"The companion to American Experience PBS"--Jacket.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 461-485) and index.
Contents
Roots. Who are the Amish? -- European origins -- The story in America -- Cultural context. Religious roots -- Sacred rituals -- The Amish way -- Symbols and identity -- Social organization. Diverse affiliations -- Population patterns -- Community organization -- Gender and family -- From Rumspringa to marriage -- Social ties and community rhythms -- Education -- External ties. Agriculture -- Business -- Technology -- Health and healing -- Government and civic relations -- The Amish in print -- Tourism and media -- The future. Pursuits of happiness -- Appendix A. Related groups: Mennonites, Brethren, Hutterites -- Appendix B. Key events in Amish history.
Summary
The Amish have always struggled with the modern world. Known for their simple clothing, plain lifestyle, and horse-and-buggy mode of transportation, Amish communities continually face outside pressures to modify their cultural patterns, social organization, and religious world view. An intimate portrait of Amish life, The Amish explores not only the emerging diversity and evolving identities within this distinctive American ethnic community, but also its transformation and geographic expansion.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 259-285) and indexes.
Summary
Donald B. Kraybill has spent his career among Anabaptist groups, gaining an unparalleled understanding of these traditionally private people. Kraybill shares that deep knowledge in this succinct overview of the beliefs and cultural practices of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites in North America. Found throughout Canada, Central America, Mexico, and the United States, these religious communities include more than 200 different groups with 800,000 members in 17 countries. Through 340 short entries, Kraybill offers readers information on a wide range of topics related to religious views and social practices. With thoughtful consideration of how the diverse communities are related, this compact reference provides a brief and accurate synopsis of these groups in the twenty-first century. No other single volume provides such a broad overview of Amish, Brethren, Huterites, and Mennonites in North America. Organized for ease of searching--with a list of entries, a topic finder, an index of names, and ample cross-references--the volume also includes abundant resources for accessing additional information. Wide in scope, succinct in content, with directional markers along the way, the Concise Encyclopedia of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites is a must-have reference for anyone interested in Anabaptist groups. --Book Jacket.
Publications of the Pennsylvania German Society ; v. 40. Pennsylvania German history and culture series ; no. 7
Notes
Includes bibliographical references (p. [333]-345) and index.
The Wenger Mennonites, also known as the horse and buggy Mennonites , came about when the Mennonite church in Lancaster County split over disagreements about the use of technology. The breaking point occured when the church allowed use of automobiles. Wengers would not accept this.
Contents
Chapters: Who are the Wenger Mennonites? -- The fabric of faith and culture -- Mobility and identity -- The architecture of community -- The rhythm of sacred ritual -- Passages from birth to death -- Making a living together -- Technology and social change -- Pilgrims in a postmodern world.
"In the accompanying text, Donald Kraybill - author of the highly acclaimed Riddle of Amish Culture - tells the often surprising story of today's Old Order Amish. His introduction provides a sweeping overview of Amish life in North America and explains how a traditional people have managed not merely to survive but to flourish in the midst of modern life. In thirty-five vignettes throughout the book, Kraybill explains Amish views on issues ranging from "Childbirth" and "Women Entrepreneurs" to "The Riddles of Farm Machinery," "Sowing Wild Oats,"and "The Politics of Separation." His concluding essay examines why modern observers are so drawn to the Amish and their traditional values.Old Order Amish details the rigors of hard work, the strength of family and community, the discipline of the religious Ordnung, and the ingenious Amish compromises with modernity. Here at last is an authentic portrait of the Amish - in striking photographs and honest accounts of their daily concerns and enduring traditions."
