 invictus says: Meanwhile, the United States culture from which the Amish are isolated is moving in the other direction -- increasingly exacting revenge for crimes and punishing violence with more violence. What, they wondered, can we do to help the family of the shooter? Plans were already underway for a horse-and-buggy caravan to visit Charles Carl Roberts' family with offers of food and condolences.This is awesome. I was very impressed too, mousie; and felt warmth about the Amish. I guess it's a little cheesy to say so, but in my view they are teaching America what it means to be a follower of Jesus. That's not cheesy, enbar. That is true. As an athiest, I'll translate that into, they are teaching us all how to be better humans. Forgiveness on that scale takes a lot more than most of us could ever hope to rise to. Though I was greatly saddned to hear of the deaths of those poor little girls, I was filled with great warmth just reading how these wonderful people delt with it. Not with hate, not with anger, but with compassion for everyone involved. It's a shame a tradegy had to take place before the world would know how cool the Amish and Meenonites really are. A few things I can say from living near both communituies and interacting with them on occasion for produce, furniture, etc. The simple life they live and their caring of family and neighbors is what America was once about. Today in most places across the US, people do not even know those who live on their street. So that sense of community is what I think is cool. Second - I am not sure what their religous aspect truly follows, but I do not that in the conversations I have had with them - that I have never had any of them preach religon to me or try to convert me to a relig... I am really looking forward to my trip through Lancaster County, PA this November. @theCatWhisperer - very warm take on the situation - but you're completely off here. These people are the way they are ONLY because of their religious beliefs. If you don't believe that - you're just bluntly ignoring reality. Nobody's saying that you should be religious, but they act and do what they do exactly due to their religion. And that's certainly something to be commended. And now that you understand the warmth and compassion - feel free to spread it to our muslim brothers. @rmowery - I certainly don't mean any disrespect to the Amish - they're clearly the kind of people you can only respect, in terms of their conduct in life, but as for their lifestyle - I think you're being a bit disingenious - would you want to live like they do? Would you give up your car and trips and Clipmarks to live 'a few centuries back'? My guess would be that you wouldn't. And if you wouldn't - why glamorize something you yourself wouldn't do. No question that what happened there is sheer tragedy... this kind of an incident is a perfect reason for doubting religion - why would G*d allow men like this dispeakable loser walk the planet? And how can anyone with any kind of humanit... @RS - I'm not off at all. agin you take what I say and twist it to your will. All I said was "I'll translate that into, they are teaching us all how to be better humans" Meaning, that even without lookin gat the religous sapect of it, one can see how thier way of life nad the way they deal with these situations is much more acceptable, and indeed favorable then how most of us would deal with it. I never said they could do it without religion. Your ill informed stance on muslims is getting old. MOST muslims belive in peace, teh Koran teaches love jest as the bible does. If you knew anything at all about Islam you would know that. here are plent of example in the news of Christians bei... @RS --- I would gladly give up the car. Trips I can still take - the Mennonites do it. TV is already non existent. But give up my Clipmarks -- no way -- bite your tongue on that one  In my opinion, we shouldn't be forgiving the individuals (or countries) that perpetrate such horrible deeds - we should be figuring out ways to make it so unpleasant to them that the pain associating with doing the deed would exceed their desire to perpetrate it. Sound harsh - but that's our society.I think I'll stay in Canada, thanks. I'd rather have someone respect me than fear me. we should be figuring out ways to make it so unpleasant to them that the pain associating with doing the deed would exceed their desire to perpetrate it.I believe this is what political scientists refer to as "weak power," as opposed to "strong power" which exerts a force such that people don't even want to do you harm. Forgiving someone doesn't preclude lawful consequences. Forgiving a murderer doesn't mean he won't go to prison for his crime, but it does mean that I won't seek revenge or harbor hatred in my heart. @theCatWhisperer - chill out, nobody's "ripping you". You stated that an an atheist you look at their approach a certain way and all I was saying is that they are the way they are because of their religion and religious beliefs. You choose to ignore the main reasoning behind their take on horrible tragegies as this - fine. Also, in your little rant, although you know damn well what kind of muslims I referred to, you forgot to mention the Jews with the Christians and Catholics. Might as well get them in the mix, so I figured I'd do it for you to complete the thought. And please - STAY in Canada, not sure exactly why you bring it up - nobody's requesting you move elsewhere, do they?. As ... @rmowery - I knew I could get you with the CM comment  @bignosemousie - I think you're right, but I also think Amish religious beliefs are so strong, that in their hearts they really do forgive this guy. On that I agree with the Canadian atheist - most of us can't bring ourselves to that level, instinctively we want to right the wrong, especially when wrong is done to our relatives, friends or country. I say that based on what I've read about them, I've never actually met any... But then again, perhaps some of them have to "step on their own throat" to force themselves to obide by their religious beliefs and considering how hard that must be, certainly something very commendable. Grew up in Greenville, Pa. Amish were everywhere. This is no surprise. They live a harsh life and take religion very seriously. Exceptional craftsmen their goods are readily available on roadside huts. If you enter Amish country on a trip, watch for quilts, chairs, candles/candleholders, rockers, bassenets, cribs, swings, wishing wells, yard windmills, wicker and weaved articles and CIDER- You must try the cherry cider! Thanks for the info Skwirl! I am looking foward to seeing the crafts (especially the quilts). I will def. look for cherry cider and have some. Elderberry Wine, Dolls, Wooden craved crafts, preserves, pies, breads, blankets, scripture related plaques... The best places are the roadside huts. You can get these items at grocery stores and stripmalls but the roadside huts gives you person to person experiances. Don't forget the Amish apple Orchards and the one-room school house harvest sales and open houses. Go tour a one-room schoolhouse and see what christianity in school really looks like. Remember that many of the crafts for sale are 'made' by the family you are buying it from so ask for the history of the item as well. Word of warning- watch your mouth. Go easy on the technology, tech speak and slang. Respect the elders and... I don't know why I missed this wonderful clip with wonderful exchange of dialog earlier. A hearty pop from me. I agree with skwir - Get the Cherry Cider! Not sure about the Cider, but I definitely agree with skwirlinator on Respect, honor, courtesyAlthough I think that should be a given everywhere, not just the Amish country. I can't believe this. Only the most backwards and tribal would take revenge on the family of an evil individual. You don't have to be of any religion, Amish or any other, to have this basic sense of decency and basic understanding of justice. The family are secondary victims. The perp is dead. What is it that the Amish have done in their response that is unusual in civilized culture? Excellent point, GD. |
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