Amish life style.

There basis is to not have anything in front of God.
It is easy to point at this one or that one to find an individual sin. I imagine that it would be hard from someone to do the same for You or Me.
I have had many good friend over the years that belong to either the Menonite or Amish. Because they belong to one doesn't take away their sin but having a simpler life does give a person time to try to be a better and closer to god..

How are they doing on crime statitistics? Broken families? Single mothers on welfare? Drunk driving?

We know several families, and I like the Amish.
They do not claim to be perfect, they seem to be happier than what I see around. I like being around them. And I have noticed that their white caps are a real boon. I wish I could wear one. They always look neat, they do not have to worry about hairdos, the girls look really pretty with them, and it is cool in summer. I wore a white cotton scarf in summer when working outside and it is so much cooler. Then I got tired of my long hair and cut it short and now I could kick myself because the scarf slips and slides off with my stubby hair.

Having been around a few, I must say my beliefs about them have changed. I thought with all that hand labor, it would be so very hard to be Amish. But what I've found that since they don't have so many other things that need doing, they can go slower and just do it longer. I learned that noon is lunch and an hours nap follows. How many full time farmers do you know that take a nap. He was up earlt milking, so a nap helps. I saw a couple teenagers picking corn by hand. Huge field. But they were moving slowly, enjoying themselves. I was reminded of when I was that age, pruning Christmas trees with a sharp knife. We had to hump right along or we'd be fired. That was hot, physical labor. When I worked in factories, the assembly line wouldn't slow down if you were having a struggle, you had to run to keep up. But the Amish don't have that "hussle". When you have to give the horses a break, you get a break, too.

Amish Facts -- Amish: Out of Order -- National Geographic Channel

If a spouse dies, do Amish re-marry? Once widowed, does the guy have to shave, since he isn't married?

I've seen differences between nearby districts and know of a couple families that moved from one strict district to another district that allowed more modern farming methods.

I doubt they give it a second thought - they were born into that "religion" and they are so used to it - it is their way of life- they accept it and go on - and only do they use the extras "legally" unless their bishop allows it - rides in vehicles with rubber wheels are permitted, so long as it helps them to take care of business further away than their horse and buggy can get them, or if they need a big load of lumberor something they can not haul with their own means - they hire a truck to get it etc.... If they need special doctor care, they are allowed also to go by motor vehicle. So, there is exceptions to all the rules; just depends on each individual circumstance.

I'm not sure. My neighbor is a widow with 14 kids. Her husband was hit by a car and killed Her son was also just hit by a car 1 mile up the road and came out ok.

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"For if you start dancing on tables, fanning yourself, feeling sleepy when you pick up a book... making love whenever you feel like it, then you know. The south has got you.”