Omish/Amish

[Wiccan_Child]

Why? Just, why?

Why shun technology (effectively)? Is it because of a passing comment in the Bible to avoid luxeries?

 

[sparklecat]

Out of curiosity, are you expecting responses from the people in question?

 

[Wiccan_Child]

I would prefer that, of course, but its highly unlikely. So anyone answer tbf

 

[ChristianCenturion]

Why? Just, why?

Why shun technology (effectively)? Is it because of a passing comment in the Bible to avoid luxeries?

My observances are that our technology hasn't really given us 'freedom', but we inadvertently become slaves to it. Besides when I make a point to go and 'rough it', it is quite relaxing and good exercise for the mind and body.

I heard that a study was done on either the Omish or Amish regarding health relating to what they eat coupled with what their daily lives entail... I'm too lazy to try and find it, but it ended up speaking well of the lifestyle.

 

[Wiccan_Child]

Yeah, I guess it would have a physical ruggidness to it, and that would greatly improve your health. However, I still can't see the attraction to a life of depravity and simpleness. I guess its a xian thing

 

[Eldy]

Why? Just, why?

Why shun technology (effectively)? Is it because of a passing comment in the Bible to avoid luxeries?

While I am not an Amish and probably won't ever be one, there have been times when I have longed for a simpler life without the hustle and bustle of the city and all that we humans hold so dear. I remember a couple of winters back. It was FREAKING COLD! And we then had a multi day power outage. I was lost. I did not know how to survive like that. I missed my lights and my stove and everything else I held so dear. Had it been a permanent thing, I would probably weigh about six thousand pounds from living at Mcdonalds.

I envy these people who live such simple lives and rely on God for everything they have.

 

[rachelness]

Out of curiosity, are you expecting responses from the people in question?

 

[BarbB]

Yeah, I guess it would have a physical ruggidness to it, and that would greatly improve your health. However, I still can't see the attraction to a life of depravity and simpleness. I guess its a xian thing

Where is the depravity in the Amish life? I suspect that you don't know the meaning of the word.

 

[£amb]

The one thing Amish people stress is humility, family and community. My family lives within minutes of an Amish community. They are amazing people. I feel technology hinders families at times. When you have a TV, phone and computer in your house, it takes away from being together. A few years ago, we lost electricity due to a hurricane. It was great! That was the closest my family was. We sat around and told stories, read books to each other, played board games, etc. We have finally made a family night in our house where everything is turned off (including lights) so we can spend time together without interruptions. I guess the Amish can't miss anything when they don't have it so they are not depraved as we think they are.

 

[Arkanin]

Where is the depravity in the Amish life? I suspect that you don't know the meaning of the word.

I think he meant something else, probably poverty. I don't particularly envy Amish people because I think I manage to retain the qualities not having technology gives people while still... you know, having technology. I love my friends / family and I can order pizza on the internet: how's that for a combination?

 

[BarbB]

Ah, but the Amish aren't poor either. Go to a flea market and they are the buyers paying cash!

 

[Nymphalidae]

While I am not an Amish and probably won't ever be one, there have been times when I have longed for a simpler life without the hustle and bustle of the city and all that we humans hold so dear. I remember a couple of winters back. It was FREAKING COLD! And we then had a multi day power outage. I was lost. I did not know how to survive like that. I missed my lights and my stove and everything else I held so dear. Had it been a permanent thing, I would probably weigh about six thousand pounds from living at Mcdonalds.

I envy these people who live such simple lives and rely on God for everything they have.

Where I come from, a multi-day power outage in the middle of winter would very likely kill you. Unless you have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove, you probably couldn't stay in your house.

 

[skinner]

I've been around some amish, also here we have various sects of mennonites. Some of the mennonites drive cars and have most of the modern conveniences, but they still dress simply and don't have TV or computers. My experience with the amish has been positive. They are hardworking, down to earth people, and altho' I don't think all are truly Christian, many are.
Lots of them are very shrewd businessmen, so don't imagine they are all dirt-poor.
We have very good mennonite friends. They are the best people for babysitting your kids, will help you with anything you need at the drop of the hat. Very trustworthy and loving people.
As far as power outages and survival skills, no worrys, there. We have been without power several times for days, and done just fine, except for food storage, we could make a few adjustments and go off-grid without any major problems.

 

[Seeking...]

Why? Just, why?

Why shun technology (effectively)? Is it because of a passing comment in the Bible to avoid luxeries?

Well - when the Amish started - there really wasn't much technology to shun at the time and they try to limit their exposure to the modern world so many aren't fully aware of what they are missing. It isn't like you have a bunch of urban dandies leaving the cities and becoming Amish. You are born Amish, live a fairly insular life and if you want to leave - your entire family is supposed to write you off and leave you alone to survive (with an 8th grade education). I don't imagine it is so much a choice as a desire to stay with your family and what is safe for many young Amish...

 

[psychedelicist]

Amish don't shun technology. Most communities have a community phone and stuff like that. They just believe we are too dependent on technology and wish to escape that.

I myself find the curent and future possibilities of technology fascinating, but I think I would equally enjoy being a hermit and living in a (big) cabin in the mountains, but that's more because I don't like people as a whole.

 

[MidnightBlue]

While I am not an Amish and probably won't ever be one, there have been times when I have longed for a simpler life without the hustle and bustle of the city and all that we humans hold so dear. I remember a couple of winters back. It was FREAKING COLD! And we then had a multi day power outage. I was lost. I did not know how to survive like that. I missed my lights and my stove and everything else I held so dear. Had it been a permanent thing, I would probably weigh about six thousand pounds from living at Mcdonalds.

Don't be so hard on yourself. You're not set up for a power outage. It wasn't so hard for you because of lack of character, but because of lack of preparation. If you were Amish, you'd have had a functioning stove, and lights, and most likely a refrigerator and a washing machine, even after the power went out.

I think the hardest thing for most of us would be doing without tvs and computers. (For my part, I could live without the tv, but I can't imagine not having a computer anymore. I guess I could go back to mail order to get the books I want, but it would seem awfully inconvenient. And I definitely need databases. Maybe when they have a kerosene computer ... )

 

[Eldy]

I think he meant something else, probably poverty. I don't particularly envy Amish people because I think I manage to retain the qualities not having technology gives people while still... you know, having technology. I love my friends / family and I can order pizza on the internet: how's that for a combination?

Hey, is that "how's that for a combination PIZZA?"

 

[Eldy]

Where I come from, a multi-day power outage in the middle of winter would very likely kill you. Unless you have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove, you probably couldn't stay in your house.

It got to the point where we were looking at going to a hotel. It was downright cold but we were okay with tons of blankets and such.

Man, having been amish would have meant we had a woodburning stove and we would have had heat.

There is definately some benefit to not relying on technology.

 

[""]

Where I come from, a multi-day power outage in the middle of winter would very likely kill you. Unless you have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove, you probably couldn't stay in your house.

You made me remember something that I heard on the radio today, as I was driving home from work. One of the news reporters was talking about 2 elderly people up in the arctic (greenland or something, can't recall where) who were attacked by a reindeer. They said it was really unusual, and then they remarked about how that must have been difficult to explain to the little children in the area who still believe in Santa Clause. hee hee! Anyway I think the elderly couple lived.

Re the OP:

Most Amish are quite religious. They're religious in their way of life, and religious in their faith. I think their chosen way of life is to be admired. It would probably be a much better world if we all lived like them.
I'm too addicted to electricity. I like hot baths, computers, tv, etc. I've been camping. It was fun, but I'm spoiled. I missed all of the things that we take for granted here. My husband knew quite a bit about living the rough life, outdoors, as he had to do it often. I have a lot of military equipment, stoves, tents, etc., so I know my little boy and I would be fine if there were no electricity. It would definitely take some getting used to though. I guess I'd have to stop getting manicures too, if that were the case. Can't do much with long nails huh? Wow, I never used to be like this. I was such a wild thing when I was younger, climbing trees, camping, and all that. I'm such a priss now.

 

[Moros]

Don't forget evil jacket buttons.