Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom For A Complicated World (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
This book consists of 2- to 3-page vignettes followed by reflection questions. I very much enjoyed this glimpse into the lives of the Amish. I drew my own conclusions on the principles and ignored the forced applications of the reflection questions but could see how this could be used as a tool for improving your life by emulating the strengths you see in their way of life. Some of the details became repetitive the farther along I read, but that gave me the impression that the chapters are to be pondered individually and could stand alone. There is definitely a lot of wisdom to be gleaned from the Amish way of life and think “Amish Wisdom” would be a more fitting title than “Amish Peace” (although “wisdom” is in the subtitle). I learned that Amish people are not against technology; they are just self-sufficient and do not rely on others for their energy or welcome things into their homes that could adversely affect their families (like television). I was under the impression that they did not believe in modern medicine but this book has several references to emergency care at hospitals, so maybe I’m wrong. I love their absolute dependence/reliance on God and patience with His ways. Where we might see restrictions; they see freedom. I can relate to that in my own religion. I admire their respect for elders, love of community, dedication to family, strong work ethic, and teaching by example. I highly respect their devotion to God’s word and wish more communities observed the Sabbath day as honorably as the Amish! They are the epitome of Christians in many ways, though I do not fully subscribe to every bit of their culture. My favorite part of this book is all the Amish proverbs given at the beginning of each chapter; they are sermons in a sentence! I wrote down many of them to remember for later. This quote from the Introduction summarizes my thoughts on the book: “If you admire our faith, strengthen yours. If you admire our sense of commitment, deepen yours. If you admire our community spirit, build your own. If you admire the simple life, cut back. If you admire deep character and enduring values, live them yourself” (p. 15). MineDevotional style writing. Nice. Informative and reflective -- why do we think the English (non-Amish) way is better? Not necessarily. Forgiveness is lived out. Relationship with God is center of life. Church has no building, meets in homes every other week; once a year would indicate 26 families. When a church gets too big they split off. Don't pay taxes, no social security or any form of government dependence. Sounds wonderful!Not easy, but stress directly from God, not humanity or society, as it should be. Live among the English, not apart; separate from English practices, but not from the English. Excellent! Definite re-read. Highly recommend.
What do You think about Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom For A Complicated World (2009)?
I have set my heart on the Amish people and this book gave me great insight as to how they believe.
—Jazz
Enjoyed reading this book. Divided up into short chapters, makes for a great daily reflection.
—shri
A nice book to read a little before bed each night. Then have a restful nights sleep.
—TessxxLutz
Interesting and reflective vignettes on Amish society with universal principles
—Whodalogman
