https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Weaver_Amish

Andy Weaver Amish have the highest rates of retention of their children in the church among all Amish. The retention rate is estimated at 97%. On the other hand Andy Weavers have left agriculture on a larger scale than other Amish with only 6% active in farming.

I may take flak for this, but...

What an absurdity.

"Oh, no, we're not like those other Amish. They allow people to use propane gas and roto-tillers. Those are clearly Satan's tools! We don't allow them -- we're god's chosen people!"

No offense, but you have zero understanding of Amish theology or how the Ordnung works. Kraybill's work are some of the better ones written in English in recent memory.

No I'm not defending Theism in general or the Amish in particular, but if you're going to criticize, at least have a clue ...

Ezra Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> No offense, but you have zero understanding of
> Amish theology or how the Ordnung works.
> Kraybill's work are some of the better ones
> written in English in recent memory.

Intended offense: don't mistake disdain for ignorance.

> No I'm not defending Theism in general or the
> Amish in particular, but if you're going to
> criticize, at least have a clue ...

I've got a clue, and I've read extensively on Amish "theology" (which isn't always related the various Ordnungs, but often is).
Hence my disdain, and the apropos comment "absurdity."

http://amishamerica.com/who-are-the-andy-weaver-amish//

Andy Weaver Amish differ from Holmes County Old Order Amish in a few ways:

greater technological restrictions-Andy Weaver Amish limit farm, business and home technologies
stricter approach to shunning-Andy Weaver Amish follow a strict interpretation of shunning
stricter youth regulations-Andy Weaver Amish youth are not allowed to have automobiles at home
greater tolerance of alcohol and tobacco-like other more technologically conservative Amish groups, Andy Weaver Amish are more liberal regarding consumption of alcohol and tobacco

Amish froze in the 1750s. Mormons froze in the 1950s. Two hundred years from now, Mormons will look equally absurd in their white shirts and 1950s ranch-style chapels with the 1850 style fake fiberglass bell-less steeples.

The Amish children have no real choice. Upon adulthood, their little education and the threat of absolute cut off from their family makes them choose to stay. If they opt to leave, they likely can't make it in the outside world. So no wonder the numbers are high -- stay and be supported in life, leave and you're likely to fail.

This isn't true, they something called Rumspringa

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumspringa

The kids (teens, young adults) are allowed to sow their wild oats so to speak, they go explore the outside world and then by around 21ish they either stay and get baptized or separate completely from the religion.




Devoted Exmo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The Amish children have no real choice. Upon
> adulthood, their little education and the threat
> of absolute cut off from their family makes them
> choose to stay. If they opt to leave, they likely
> can't make it in the outside world. So no wonder
> the numbers are high -- stay and be supported in
> life, leave and you're likely to fail.

Yes. They have this one time to reflect over their fate. It is a limited time frame.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/05/2018 11:26PM by Devoted Exmo.

Rumspringa ? The kids have been set up their whole lives to fail in society. No wonder they return to the fold.

On a trip of LDS people, traveling in a bus, we stopped to eat at one of the local dinners. Across the road, we saw the buggies go by, and also, a woman sitting in her house watching TV. (Can't leave all civilization behind.)

I think some of the sects don’t observe Rumspringa. It might be the Swiss one. Like mentioned here, they only go to school up to the 8th grade and aren’t even taught certain subjects.
It makes it harder for them in the outside world. I don’t know if they leave when they’re 16 or 18, but some that leave stay with ex-Amish and do go back to school and learn a vocation.
I think if they don’t get baptized, they don’t get shunned.
It probably depends on the sect though.

With Rumspringa at least they have an opportunity to explore other options.