A lesson from Lancaster County

"The Amish have buried their little girls, forgiven the man for his actions, and befriended his family. What a wonderful witness to their faith, and what a contrast for others," an Opinion Line contributor noted. It’s a reaction many Americans shared after being shocked by the Amish school shooting, then amazed by the response of that community.
One Amish man from Lancaster County, Pa., explained: "In forgiveness there is healing." And in their actions, there is a lesson for others.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee

13 Comments

  1. TRACY
    Posted October 12, 2006 at 1:15 pm | Permalink

    Really can’t add anything but praise God and amen.

  2. Jeff
    Posted October 12, 2006 at 2:02 pm | Permalink

    The Amish walk the walk……..

  3. Posted October 12, 2006 at 3:03 pm | Permalink

    It’s a lot easier to praise and romanticise the Amish if you haven’t been one.

    They’re saying what they say because that’s what they have to say. If they said anything different, they’d be shunned and outcast forever.

    They can tolerate anything–even appalling violence–but they can’t tolerate nonconformity.

  4. political_mom
    Posted October 12, 2006 at 3:05 pm | Permalink

    That’s what’s great about freedom of religion. They can practice their faith, and not give a darn about what others say, think or do.

  5. Steven Davis
    Posted October 12, 2006 at 3:10 pm | Permalink

    I think Capn is right on the Amish.

    They also have a paradoxical pride in their humility and plainness… Interesting culture, though.

  6. political_mom
    Posted October 12, 2006 at 3:40 pm | Permalink

    Interesting there amishexile, you seem to have my email address.

    How many names do you try to post under and get away with it? You’re full of sheet.

  7. Ben Huie
    Posted October 12, 2006 at 3:57 pm | Permalink

    Amish I met when I lived back in PA were meticulously clean. And, they were very tolerant of my decidedly non-Amish ways.

    That said, it is my understanding that they are quite strict among their own when it comes to “toeing the line”

  8. Jim G.
    Posted October 12, 2006 at 5:50 pm | Permalink

    Amish folks have their own internal societal problems which can mirror our very American societal problems. They just are what they are and I respect them for that. Hey, assimilation is what the GOP wants from all of us. If we learn something it is that different religions, different lifestyles, different beliefs, can exist in America. Unfortunately our politicians need votes which causes them to cast their eye on pointing out differences among this vast society. Our differences are what make us so very good Americans. I am sure their are gay Amish….probably closeted but gay all the same.There are closeted gay Republicans…

  9. Paul F. Rosell
    Posted October 12, 2006 at 9:46 pm | Permalink

    The Amish and the Mennonites are closely related, theologically.I respect their hard work, their charity, and their willingness to stop and help perfect strangers.When I got stuck in the mud during a rainstorm, I am glad it was a Mennonite with a tractor, rather than an Amish with a horse, who pulled me out.Even so, it must be noted that the survival of any creed or culture based on pacifism requires the protection of a country that is willing to take up arms.Otherwise, the pacifists tend to get slaughtered.

  10. Posted October 12, 2006 at 11:38 pm | Permalink

    Hey Paul, are you a fan of Jan Beemer? I’m wondering because she doesn’t consider Mennonites actual Christians.

  11. Paul F. Rosell
    Posted October 13, 2006 at 6:22 pm | Permalink

    DougI am not sure where you got that bit of information about Jan, I dont know her views on this subject.However, as a Catholic, I can tell you that many “Christians” have doubts about the “Universal Church” being Christian, though we believe we were the first such Church. Only the Eastern Orthodox could possibly challenge us on that score. (’Catholic’ means ‘Universal’ in Latin).I prefer not to get bogged down in the “who is a better Christian” arguments.I do enjoy spirited discussions about theological differences, however.

  12. Will
    Posted October 14, 2006 at 6:12 pm | Permalink

    What faith.

  13. Posted October 15, 2006 at 10:56 am | Permalink

    Paul, the information about Jan thinking Mennonites aren’t Christian comes from Jan. Beemer attacked her opponent Rep. Loganbill for being a Mennonite.