's family. The first concerns voiced were that the Amish families didn't really know the shooter's family and that they were sorry for that. They wanted to invite the widow and her children into their homes to get to know them better. Wow. That is a level of forgiveness that I can barely comprehend, and yet, it makes all the sense in the world. She is also suffering. She not only lost her husband and her kids lost their father, but they also have to spend the rest of their lives wondering how this man they knew and loved could do this. Rather than isolating them in their pain and confusion, the Amish reached out. Could we be so brave? Could we be so compassionate? I hope we can.
How do they Amish do this? They understand that forgiveness is a choice, but that to not chose it means pain and anger in your own heart. To hold a grudge against the wife of your daughter's killer doesn't help her and it doesn't help you. The author describes forgiveness as a 2 part process: "Forgiveness is a decision to release yourself from anger, resentment, hate or the urge for revenge despite the injury you suffered AND forgiveness is letting go of hope for a different past." (page 178) Both of those require action on the part of the sufferer. It won't just happen and it won't happen easily. But the alternative is to be eaten up by hate, anger and regret. The author also states that even after you've chosen forgiveness, the anger, hate and regret will resurface, and you will have to choose again to forgive. One of my favorite quotes from the book was "they forgave, and when they woke up the next morning, they would forgive again."
I hope that in the coming days and weeks we can remember those lost and do what we can to prevent it from happening again, but without the vitriol that usually accompanies these horrific acts. Enough anger and violence has already been expressed. Please don't add to it. You have a choice. I will chose peace and forgiveness. Will you?
Peace and love for all people. Happy Holidays.
September 29, 2009
Think No Evil by Jonas Beiler and Shawn Smucker is an inside look at the Nickel Mines Amish School shooting of October 2, 2006. Beiler grew up in an Amish home before deciding at the age of 15 to live on the outside, so he has a unique perspective to share on this story that captivated the nation. The world couldn't look away as the news came in about a man who walked into an Amish school, sent out the boys and women, tied up the girls, boarded over the doors and windows and then proceeded to shoot all ten of them before taking his own life. The Amish community immediately offered forgiveness to the shooter and his family, reaching out to them again and again in a way that the world couldn't seem to understand. Beiler uses his own life story and the history of the Amish to offer a foundation for the unbelievable forgiveness the Amish offer those who hurt them. He tells the story of what happened in that small classroom with equal amounts of detachment and compassion. Churches spend millions of dollars a year trying to attract media attention to the story of Jesus without much sucess, but the Amish, who shun modern life conveniences, including the media, created a world wide sensation and curiosity about a God who empowered these people to offer such loving forgiveness. Their story is one of learning for all of us. Refusing to forgive only hurts the victim by creating a lifetime of hurt and bitterness, a lesson the Amish have learned through their history of non-violent resistance and martyrdom. It was difficult at times to read the words through the tears, but unlike most true crime books that are written to titillate with prurient details, he keeps the details about the shooter's actual intentions and what happened between him and the girls to a minimum, maintaining their dignity and privacy without sacrificing the power of the story.
March 5, 2016
Maybe I'm being too harsh, but the only thing this book has is the compelling and horrible, horrible story it tells. We are lead to believe this is an inside look into the shooting, and I thought I'd finally get details about the crime and the poor girls who were shot. That only makes up for a tiny portion of the book. Instead you learn about the author, paramedics and other people outside the Amish community. Jonas Beiler may have been born Amish, as was his wife, but he chose to leave that community. He portrays himself as an insider but has the feel of an outsider. He also tries too hard to make us understand how wonderful Amish people are, how they live better than we do, how their children are smarter and happier than ours. (The bit about them not having to worry about fashion is reaching too far.) Every page contains the word "forgiveness" at least twice. The Amish are incredible because of their ability to forgive. Maybe I just don't get it... But I wanted to read about the tragedy, the families, the survivors, the funerals, the girls in the hospital. You won't find any of that in this book.
April 11, 2011
This was a wonderful, quick read. This book is all about the Amish schoolhouse shooting and how the Amish community reacted to that violence with forgiveness. I thought it was very well written. The time spent on the actual events of that day was relatively little, so the tone was not morbid or upsetting. Instead, the focus was mostly on the people, both inside and outside the Amish community, and how the events impacted them emotionally. It explains a lot about Amish culture and how forgiveness is always the natural response for them because Christ is at the center of everything they do. It explores how we non-Amish can better implement forgiveness in our own lives.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
September 12, 2013
GREAT message delivered in this astounding tale of forgiveness. The writing is one dimensional and slanted. When it comes to the actual events that occurred at Nickel Mines and the victims this is the way it should be-they were innocent victims. The author continually expounds on how great the Amish people and lifestyle are that it makes it hard to attach credibility to his point of view at times. He says he was born into this culture yet, he has left this lifestyle for greener pastures. All in all ....very good read and my problems with the writing are nothing compared to the overall effect/message that this story provides.
October 17, 2013
Think No Evil is the story of The Amish schoolhouse shootiing. I remember hearing about it on Tv back when it happened. What a tragig loss of young lives. The book left me in tears.I think the book should have been caled "FORGIVENESS" as it's all about how the Amish people are able to forgive the unspeakable. I don't think I coud do that.
January 17, 2016
Heartbreaking story. On October 2, 2006 Charles Roberts walked in, bound and shot little girls in their Amish Schoolhouse. It reads like a memoir, includes short stories about the Author Jonas Beiler who grew up in the Amish community. Due to subject not a easy read but is a quick read because of the writing.
February 25, 2015
I just could not get into this book at all that's not to say it was a bad book but I like hearing about the crime , it was more about the Amish people.
September 8, 2017
What “Forgiveness” really means…
On October 2, 2006, a shooting occurred at the West Nickel Mines School, an Amish one-room schoolhouse in the Old Order Amish community of Nickel Mines, a village in Bart Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. When the gun fell silent, ten young Amish girls aged six to thirteen would be shot, five of them fatally. The shooter, local milk truck driver Charles Carl Roberts IV, committed suicide in the schoolhouse.
In the aftermath of this senseless slaughter of innocents, the reaction of the Amish community stunned the world. These were people who had buried children due to an insane person with sick fantasies. More of the girls would have a long road to recovery. The psychological damage to the community, especially the children cannot be measured.
The one thing the community wanted the world to know was that they thought no evil of Roberts. He must be forgiven, and his family must not bear any blame. In fact, the community would go out of their way for Charles Roberts’ family. It is odd to be invited to an Amish funeral, but Roberts’ family was asked to attend the girls’ service. As far as the community was concerned, Roberts’ had an illness and was not in control of himself.
I was highly inspired to take a look at myself and wonder if I have practiced forgiveness.
I give the book five stars plus!
Quoth the Raven…
On October 2, 2006, a shooting occurred at the West Nickel Mines School, an Amish one-room schoolhouse in the Old Order Amish community of Nickel Mines, a village in Bart Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. When the gun fell silent, ten young Amish girls aged six to thirteen would be shot, five of them fatally. The shooter, local milk truck driver Charles Carl Roberts IV, committed suicide in the schoolhouse.
In the aftermath of this senseless slaughter of innocents, the reaction of the Amish community stunned the world. These were people who had buried children due to an insane person with sick fantasies. More of the girls would have a long road to recovery. The psychological damage to the community, especially the children cannot be measured.
The one thing the community wanted the world to know was that they thought no evil of Roberts. He must be forgiven, and his family must not bear any blame. In fact, the community would go out of their way for Charles Roberts’ family. It is odd to be invited to an Amish funeral, but Roberts’ family was asked to attend the girls’ service. As far as the community was concerned, Roberts’ had an illness and was not in control of himself.
I was highly inspired to take a look at myself and wonder if I have practiced forgiveness.
I give the book five stars plus!
Quoth the Raven…
October 23, 2021
I picked this book up recently from a bookshelf in an AirB&B I was staying at in Amish country, Pa. Throughout the first few chapters, I wasn't sure I'd be able to get through it. But I finished it in just a few days because after getting through the difficult parts, I just couldn't put it down. This book has changed my life forever in ways I can't even begin to describe. It literally rocked my world to realize that here is a community of people who truly try to live their lives as Jesus Christ commanded his followers to live and behave. The author did a truly amazing job in describing his own life's tragedies, and how they helped prepare him for his role in the schoolhouse tragedies. In the end, the Amish people managed to do the unthinkable- to glorify Christ in the midst of heartbreaking tragedy.
January 12, 2023
Think No Evil: Inside the Story of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting...and Beyond by Jonas Beiler with Shawn Smucker
Author Jonas Beiler was raised in an Old Order Amish family, but chose to leave when he made a decision not to be baptized. His background gives him a unique perspective on this tragic event.
This book covers the horrific shooting which occurred in a Pennsylvania Amish schoolhouse in 2006. It does not examine the crime or motives of the shooter in depth. However, even in its brevity, the horrors of the event come through. Beiler devotes a large portion of the book to the response of the Amish community, particularly in their ability to forgive.
It is hard to believe that a book that revolves around a horrific true crime event can also be inspirational, but this one is.
Author Jonas Beiler was raised in an Old Order Amish family, but chose to leave when he made a decision not to be baptized. His background gives him a unique perspective on this tragic event.
This book covers the horrific shooting which occurred in a Pennsylvania Amish schoolhouse in 2006. It does not examine the crime or motives of the shooter in depth. However, even in its brevity, the horrors of the event come through. Beiler devotes a large portion of the book to the response of the Amish community, particularly in their ability to forgive.
It is hard to believe that a book that revolves around a horrific true crime event can also be inspirational, but this one is.
June 3, 2017
#
CompNtBk
Own in hardback.
FS: "It has become numbingly familiar: A man walks into a church, a store, a dormitory, a nursing home, or a school, and beings shooting."
LS: "Maybe your children and your grandchildren and even their children will follow your example. It has happened before."
This book started off well enough...but it quickly turned into a how to book about being Amish. And then the note of "forgive no matter what" played the same song over, and over, and over, and over, and...over. Pretty soon I was praying the book would be over soon. It was mostly about the joys of being Amish (even though the author and his brother were both Amish...and left...) and only a spec here and there about the shootings.
CompNtBk
Own in hardback.
FS: "It has become numbingly familiar: A man walks into a church, a store, a dormitory, a nursing home, or a school, and beings shooting."
LS: "Maybe your children and your grandchildren and even their children will follow your example. It has happened before."
This book started off well enough...but it quickly turned into a how to book about being Amish. And then the note of "forgive no matter what" played the same song over, and over, and over, and over, and...over. Pretty soon I was praying the book would be over soon. It was mostly about the joys of being Amish (even though the author and his brother were both Amish...and left...) and only a spec here and there about the shootings.
November 16, 2024
This was a heart-wrenching and heart-opening story. Reading about the tragic event that took place in that Amish schoolhouse, it is very difficult to imagine how the families must have felt, including the family of the shooter. But reading and learning so much more about the faith of the Amish and how they responded to the tragedy, as well as very specific insight on how we can learn to better forgive (others and ourselves) is something I was not expecting to find in this book. It was hugely insightful, and I am very thankful for this book. I will write some things in my journal from this book to refer back to in the future.
January 2, 2021
The story of the Nickel Mines Amish schoolhouse shooting in October 2006. Gunman Charles Roberts IV, age 32 took only girls as hostages and shot 10 girls aged 6-13 execution style in the back of the head, killing 5 and then shot himself. His reason for the shooting was the loss of his stillborn daughter 9 years prior. Among his guns and zip ties he also had a sexual lubricant which alluded to his motive of only keeping the girls in the one room schoolhouse. The Amish responded with forgiveness to the killer and became close with the shooters family which surprised people worldwide.
May 15, 2024
"Tragic violence meets gentle forgiveness."
The story of the response of the Amish community to the West Nickel Mines school shooting in 2006.
The immediate response was forgiveness. It is part of the DNA of the Amish.
Speaking of the shooter, they said, "We must not think evil of this man."
It is such an astonishing reaction and the author traces a little Amish history and how they think that brings them to this response.
I listened to it - very quick listen.
Recommending it to everyone I know that reads.
The story of the response of the Amish community to the West Nickel Mines school shooting in 2006.
The immediate response was forgiveness. It is part of the DNA of the Amish.
Speaking of the shooter, they said, "We must not think evil of this man."
It is such an astonishing reaction and the author traces a little Amish history and how they think that brings them to this response.
I listened to it - very quick listen.
Recommending it to everyone I know that reads.
August 31, 2022
I knew this would be a sensitive story to read, but the tears flowed so much reading not just about the tragedy but about the overwhelming forgiveness of all those touches by the tragedy. My face hurts from drying the tears. It is so easy to be angry or scared or angry, but it is so healthy and refreshing and comforting to be forgiving and accepting of what life throws at you. I would recommend this book but suggest a box of tissues and an open mind.
August 15, 2018
This book taught so much about forgiveness. The Amish are truly an amazing group of people. I am dealing with some things in my life and their outlook on forgiveness and moving forward....it’s just amazing. There was a lot of detail about the horrible event that took place and it was very sad - but the focus was about moving past it.
August 18, 2019
A surprisingly moving account which goes beyond the shooting and brings in the experiences of the author, which are equally as tragic and worthy of reflection upon. While I didn't learn a great deal more about the terrible event, I have a new appreciation for the Amish and their deep understanding of redemption.
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