It's therapeutic to unwind. To desire living without stringent schedules. Technology-free. Have fewer demanding decisions to address. Wear the same clothes. Isn't that why we go on vacation?
I do think wannabes are embracing a contrived image rather than reality, and I'd encourage them to read ex-Old Order Ira Wagler's blog post, "Wannabe" Amish from June 20.
You may have heard of Ira or read his book Growing Up Amish. We email occasionally. He's the only former Amish I know who pursued a law degree, and wrote a NY Times bestseller. Impressive feats. He's articulate and active running a business.
Ira lived the life. He speaks from inside experience to those on the outside who want to become Amish. Read the post. Think it over. It's good. Long. No scolding, just more to think about.
And if you have comments, leave 'em below or add to Ira's.
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Thanks, Brenda, for the mention and the link. Appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Ira. You have the insider's POV so I thought you'd address this issue with a different perspective.
DeleteI have been approached several times by people wanting to become Amish. Several times when we were still Amish and I was one of the ministers. I discouraged it even then and most Amish still do (to the best of my knowledge). The communities are very closed; they don't desire new members and the rules are written in such a way that it is next to impossible to join. If you want to live a plain life, do so. You can adopt a lot of the practices into your everyday life without putting yourself under the burden of the church system and the pressure that comes with that that almost no one coming from the non-Amish world can live under. I know of only one person who successfully joined and stayed Amish for more than just a handful of years. Most who attempt to join give up because its not a society that welcomes newcomers and will not make it easy for you in any way.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate what Ira Wagler has done with his blog and his book. His book is one of the few about the Amish that is true.
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