The Amish

Kraybill, Donald. The Amish and the State. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1993.

The Amish and the State is wrote with the intent to identify the cultural values and social organizations of the Amish order along with how the traditional values of the Amish counteracted with the modernity of the state. This book covers the most prominent aspects of the Amish order dating all the way back to their very existence during the Radical Reformation in the sixteenth century. It entitles one to see and feel the persecution the Amish order has faced since 1525. Donald Kraybill believes that the Amish order, even though some individuals view their religious practices as being extremely impractical, is a major attribute toward the freedom we as citizens now hold in our possession in following our religious pathways and that their very existence today is a miraculous achievement. Even though the conflicts between the Amish and the state have placed burdens on both sides, in the long run we as a people have gained religious freedom from all of the suffering the Amish has faced. For example, in 1938 an Amish leader wrote a letter to Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black asking “is there any clause whereby we can live a Christian faith and still be law abiding people?” (3). Starting with the persecutions that took place while negotiating with Caesar on to the Amish view of the state and outsiders, along with the roles they have played with respect to the Amish order. The conflicts the Amish held with the government over military services and conscription, schooling and education, social security and taxes, slow-moving vehicles, health care, and land use are displayed to help aid in the understanding of the tries and tribulations the Amish faced. Also, this book portrays the functions of the so-called government like organizations that act in favor for the Amish. These groups are known as the National Amish Steering Committee and the National Committee for Amish.

Starting with what was known as the Radical Reformation in the sixteenth century, a number of groups picked up on Martin Luther’s ideas and went different ways with them. These groups were known as Anabaptists. The Amish faith is a descendent of the Anabaptist beliefs. During this Reformation and continuing throughout the present date, the Amish have been persecuted for their religious beliefs. In the sixteen...

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...can preserve itself through these changes, or if it becomes eroded and begins to become part of the change. The Amish prove not to become part of the change, even though they suffered greatly for that decision, their inner courage and faith in God helped them to persevere. Kraybill assesses the Amish contributions to preserving religious liberty in the United States.

Throughout the pages preceding this I have tried to give the most adequate examples and explanations to how I have interpreted this book, and what I found to be the main purpose of it. I feel that Donald Kraybill is showing us that the Amish, although some individuals ridicule their religious beliefs, is a major attribute to the religious freedom we as citizen have today. Also, he portrays their strength to take the ridicule and persecution, and not lose sight of their goal. Their goal was to be able to practice their religious beliefs without being penalized for everything they believed of, and accomplish this without going against their very beliefs. The Amish maintained honesty and loyalty toward the life God had chosen for them, which in turn led to their freedom to live and proceed with their everyday lifestyle.