What is wrong with the Amish?

Some bad theology, and not possessing the faith.

Not a small matter of course, but beyond that I have no criticisms!

Here is my point: Some would add, "They have a distinctive dress and stand aloof from the modern world."

But I disagree -- that is something all Traditional Catholics should do.

Now our Faith doesn't teach that electricity is evil, etc. so I'm not saying we should live like the Amish (understand what I mean?) But we SHOULD do things that help us live as (traditional) Catholics, not caring about "fitting in" with the world. That much the Amish are to be positively admired for, and imitated!

I've heard trads -- usually the liberal variety -- say things like, "Oh, we shouldn't go around dressing different from others. If the women only wear dresses and skirts, we'd stand out -- like the Amish! We're not Amish."

Likewise, what if more Catholics gave up things like TV and Hollywood movies? We'd be withdrawing, in a sense, in an Amish-esque way. But it would be commendable.

True, we're not Amish. But what's wrong with putting up a barrier to the corrupting influence of the modern world? And putting up extra safeguards to purity (such as dresses/skirts for women)?

Matthew

I guess my point comes down to:

The fact that the Amish have a distinct identity is not a bad thing.

If Traditional Catholics had an equally distinct identity, it wouldn't be a bad thing.

Of course, we Catholics would always be more interesting than the Amish, since all cultures could be good traditional Catholics -- culture sits atop the Faith, rather than being one and the same.

Matthew

Has anybody ever wondered if electricity IS from the devil?

I have, and it creeps me out.

Not until you said it!  But now I am creeped out too!

 :shocked:

  I just went to a farmer's market that had a significant number of Amish.

In a lot of ways they seem to be more Catholic than Novus Ordo. There is a positive and productive vibe there. The women dress modestly which to me shows respect for the Lord. They did not need special instructions from Portugal to dress modestly. It seems that their lifestyle reflects Ephesians 1:10 - to re-establish all things in Christ. Plus I don't think they have a do nothing clergy. Nobody is afraid of masculine Christ like activities like carpentry instead of lobbying for more illegal aliens.

   I don't know their theology but I think Catholics could learn a few things from their experience.

Has anybody ever wondered if electricity IS from the devil?

I have, and it creeps me out.

Traditional Catholic Solange Hertz who used to write for The Remnant has in one of her books. (It's somewhat ironic considering that her last name is Hertz).

Quote from: Matthew

Like the Mormons, they have a lot of the Natural Law intact, more so than most typical "suburban" Americans.

But then there's the Supernatural level, where they are insane of course.

But they have a lot of natural virtues, which I suppose we can imitate. We who have access to such fonts of grace (Mass, Holy Communion, Confession, all other sacraments, good doctrine) should be able to develop more virtue than the Amish, right?

Matthew

I have always admired the Amish.  Where I grew up wasn't too far from the Amish either.

Before I found the Catholic church, I half-heartedly considered being Amish because I saw so much to admire.  I just couldn't stand the thought of no indoor plumbing!  I'll pass on the out houses and chamber pots, thank you very much!

I still think we could learn alot from the Amish.  How can we take the good they have and use it, without being protestant, but fully Catholic?

Someday soon, who knows we might be forced to adapt to their ways but we will be rich with the Faith.