The Riddle of Amish Culture Center Books in Anabaptist Studies
Since its publication in 1989, The Riddle of Amish Culture has become recognized as a classic work on one of America's most distinctive religious communities. But many changes have occurred within Amish society over the past decade, from westward migrations and a greater familiarity with technology to the dramatic shift away from farming into small business which is transforming Amish culture. For this revised edition, Donald B. Kraybill has taken these recent changes into account, incorporating new demographic research and new interviews he has conducted among the Amish. In addition, he includes a new chapter describing Amish recreation and social gatherings, and he applies the concept of "social capital" to his sensitive and penetrating interpretation of how the Amish have preserved their social networks and the solidarity of their community.
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars More In Depth Look at the Amish
This is a more in depth look at living Amish through the eyes of its adherants that what's offered in the 11 People's Place books that are priced at $6.95 each. What I don't like is Amish became trendy, for some a life long trend after it sold out with Weird Al's Amish Paradise. The picture from the CD single of Amish Paradise looks like Weird Al lost his humor. Weird Al was hilarious in the 80s, then in the 90s he grew up quick and just wasn't funny any more, taking himself too seriously on Running with Scissors and looking Amish and younger on the poorly planned Poodle Hat. Anyway, the closest I fall into his getting ready to be a life long traditional old order Anabaptist Amish. The big no no is a car and the second big no no is a computer. Don't believe what you heard about the Amish in school- yes it is a big deal because the average Amish family averages 7 kids and they often live on multi million dollar farms, feeding at times a whole country. The Amish are not a joke, they are not even weird- they are serious people who actually were more content leading a plain lifestyle. Divorce is forbidden in most branches of Amish. Weird Al, I hope you're making this work well you do look a lot younger on Poodle Hat.
5 Stars Hoofbeats Into My Heart
There is so much we urgently need to learn from the Anabaptists that this book becomes a "must read". With our economy sliding down an ever more slippery slope and the very structure of global society changing uncertainly we can very profitably take some pages from here, to use, to give us a footing in this troubling time. We "English" may have plenty to worry about, but the Amish will simply go on about their business. They will hardly notice if the lights go out, the banks close and fiat money becomes worthless. They have nourished core sociatal values which have been sadly abandoned during the years of our "liberation" and the designation of the US as "the world's consumer". They already keep it simple, their family structures are unusually sound, their children are cherished and safeguarded. They are nonviolent and a persons word is their bond. The barter system as well as doing unto others as they would be done by works very well. They believe in hard work in caring for what they have, and really, caring for the land and the family is really what grows our own roots. Blindly racing after more "stuff" and "toys" has begun to pall with many of us in the "me first" lonely world. Or it has for me. I've a degree in Sociology and have always found the Plain People of prime interest and as the years have passed I have been honored to study them. This book is really one of the best, in my humble estimation. You will learn much about what makes these people do so well, but I also urge you to read this book especially with an eye for enriching your own life in what may be coming in our personal paths. It may make the difference between misery and peace. Several years ago I found a small very conservative Mennonite Church which I visit some 50 miles from me and the round trip is time well spent. They have a delightful bright, sparkling clean school there too. Children could not be more lovingly educated. If anyone thinks that the 8th grade isn't enough, I've got news for you! That entire congregation will give any intellectual out there a real run for their money. They all speak 3-4 languages and are very well traveled. Their manners are as polished as the shining windows of the classrooms without the faintest hint of pride and respectful visitors are most kindly treated. I have found this book to be of endless value in understanding my friends as well as giving new structure and peace to my own life. This book will take you much further than sitting on a tour bus staring at what many barely understand, but on a deeper level long for.
5 Stars They call everybody English!
My experience with Amish people is limited to having lunch with an Amish family who were neighbors of friends in Ohio. My (ex)wife expressed approval that corn-on-the-cob was being served. The hostess said, "I didn't realize English liked corn-on-the-cob!" My wife (whose name was Ryan) replied, "Irish, not English!" This little vignette is an example of Amish anomaly. If you want to read about the whole thing – why and how, read this book. The most fascinating thing I learned is that the Amish leadership do not apply their rules in a rote fashion. Each modern technology is considered by the criteria of whether or not it will help or hurt the unity of the Amish family and people.
5 Stars Great book
Timely shipment and in great condition. I was very pleased with order. Very educating.
2 Stars Biased author makes living on writing and lecturing on the Amish.
It is very important for this particular author to play down or avoid delicate subjects that pertain to the Amish. His own religious background is sympathetic to these oft times not so peaceful people and in order for him to continue to be allowed entry where most outsiders aren't he obviously has to tread gently. It's time for a book on child abuse among the Amish – but not written by their spokesman, Donald Kraybill.
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