General Chat

I think you know I am quite interested in the Amish... Last night I saw a programme advertised on television about hem that didn't look very promising but I thought I would have it on while I was reading and not bother to record it in case I wanted to read it later.

It was a bit of an eye opener.

The Amish are the only truly Communist people in the world. The people of St Kilda were but their situation was ruined by Capitalism and neither group came to their communist situation through political ideology.

The Amish, of course, have a deep Christian faith and live by the rules set down in their Bible. The interesting thing is that Amish Bibles, the only ones they are permitted to study are printed in an archaic German dialect that nobody understands. They are obliged to worship and sing their hymns in it too.

The programme showed two Amish men who, although they have kept their deep Christian faith, have dared to read the Bible in English and to worship in English too. They have discovered that many of the Amish behavioural rules are nothing to do with the Bible at all.

Each has been excommunicated by the elders, one of whom was his father, but the shunning has just not happened. One of their children has fallen very ill and those who would normally have shunned them are rallying to their support.

I am so interested to see how this situation progresses. Has their attainment of Communism been achieved only by ignorance? Could it have happened without a strong faith to underpin it? Will it survive? What will become of the Amish?

That's very interesting Sharron, would have liked to have seen that.

I think it might be part of a series.

What channel Sharron

Can't remember.

It was quite a long way down the list and at midnight. I will see if I can find it later but OH is watching the news and e won't make me a cup of tea if I interrupt that.

No hurry Sharron, you need your tea :-)

Not badly enough to make it myself!

Ladies never do Sharron :-)

It might be 209 which is Channel W+1 at 10.00 pm.

I have just looked at next weeks schedule.

Thanks Sharron, will pass that on to Mr TV channel
changer

Sounds fascinating, Sharron.

OH has found series 1 and downloaded it for me :-)

I will have a look for that! I have read several novels written about Amish people, I think by an Amish writer. I will have a look later and check them out.

Lizxx

There are parts of Canada and the US where you see lots of Amish and Mennonites.

They are both very well regarded by everyone, although there are problems as with any religion. Old Order Amish and Mennonites are the ones that we maybe understand least of all.

It is quite wonderful to see horses and carriages on the roads and hitched to posts outside shops, and to go to the market and see the preserves and handicrafts that they make and sell.


Liz ......... there are several Amish or Amish-connected authors, writing all kids of books. I've been following about 3 series by different ones.

I have a wonderful series of small cook books written back in the 70s and 80s by a Mennonite woman. The recipes are delicious!!!

I would love to see the handicrafts etc made by them, Sylvia.

Lizxx

oh, they are wonderful, Liz.

Lots of beautiful wood objects, crochet, sewing .... and the food is to die for!!

My sister made an oval Amish box at one of West Dean College's day courses.
It was like this:

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/5a/ce/8f/5ace8f7027beb931b1c6094124357ede.jpg