I wouldn’t be surprised if many view the Amish as inflexible because they don’t hop on the rat-race like most folks. Why on earth don’t they install electricity, the Internet, and telephones in their homes, dress in the latest fashions, and drive cars? In some Amish church districts, even bicycles are verboten.
Many non-Amish people might see their adherence to their strict rules as a character flaw—that they’re downright stubborn, the way they cling to the old-fashioned ways, rather than see it as the Amish’s desire to follow the teachings of the Bible and the Ordnung (unwritten rules that guide everyday life) and their determination to maintain a close-knit community. Give a 16-year-old a car and what will he or she do? Skedaddle! Do you recall those TV public service announcements asking: “Do you know where your children are?” A sobering thought for parents of teenagers, who can be a wee bit obstinate.
I’ve seen six to eight mules in Lancaster County, PA, working without complaint, harvesting cornfields after sunset and pulling heavy loads in the heat. Mules are highly valued by the Amish and demand a hefty price. You might have noticed that Amish farmers often match their mules and horses in color and size—not a coincidence. Mules have incredible stamina and are said to consume less. An Amish farmer’s dream.
For fun, I Googled and asked: Are mules really stubborn? According to several articles, mules are faster in their initial learning than horses and donkeys, and more flexible than horses and dogs in unlearning bad habits, a trait many of us could use.
Now that I think about it, don’t parents appreciate their children when they stand up to an ill-behaving crowd rather than follow along with the pack just to fit in? Even as adults, aren’t we constantly barraged with choices between right and wrong, yet we worry others will think badly of us if we don’t agree? Have you been in this situation as a child or recently?
Leave a comment about any of the above and enter to win one novel from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! THREE winners will receive the novel of their choice! I will announce the winners right here next week, and I’ll email them. They will have one week to respond. USA and Canada.
Congratulations to Lisa L., Suzanne Woods Fisher’s winner of a copy of her novel The Searching. Thank you, Suzanne, for being my gracious blog guest, and many thanks to those who left insightful comments!
I love the way they are in their beliefs slow life styles take time for family, stores closed on Sunday a day of rest & church. Our world is so fast paced now days I don’t know how the little kids keep up mostly in school we as a society won’t let kids be kids anymore and we don’t have family unity anymore so sad
I agree, Brenda, family unity is dwindling as our world speeds up. I live in a city that had mandatory bussing for years. Poor little kids carted across town … Ours did not because we chose a close-by parochial school within walking distance even though we’re not Catholics. And I volunteered in the classroom weekly. Thanks for writing!
Fascinating facts about mules, Kate, that I have never heard of. Thank you!
Hi Kathy! Thanks for writing. I’m glad you enjoyed learning more about these highly prized animals.
I think they are afraid to leave their old ways and maybe lose their families and friends and I think it could because they see how it has worked for so long, why change a “Good thing”
Thanks for writing, Debbie. I always wished we’d lived next door to my parents when they were alive, but I guess many would feel hemmed in. (Mine were terrific!) I depend on my sister and we speak daily.
They believe their old fashioned (to us) ways please God. I hope they realize that us “English” are also Christians though we don’t agree about their ordnung. But I enjoy the Amish novels and learning about their way of life. There are many things about their lifestyle I envy.
Me too, Alonda. I realize i couldn’t be on FB w/o electricity and internet, but there are many elements about their lifestyle I’d adopt in the wink of an eye. Thanks for writing. Good luck in the book giveaway!
i would love to win
Thanks for entering, Valerie. I want everyone to win! Good luck!
Stubborn? Not necessarily. Sure of themselves and their way of life? Most probably.
Nicely put, Vicky! Thanks for writing and good luck in the book giveaway!
I never knew some of that about mules. Mules and Amish proabay are like everyone and everything…some are stubborn and some are not!! 😉
Thanks for writing, Ann! When I started reading about mules several years ago I was so impressed. Bet you’re right about some Amish being stubborn as we all fight against being willful and headstrong. (Ask my husband.) Stubbornness is generally not a characteristic held in high esteem, but perseverance and faithfulness is another matter.
I would assume that the many different Amish communities want to keep from changing their ways. The reasoning would be to keep their heritage and beliefs going. It’s not that they are stubborn or trying to be mean, they just want their children to know and teach them values, skills, faith and much more that you don’t see in a lot of their outside world.
I agree, Joannah! I wish more kids today would keep the values of their grandparents, let alone their parents! Thanks for writing!
I’ve never thought of their holding on to their beliefs as stubborn. A belief in our Father and how you live that belief out loud is something that is so important, and can sometimes be a challenge if you’re not grounded. The beliefs and faith of the Amish is lived, shouted, out loud at every moment by how they dress, etc. I admire their absolute faith.
I agree with you, Kathleen, but was having a little fun while trying to imagine how many might view the Amish. I admire their absolute faith, too. Thanks for writing and entering the book giveaway!
If anyone else is like me, I would have to say with joy …. and maybe a little envy. It’s wonderful to see them so focused! I do have a teeny piece of myself that wishes I could step out of my world and in to theirs. I totally understand that they have trials like all of us …. I just wish that society as a whole could slow down a bit and refocus some. Odd that I want to slow down since I live in NYC! Hahaha! 🙂
I think that anyone who is deeply rooted in their Faith might be called stubborn by some people. The Amish hold on to the code of living dictated by their Orders. I, as a Christian, choose not to use alcohol and I don’t choose to follow other popular activities that some people do. Am I stubborn or old-fashioned? Perhaps, but I must follow my conscience and my Amish friends must follow theirs!!
Connie, you are a good example of the person who holds fast to her spiritual beliefs and conscience rather than letting society dictate her activities. Excellent! Thanks for writing!
I just finished reading your “Forever Amish” and is reminded me of ,even when someone leaves the community they seem to hold onto their beliefs and some of the habits formed from long ago. I believe it is because so many have the same beliefs and they fortify one another. you are a great deal of what enviroment you are in.
I loved your book and look forward to reading others.
Thank you so much, Paula, for your generous remarks about Forever Amish! I’m delighted you enjoyed it. So true about holding onto the beliefs and habits learned at childhood. Thankfully, we can choose to change the bad ones and be forgiven, and also return to what was good. Thanks for writing!
Their whole life and their very being is in what has been passed down generation to generation. Their faith, their love for the land, the hard work, and their values. They keep their families around them. They even add on to their homes to take care of their aged parents when that time comes. We can understand holding onto what we have known, what we believe in, and what we hold dear. The Amish are no different in feeling as we do about the old paths, the old ways, the familiar, the family, the process of living and dying surrounded by those who love you.
Thanks for writing, Betty! I wish the values of faith, hard work, and the desire to care for aged parents was being passed on generation to generation among the rest of us. So many live in isolation and have very little connection with our families. Good luck in the book giveaway!
Read all 3 and love every page.
Thank you SO much, Michelle! Big smile! I can’t tell you how much your generous assessment of my book’s means to me!
I believe the Amish have it right. I know it’s not a prefect world , they have there problems, but to be able to live by there beliefs in this modern and mess up world is truly amazing. And have such a spiritual way of life. I will never forget when the poor amish girls died and the forgiveness the community gave. It is amazing and I don’t know if I have that belief
I agree, Debra. The forgiveness the Amish showed the shooter and still show the shooter’s wife is a testament to God’s mercy toward us. I just read in the book of Mark last night (9:24) In the story about the sick son who was healed: “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'” In other words, we can all struggle to maintain our belief. Thanks for writing!
Do they not like to keep their old ways so that they can be separate from the world. They like to keep their children at home so they can work the land and carry on the Amish ways.
Thanks for writing, Linda! Their children go to a one-room schoolhouse through the eighth grade, where they receive an excellent education. Studies have shown that homeschooled kids excel in this country. Before and after school, the Amish children do chores and learn the workings of a farm if they are living on one. In this way, they will be ready to take over when their father retires. And in the kitchen, their mother teaches them how to cook and feed a family, not to mention tending of vegetable garden and doing laundry. Oops, I almost forgot the most important item: their mothers teach them how to raise young children in the Amish way.
At this time in history…I would RUN not walk right into the center of the good ways ..the simple ways and apart ways of the Amish folk.
Mary, I bet you wouldn’t be alone! Today’s life is like a roller coaster ride: too fast, too many choices, and downright dangerous in many areas. Thanks for writing an entering the contest!
They believe outside culture has a morally polluting effect. They think it promotes pride, greed, immorality and materialism. Amish beliefs include the concept that God will judge them on how well they obeyed the church rules during their lifetime, and contact with the outside world makes it harder to obey their rules. The Amish point to this Bible verse as a reason for their isolation: “Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 6:17,)
Why do the Amish dress in old-fashioned clothes and dark colors?
Again, humility is the reason behind this. Amish value conformity, not individualism. They believe bright colors or patterns attract attention to a person. Some of their clothes are fastened with straight pins or hooks, to avoid buttons, which might be a source of pride.
Their rule for living specifies everything from what type of shoes may be worn to the width of hat brims. Women wear a white prayer covering on their head if they are married, black if they are single. Married men wear beards, single men do not. Mustaches are prohibited because they are associated with the 19th century European military. The Amish are nonviolent and are conscientious objectors.
Why don’t the Amish use electricity or cars and tractors?
In Amish life, isolation from the rest of society is viewed as a way to keep themselves from unnecessary temptation. They cite Romans 12:2 as their guide: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
No TVs means no advertising and no immoral messages. The Amish also believe in hard work and usefulness. They would consider watching TV or surfing the Internet a waste of time. Cars and mechanized farm machinery could lead to competition or pride of ownership. Old Order Amish do not allow a telephone in their homes, because it could lead to pride and gossip. The community may put a phone in a barn or outside phone booth, to deliberately make it inconvenient to use.
Why don’t the Amish want to be photographed?
The Amish believe photos can lead to pride and invade their privacy. They think photographs violate Exodus 20:4: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”
Well said, Brogan! You obviously know a great deal about the Amish. Thanks so much for writing!
I don’t see them as stubborn. They have their ways and we have our ways.
Doesn’t make them wrong, doesn’t make us wrong.
We just need to accept them as they are, just as they accept us.
I agree, Loretta, we need to accept the Amish as they are. I used the word stubborn partly for fun, but sometimes being tenacious/stubborn/persistent can be a good trait. If I hadn’t been “stubborn” I probably never would’ve had a book published or kept our home from turning into chaos when our sons had a dozen friends over. BTW: I’m not a screamer; the wilder things got, the calmer I acted. Thanks for writing!
I admire the Amish for following the teachings of the bible has their way of living. I bet if we uncluttered our lived from worldly things we would be better for it. Thank you for sharing and a chance to win. ~ blessings~
Thanks for writing, Lisa! I could sure use some un-cluttering! Good luck in the book giveaway!
Love seeing a team of mules/horses working together, which humans could learn a lesson from. Also, the covered bridge looks familiar as I drive to Lancaster Co. and sure I’ve seen it and been over it or under it! I love the way the Amish value family and live close together, something I wish for as I live in PA and my family is in AR. Their way of life is simple which is something we can all strive for with God’s help. Thanks for the opportunity to win! Linda
I love watching teams of horses and mules working together too, Linda. It is a good lesson for all of us: thanks for bringing that out! And thank you for entering the book giveaway. Good luck!
My children are finally past the stubborn stage and finally seeing that Mom & Dad may know something 🙂 Amish still have the respect of their children which I think is a great reflection on a parent.
You’re in great shape, Deanna! How long did you have to wait for your children to finally see that you and your husband knew something? Some kids never do. Thanks for writing! Good luck in the giveaway!
I do not see the Amish as stubborn I see the Amish as dedicated to their belief’s, which is a very admirable quality. Wishing more people could follow their hearts and stand up for their beliefs.
Customs and religion. I love their simple life. If only we all could be so faithful to what we believe in.
True, Teresa! Remaining faithful is a daily task. But I’m grateful to have a faith; I had none until my 30s. Thanks for entering the contest. Good luck!
I admire their dedication to their beliefs too, Deanna! Thanks for writing and entering the contest! Good luck!
Their customs/traditions have the end result of keeping people in their church/community close I would love to live closer to family. Even with cars and planes, we don’t see each other on a daily/weekly basis. I would love to have that kind of community.
Me too, Constitutionchic! When I got married my husband asked me if I would consider moving to another state and I said no, because I didn’t want to be away from my parents and siblings. However, when younger, I did go back and live with my grandma in CT several times and visited her often. But you’re right, not the same as seeing someone on a daily/weekly basis. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I wouldn’t use the term old-fashioned. I would say, as it was explained to me, that the Amish wish to keep traditions AND traditional values. Such modern “conveniences” as electricity and cars help in some ways, but can also bring in what the Amish view as the negative aspects of the “modern” world including loss of quality family time together among other things.
You said it well, Jeffrey. Yes, the majority of us live without quality family time. Very sad. And I so appreciate how the Amish care for the older generations. We could learn a lot from the Amish. I have. Thanks for writing and entering the contest!
The Amish have been brought up to live the simple life and they see no need to change. Their beliefs are well ingrained in them so they see no need to change. They are happy and modern conveniences we have are not important to them.They have learned to live with out them and see no need for them. They are just like the are called the simple people and cherish their way if life over anything else. They believe and live according to what is taught in the Bible.
Thanks for writing, Harold! I think your last sentence hit it on the nail: They believe and live according to what is taught in the Bible. Many use more modern conveniences than we might think, but without electricity. When milking cows and in woodworking businesses, they use sophisticated tools, also without electricity. They are a most ingenious group whom I admire greatly! Good luck in the book giveaway!
If we could only try being just a little Amish we might just have a more productive life.
That’s the truth, Bonnie! Pick an area. Work ethic? Dedication to their beliefs? Faithfulness in marriage? Strong family bonds? The list goes on. Thanks for writing and entering the book giveaway!
I see the Amish as sticking to their religious beliefs which makes them honorable people to me. This is something very hard to do since they to are born with original sin. This means that they are not perfect either that they are mislead at times too. That they must work hard to turn away evil just like the rest of us.
Good insights, Lisa! An Amish woman told me their life is not perfect, either. Yes, they struggle with sin like the rest of us, but at least they recognize their transgressions and repent. Every once in a while we read about some illegal activity amongst the Amish, but it is rare. I know, I wouldn’t want to have to confess my sins in front of the whole congregation, including the Bishop! Thanks for writing and entering the book giveaway!
I’ve never thought of the Amish as stubborn. While I don’t agree with everything they believe, I admire them for their stand against the world. I believe they follow the rules of their Order as a way of becoming closer to God and separate from the world. And of course, I do enjoy reading about them.
I admire the Amish too, Jennifer. Part of what I admire is there staunch stand against the government’s forcing them to do things that are against their beliefs. A friend of mine’s father was one of the men who went to the Supreme Court and successfully won their case to keep their children from going to public high schools. While many may see this as bull-headed, Amish children receive a very good education in their one-room school houses. Those who choose to leave the Amish and attend college apparently have no problem passing the entrance exams. So, is that being stubborn? Possessing the gumption that most of us lack? I love reading about them too and I hope you win one of my novels!
I don’t see them as stubborn. I admire they are strong in their beliefs and their ways. Looking past what we see on the outside, I truly believe we should all be stronger in our beliefs and reliance on God.
I also admire their strong beliefs and ways, Cynthia! I was using the word stubborn partly for fun; it also means determined/steadfast/unwavering. Too many wishy-washy wet noodles in this world today, even many sitting in pews on Sunday mornings. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
I feel they are closer to God than anyone else. That is why they stay with life the way it is. Most of their children stay within the family cicle.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Carolyn! I’ve also heard that the vast majority of their children become baptized, a lifetime commitment to adhere to their principles. Thanks for writing!
Stubborn ,no just committed to what they believe, i dont agree with some things, but i admire them on other stuff, we all should be more like them.
Shirley Blanchard
I can’t argue with you, Shirley! They are committed to their beliefs and not willing to change to adhere to the rest of the world’s modernization. Although they do occasionally make modifications, after great thought, as long as the changes don’t damage their basic principles and close-knit communities. Thanks for writing and entering the contest!
I think it’s a commitment to their beliefs and family values.
I agree with you, Anne! Thanks for writing and entering the contest. Good luck!
I think they see it not as being stubborn and refusing to modernize but being in the world but not of the world like it says in the Bible. To some degree, it does make sense. As my grandmother used to say, if there’s no difference between you, a professing Christian, and the world, then there’s a big problem! As Christians, we need to influence the world but not be a part of it.
You had a wise grandmother, Lisa! Thanks for writing and sharing her wisdom. Good luck in the book giveaway!
While I don’t agree with the Amish religion, I do admire their family values and work ethic. interesting facts about mules
Thanks for writing, Lora! I admire their family values and work ethics too. Good luck in the giveaway!
I don’t really want to call their way of living stubborn. Some of them have never known any other way of living or doing things. I think it is great the way they try to obey the Bible and their teachings! My mom was raised on a farm and they had a very stubborn mule as well as horses, cattle and pigs.
Thanks for writing, Donna! I think the way the Amish live is great too. From what I’ve read, mules are more teachable than horses. I’ll have to ask an Amish farmer friend. His mules are in the photo in this post toward the bottom. Real beauties, and I’ve seen them at work. Good luck in the giveaway!
Greetings, I don’t believe the Amish are stubborn in their beliefs and holding fast to their convictions, however I’m sure there are some folks who are stubborn-be it Amish or English. I believe that these humble folks adhere to their doctrine so that their children and family will be protected from the outside world and being led astray. I believe many of their convictions are just following what the Lord intended.
Thanks for your giveaway.
Blessings, Noreen
Thanks for writing, Noreen! I was using the word stubborn to mean tenacious and steadfast, but I wouldn’t doubt if many non-Amish see the Amish as just being inflexible and old-fashioned. Me? I like old-fashioned. Thank you so much for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I would love to win any Amish book or novel. Can’t get enough of them.
I hope you get a chance to win one of my Amish novels soon, Susan! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I admire the commitment to what they believe, the slower life style, the ability to stop and smell the roses and how family next to God is all important. I also believe that the Amish women are some of the hardest workers in the world and I couldn’t keep up with them if I tried.
Thanks for writing, Dara! I agree with everything you said. Yes, the Amish women are the hardest workers I’ve ever met! And their attitude toward work is admirable. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
They take their commitment to God seriously and believe that the simple life style is what the Bible teaches. To them it is not a sacrifice but away of life.
Loved you book Forever Amish would love to read another one, they are hard to find here;)
You made my day by saying you loved reading Forever Amish, Jan! I wrote Forever Amish as a stand-alone, but I hope you get a chance to read the first two novels in the trilogy soon. Maybe as a winner of this giveaway. Good luck!
I don’t consider them stubborn. All the Amish I have met are very caring, friendly, and polite. They are also very giving. All of us could learn a lot from the way they treat people. Their life may seem simple, but they sure are happy. I always see them with a smile. All of us could learn to slow down and enjoy life more.
I agree with you, Tia! We could all learn a lot from their lifestyle and the way they treat people. And I agree, we could all slow down and enjoy life more. I was using the word stubborn in a way non-Amish people might view their diligence and steadfastness. Thanks so much for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
They stick to their ways for a sense of closeness and unity for a very close community. The outside “conveniences” would give them much more flexability to move about and stray from the closeness perspective.
True, Mary, the more the young Amish come into proximity with the English (non-Amish) the more likely they are to be drawn away from the close-knit community. Anyone with children, especially teenagers, can attest to that. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Amish are not stubborn. Their way of life follows the teachings of the Bible. Less is more. Family ties are important. America gives everybody the right to follow the religion and way of life they choose. Look what we did to the Native Americans. Let’s just leave the Amish alone.
Thanks for writing, Mary! I used the word stubborn partly for fun, because it also means tenacious and persistent. The Amish adhere to their lifestyle with tenacity; they don’t follow any old fad. But I’m not sure they want to be completely left alone because their economy is helped by tourism, especially the Amish who do not have their own farms. Good luck in the giveaway!
I don’t think they’re stubborn. They are the smart ones, we could learn a lot from their way of life.
I’ve learned much from the Amish, Lia. What some see as stubborn, others see as steadfast and tenacious. They are not easily swayed. Thanks for writing!
The Amish are very good at following rules and I love reading about them because they are so different from the usual Americans. They intrigue me. I personally, would not live a lifestyle of rules like the Amish because I believe they count on the rules as part of their salvation and the Bible teaches that faith comes first and then works are the result of our faith. I also think all the rules stifle creativity. Thanks for the contest! I sure would love to win one of your books.
You addressed some valid points, Sharon. Theirs is not the only religion that counts on rules, but that is for another post on another blog. I love reading and learning about the Amish too! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Too many these days jump on the worldly bandwagon and try to be like everyone else. I’m so glad the Amish stick to their way of life and their convictions. Refreshing.
I agree, Gail! It seems as soon as we hit our teens most of us want to look like and act like everyone else. Yet, some are resistant to mindlessly jumping on the bandwagon. I’m glad the Amish stick to their way of life and their convictions too. Thanks for writing and entering the book giveaway!
I don’t think the amish are stubborn.I think they are generous and dedicated to their faith.
Thanks for writing, Jackie! I think a person who is well-grounded and determined, which some people could see as stubborn, can be generous and dedicated to their beliefs. I used the word stubborn partly for fun, but think there are many people who could use more backbone and dig in their heels.
I think the Amish adhere to their old-fashioned ways because they know it works! It has been proven over and over through the years that things stay the same. Family, friends, and their way of life are consistent. Worldly things change, and change us, but the Amish still live the same year after year. They stay apart from the world and its changes.
susanlulu@yahoo.com
They certainly try their best, Susan! In some areas, such as refrigerating milk, they have been forced to adhere to government regulations, but for the most part they are able to maintain their traditions and beliefs. They do use some modern equipment, such as milking machines and woodworking tools, but they are not powered by electricity. The Amish are very ingenious! Thanks for writing and entering the contest!
I think Amish stick to the rules because it is a part of their belief’s, and I admire them for sticking to those belief’s. Thanks for the opportunity to win a book.
Vicki
Thanks so much for writing, Vicki! I admire them too for their perseverance. Good luck in the book giveaway!
Tried and True
Thanks for writing, Velma! Good luck in the book giveaway!
I don’t think they are being stubborn! That’s the way they were raised and it’s their lifestyle! I understand because my life style is different also! But I totally believe what I live because I can back my belief by THE BIble! The Bible says to come out from among them and be ye separate! And if we look like everyone else we are not living a separated life! I feel they believe it with their whole heart just as l believe mine or other people believe theirs! I’m not mad just wanted to explain what was on my heart!
I’m glad you wrote, Brenda! I was using the word stubborn partly in jest, but stubborn is synonymous with tenacious, persistent, and determined, all good qualities. Too many wet noodles in this world today, who go along with the crowd without checking with the ultimate Source of wisdom.