I have been fascinated as long as I can remember with Amish thoughts on the Christian walk. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the beliefs of the Amish Christian denomination, here is a brief discussion. The Amish are what are known as Anabaptists, which refers to belief in an adult baptism. The movement started in the German speaking part of Switzerland and Germany. That is why, even today, most Amish speak a dialect of German.
This sixteenth century European movement began during a time of questioning Church beliefs, known as the Protestant Reformation. The people who began this movement felt as if the reforms occurring in the newly formed Protestant denominations did not go far enough toward addressing major issues of godly living.
Some of these issues were : Christian conduct and accountability. Certain biblical verses conveyed the importance of this, such as "come out from among them and be ye separate"- 2 Corinthians 6:17. "We must obey God rather than men"- Acts 5:29. And,"Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment"-Matthew 5:21-22.
The above verses reflect why Amish people choose to live and act in a way that continues to show that they are distinct from those around them. For example, they have consistently remained seperate and modest in dress. They have also maintained an admirable lack of violence in their communities and refused military service. In addition to this, a recent killing at an Amish schoolhouse showed the world just what radical Christian forgiveness is. Not bad for a people still clothed in nineteenth century garb!
As I write this, it is the last night of a trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I have visited this area many times over the years. The reasons are always the same. Seeking peace in the midst of a busy life, religious retreat and good, clean fun. My husband managed to get four days of vacation during a busy time at work. I knew these four days would give him a small reprieve from the rigors of his demanding job. I also planned this trip to coincide with a visit this month from my cousin. Cousin Jerry* is at a crossroads in his life.
Jerry had made some disasterous mistakes in the past five years. He also has been plagued with health problems, a divorce, family problems and financial disaster. Yet, in the midst of this, he also sought out God in a profound way. I was hoping that this time of wholesome good fun and godly reflection could work wonders in all our lives, but especially Jerry's. I did everything that I could to ensure this.
I booked rooms for us all at the Amishview Inn and Suites on Old Philadelphia Pike in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. The hotel abuts Amish farmland and all the rooms offer views of the farmers working the land in traditional ways with no modern conveniences. The trucks and cars blend together in the landscape alongside horse and buggies. Old farmhouses with no electrical wires or telephone cables are in close proximity to the suburban sprawl that makes this a rural area with a twist.
The sense of God is everywhere. When in the area, I attend the Community Bible Church of Gordonville. It is there that we attended a Wednesday night Bible Study and Prayer Time. For me it was an amazing time of reflection and fellowship with a mature group of believers. Another godly activity that we enjoyed while in the area was the Sight and Sound Theatre. The theatre was started by a dairy farmer and his wife who dared to have a godly dream. It is now, the largest Christian Musical Theatre in the United States. It is dedicated to bringing Bible stories to the stage and mentoring young Christian performers. Now playing is the story of Jonah. Christians are doing amazing things in godly entertainment, so go support these endeavors.
Since cousin Jerry had begun attending a Messianic Jewish Congregation, I also thought he would be happy to see a reproduction of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness at the Mennonite Information Center. The woman who gave us our tour of the Tabernacle had worked there for nineteen years and had obviously devoted immense amounts of time to studying the Holy Tabernacle because she was a walking encyclopedia of its' facts. What a wonderful ministry! In fact, whenever I visit the Lancaster area, I always meet many people who have quietly spent many years devoted to some Christian endeavor that uplifts those around them and points to God. There is Eby Bed and Breakfast in Gordonville, a godly place to stay while in the area. Your home-cooked farm breakfast is accompanied by a Christian song or prayer.
Then there are the Amish. Quietly tending to the land and consistently producing the fruits, vegetables and meals that feed themselves and others. While keeping their hand to the plow, they also take care of their extended families, help community members in need and are courteous to rude visitors who trample their property and ask discourteous questions. There is much fruit in their lives. We can learn a lot from them.
*Names have been changed but the stories are true.
Some of these issues were : Christian conduct and accountability. Certain biblical verses conveyed the importance of this, such as "come out from among them and be ye separate"- 2 Corinthians 6:17. "We must obey God rather than men"- Acts 5:29. And,"Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment"-Matthew 5:21-22.
The above verses reflect why Amish people choose to live and act in a way that continues to show that they are distinct from those around them. For example, they have consistently remained seperate and modest in dress. They have also maintained an admirable lack of violence in their communities and refused military service. In addition to this, a recent killing at an Amish schoolhouse showed the world just what radical Christian forgiveness is. Not bad for a people still clothed in nineteenth century garb!
As I write this, it is the last night of a trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I have visited this area many times over the years. The reasons are always the same. Seeking peace in the midst of a busy life, religious retreat and good, clean fun. My husband managed to get four days of vacation during a busy time at work. I knew these four days would give him a small reprieve from the rigors of his demanding job. I also planned this trip to coincide with a visit this month from my cousin. Cousin Jerry* is at a crossroads in his life.
Jerry had made some disasterous mistakes in the past five years. He also has been plagued with health problems, a divorce, family problems and financial disaster. Yet, in the midst of this, he also sought out God in a profound way. I was hoping that this time of wholesome good fun and godly reflection could work wonders in all our lives, but especially Jerry's. I did everything that I could to ensure this.
I booked rooms for us all at the Amishview Inn and Suites on Old Philadelphia Pike in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. The hotel abuts Amish farmland and all the rooms offer views of the farmers working the land in traditional ways with no modern conveniences. The trucks and cars blend together in the landscape alongside horse and buggies. Old farmhouses with no electrical wires or telephone cables are in close proximity to the suburban sprawl that makes this a rural area with a twist.
The sense of God is everywhere. When in the area, I attend the Community Bible Church of Gordonville. It is there that we attended a Wednesday night Bible Study and Prayer Time. For me it was an amazing time of reflection and fellowship with a mature group of believers. Another godly activity that we enjoyed while in the area was the Sight and Sound Theatre. The theatre was started by a dairy farmer and his wife who dared to have a godly dream. It is now, the largest Christian Musical Theatre in the United States. It is dedicated to bringing Bible stories to the stage and mentoring young Christian performers. Now playing is the story of Jonah. Christians are doing amazing things in godly entertainment, so go support these endeavors.
Since cousin Jerry had begun attending a Messianic Jewish Congregation, I also thought he would be happy to see a reproduction of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness at the Mennonite Information Center. The woman who gave us our tour of the Tabernacle had worked there for nineteen years and had obviously devoted immense amounts of time to studying the Holy Tabernacle because she was a walking encyclopedia of its' facts. What a wonderful ministry! In fact, whenever I visit the Lancaster area, I always meet many people who have quietly spent many years devoted to some Christian endeavor that uplifts those around them and points to God. There is Eby Bed and Breakfast in Gordonville, a godly place to stay while in the area. Your home-cooked farm breakfast is accompanied by a Christian song or prayer.
Then there are the Amish. Quietly tending to the land and consistently producing the fruits, vegetables and meals that feed themselves and others. While keeping their hand to the plow, they also take care of their extended families, help community members in need and are courteous to rude visitors who trample their property and ask discourteous questions. There is much fruit in their lives. We can learn a lot from them.
*Names have been changed but the stories are true.
No comments:
Post a Comment