Should good Catholics live the Amish Lifestyle?

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Another thread on dancing has got me to thinking. It is very difficult to make it to heaven. There are many Amish people who live in my parents’ neighborhood. It permeates the atmosphere of the whole area, in a positive way.

They are very strict in their lifestyle, avoiding even the near occasion of sin and prideful tendencies. I admire their conviction, and their fortitude.

My question is, should serious Catholics live a quasi-Amish lifestyle. Perhaps something with a strict dress code. Living in total community as they do. Educating only to what is necessary. Family business, agriculturally-based, but not exclusively so. Shunning of modern amenities. How can God not be pleased with such effort? They are certainly prospering, that’s for sure.

Smoking, drinking, or any impurity is not even thought of, much less spoken of.

The local Friars of the Immaculata seem to truly promote this lifestyle, and I am strongly attracted to it. My attachment to the computer, notwithstanding.

Any thoughts?
 
I admire the Amish also…I think some Christians and Catholics do live like that except for the electric part…I think a lot of Christians homeschool…b/c homeschooling keeps the kids from the bad influences…well tv and computer can be bad influences also…around here, I don’t see a much of homeschooling…is it in the midwest or the south?..I think I’ll start a thread about that…
 
*In some ways, the amish lifestyle intrigues me also…the simplicity. I admit, I do like to shop though, is that bad? I mean – shopping brings jobs to many people, jobs are good. Am I justifying? 😉

Seriously though, in many ways, yes, the amish lifestyle of simplicity and pure living is a positive thing that I admire, but I wouldn’t want to live in a bubble, either, with community rules and regulations, and being told how to dress, etc. I don’t think we need to live like that, to grow in holiness, personally. Just my two cents worth. :)*
 
The Amish are wonderful, Godly people. I had the pleasure of living next door to an Amish family with 12 children. They used to bring us baked goods every once in a while and my mom used to take them to the grocery store and Walmart. Even though I greatly admire their convictions I just don’t think I would live with out air conditioning and deodorant. Not to mention that the hard core Amish don’t even use buttons on their clothing, just straight pins.
 
*When you say that it’s difficult to “make it to heaven,” while Jesus spoke of this …He died on the cross so we could have everlasting life. There is nothing we can DO that will ‘earn’ us heaven. I know you know this, but there seems to be an implication that the amish will somehow “make it” because of their lifestyle, and if we don’t live like that, it will be harder for us. None of us earns heaven, it’s only by God’s grace that we will have eternity in heaven. Our faith should lead us to a life of service to God and others, but only by God’s grace are we saved. I don’t mean this to offend or anything, it just stuck out to me as a curious statement. *
 
I understand what you are saying w-girl. It’s just that I have participated in a thread about the Cure d’Ars’ campaign against dancing. I am not so sure it is “doing” the lifestyle that is the clincher, but in the earnestness in shunning sinful tendencies and actively pursuing that which is good and wholesome. God blesses it, and it is conducive to spiritual maturity and perfection.

I believe it is possible to live a penitential lifestyle without community per-say. It would just be easier and more enjoyable. It would also further the Kingdom of God by showing others what a Godly lifestyle is, and the fruits of it. Of course, keeping outsiders at a distance, and shunning people… I don’t believe in such things.

The Friars have stated that God prefers industry to be family-based. I must agree with that. The downfall of society seems to be connected with the industrial revolution, and its necessary splitting up of the family, but I don’t know. I know God blesses us through family, and prefers all activities to be connected to it.

I have homeschooled for several years, but, alas, it has only served to increase my childrens’ appetite for technology and the outside world. They seem to strive to show everyone they are not the stereotype. Time will tell what good has come from it. I hope some. I know of several homeschoolers who fell in their early adulthood, but so far, all have stumbled their way back to the fold to appreciate their upbringing. I don’t know any that have rebelled completely.
 
Ceil-1 said:
I understand what you are saying w-girl. It’s just that I have participated in a thread about the Cure d’Ars’ campaign against dancing. I am not so sure it is “doing” the lifestyle that is the clincher, but in the earnestness in shunning sinful tendencies and actively pursuing that which is good and wholesome. God blesses it, and it is conducive to spiritual maturity and perfection.

I believe it is possible to live a penitential lifestyle without community per-say. It would just be easier and more enjoyable. It would also further the Kingdom of God by showing others what a Godly lifestyle is, and the fruits of it. Of course, keeping outsiders at a distance, and shunning people… I don’t believe in such things.

The Friars have stated that God prefers industry to be family-based. I must agree with that. The downfall of society seems to be connected with the industrial revolution, and its necessary splitting up of the family, but I don’t know. I know God blesses us through family, and prefers all activities to be connected to it.

I have homeschooled for several years, but, alas, it has only served to increase my childrens’ appetite for technology and the outside world. They seem to strive to show everyone they are not the stereotype. Time will tell what good has come from it. I hope some. I know of several homeschoolers who fell in their early adulthood, but so far, all have stumbled their way back to the fold to appreciate their upbringing. I don’t know any that have rebelled completely.
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Yes, I hear what you are saying, Ceil. In some ways, it would be nice to have a tight knit community of all faithful, devout Catholics. I remember growing up, in tight knit Italian communities in NJ, and ‘everyone’ seemed to be a practicing Catholic…then, something changes, people move on…kids go off to college…have families of their own and move away from the state they were born, etc…I think that we are a country that was built on tight knit family communities and businesses, but as time went on, it changed. I would be interested to read/learn about the industrial revolution, and how that might have played a crucial role in the dismantling of such family communities. This is an interesting thread, thanks for beginning it. 🙂
 
I don’t see why they couldn’t.

The Amish are the ones that live the right way. No TV I could do…no computer would be a pain!
 
Ceil-1 said:
Educating only to what is necessary. … Shunning of modern amenities. How can God not be pleased with such effort?
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Ceil-1 said:
I have homeschooled for several years, but, alas, it has only served to increase my childrens’ appetite for technology and the outside world.
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I am confused, Ceil. "educating only to what is necessary." ??
And…
“but,** alas**, it has only served to increase my childrens’ [sic] appetite for technology and the outside world.”

Why would you NOT want to encourage your children to learn as much about anything and everything they can??? Knowledge is power! One can never be too knowledgeable or educated about something! My kids attend a college prep Catholic high school, and I am continually amazed at the level of classes they offer. My son will be taking a class as a junior next year that I did not take until I was a freshman in college. I think it is wonderful! He will have so many more opportunities for education and learning things. Technology can also be wonderful. I am amazed by the gadgets, gizmos, and abilities we have to do things today.

I seriously believe God is not concerned with whether or not we use technology or not. Sure, if someone uses it for evil purposes, he is probably not happy, but for good? Technology in and of itself is morally neutral. It is what people choose to do with it that is good or evil.

Nothing we do or do not do here on Earth will earn our way into heaven. Not using deodorant and suffering in 95 humid temperatures without air conditioning and only getting a “basic” education makes not one iota of difference to God. Doing those things will not increase our chances. However, I think he would not be pleased if we did not use the gifts He gave us…exercising our brain to its fullest potential, taking advantage of air conditioning when necessary, and smelling acceptable so those around us do not gag (especially when it is 95!).
 
Hi, Rascalking,

In what way are you irritated?

I agree, Amish live right. I wish they weren’t so paranoid of us “English”, though. Maybe they have the right idea. Like the Caananites, let us in and they will be copying our bad habits.
 
I would have a hard time since my career is fixing cars lol
 
Catholic 90,

I do not disagree with you about education, but the Saints would. Many have written that knowledge is not the same as wisdom, and that high levels of education lead to pride. The Amish deliberately hold back to keep from getting prideful. When you think of the current worldview having come from the knowledge obtained through science, (meant to help us, but, consistent with human nature, taken to an excessive level), one wonders how much better off we are with it.

By technology, I mean my children are attracted to You Tube et. al. They love the music stuff they get online. Such dabbling has led one son to sinful temptations. It has been an effort to maintain purity online, not due to him seeking it, but due to it infiltrating his domains. Between TV and the computer, it is impossible to maintain chastity, and avoid idleness and continuous trivial pursuit.

Trouble is, we live in a suburban town. What else is there to do find entertainment and amusements? Sure we do service, but, not 24/7. (I’m talking about teenagers, here, not youngsters). We can’t afford too many outdoor recreations, and I have to work part-time which limits time for fun.

I can’t help but wonder if they would be better off in the country, no TV, etc. Hard to say.
 
Ceil-1 said:
Catholic 90,

I do not disagree with you about education, but the Saints would. I am not trying to please the saints. Many have written that knowledge is not the same as wisdom, and that high levels of education lead to pride. I never said knowledge was wisdom. Knowledge IS power, though. Education is good. One can be educated but not be prideful. The Amish deliberately hold back to keep from getting prideful. When you think of the current worldview having come from the knowledge obtained through science, (meant to help us, but, consistent with human nature, taken to an excessive level), one wonders how much better off we are with it. I do like many of the science advancements…CAT scans, 3D images of internal organs, early detection, ultrasound pics of babies, knowledge of space, knowledge of how things in nature work…FASCINATING! I love it!

By technology, I mean my children are attracted to You Tube et. al. They love the music stuff they get online. Such dabbling has led one son to sinful temptations. It has been an effort to maintain purity online, not due to him seeking it, but due to it infiltrating his domains. Get a filter and monitor, monitor, monitor. Between TV and the computer, it is impossible to maintain chastity, and avoid idleness and continuous trivial pursuit. It is NOT impossible! I have 3 teen boys. All of them are chaste. Sure, they play some online games, but they are certainly not always idle or having trivial pursuits! Two of the 3 have jobs, one is self-educating himself on the stock market (and has earned a 35% return thus far this year), and all volunteer throughout the summer.

Trouble is, we live in a suburban town. What else is there to do find entertainment and amusements? Sure we do service, but, not 24/7. (I’m talking about teenagers, here, not youngsters). We can’t afford too many outdoor recreations, and I have to work part-time which limits time for fun.

I can’t help but wonder if they would be better off in the country, no TV, etc. Hard to say.
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I personally would like certain aspects of living in a “community.” It would be nice to know that everyone in my “community” had similar faiths and moral structures; that if I had kids, I could be a little relaxed with them out and about in the neighborhood. I think I would be very hard pressed to give up AC, though. It’s just June and we’re already in the 100s here in Central Texas.
 
No, I don’t think an Amish/Mennonite-type existence is all that good of an idea. It sounds like one at first glance—I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in a Catholic utopia where so many temptations are alleviated? I guess that’s why there are some Plain Catholics. It’s an attractive concept, I’ll admit.

But I don’t think it’s a very Catholic frame of mind. When you think about it, there is a reason that Catholicism is a body of so many millions of people, even today (and there’s good reason that there aren’t as many Amish and Mennonite people). There’s a reason that it has transcended cultural boundaries and flourished on multiple continents. It’s because we are supposed to be in the world, but not of it.

We are told to rise up against temptations of the world, and it has been said that temptations actually make us spiritually stronger when we are mature enough to resist them.

We are called to be the salt and light of the earth, good examples for our neighbors. It’s not impossible for people living in a segregated community to be good examples to others, but it is much harder. Their lifestyle is just not as visible, and they prefer it that way.

We are told to go out and baptize all nations, not discourage people from joining us, as some Anabaptist sects actually do. I would not have had nearly as many conversations with atheists and agnostics about my faith—conversations that I think were quite positive, and not at all coincidental—if I did not show it at school or at work. People notice things like a coworker making the sign of the cross over their lunch, or when you have rosaries or holy pictures at your desk. Others see these things about us, and believe me, they do make people think.

Wherever the Church goes, society is changed for the better. Art, music, literature, dress, morals, laws—when the Church has a strong presence in an area, these things are all elevated, people are included into this culture of Christendom, the Faith spreads, and more souls are saved. This also happens on smaller, individual levels. So many people are called to evangelize their own families this way.

As to the no drinking or smoking idea, I think that is something of personal preference and doesn’t really have much to do with virtue. And I think G. K. Chesterton would disagree with you heartily. 😛

It would be lovely to live with a bunch of likeminded people, all striving for holiness. But I think it would defeat the purpose of being Catholic. True, there is definitely some degree of separation that pertains to we Catholics who live in the world. Serious Catholics don’t dress or behave in certain ways, but I don’t think that means we should separate ourselves overmuch.

The only exception I can think of to this would be cloistered men and women religious, who have cut themselves off from the world in order to devote themselves fully to Christ and to better pray for others.

Just my :twocents: 😃
 
Hate to be Debbie Downer…, but they have such a thing called Rumspringa for their teen youth. Kind of disturbing.

When Amish children turn 16, the rules change. They’re encouraged to experiment and explore. The idea is that teens will come back to the church after tasting the modern world. For most, this means a tentative foray – a trip to the local movie theater, or driving lessons. But for some, the experience, called rumspringa, is all about sex, parties and fast cars.

npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5455572

American culture has something similar at 18/19 years old. It’s called College. 😃
 
I’ve always been fascinated with the Amish culture. I do think they do some things right. Like the focus on family and helping out around the house and not focusing on modern technologies.

I do think they take some things too far though… Many times they do not try to prosecute those who wrong someone (like rape, murder etc) and in a result of that, the person wronged does suffer I feel. And I don’t agree with many of their feelings towards animal. Many puppy mills are run by Amish.

Of course you’re going to have those types of things in any society though I suppose. I think there’s things to learn from people like them, but I don’t think it’d be necessary to live without modern amenities. Like another poster said, I don’t think technology in and of itself is evil, its more or less how it’s used. Did God not give us a brain and gifts to create things? Doesn’t it say in the Bible to use your talents for God? I think if you’re using your creative ability for the worship of God then it’s good.
 
I’m very sympathetic to the “live like the Amish” mentality. I think a society founded on a slower pace of life and less technological one-ups-manship would be beneficial to all, particularly families, who are busy racing around from one thing to the next. I’m doing a little thinking out loud here about these ideas, that may not be very relevant, but here goes…

God called us to be a light to the world (not to be hidden under a bushel), and leaven, and salt. Leaven is to be mixed in with the dough to raise it; salt, added to food to season it (and salt is to be discarded if it has lost its flavor). We are called to be “in the world but not of it.”

Leaving aside the case of nuns and monks, who have a particular calling to serve God in a certain way, none of these examples sounds like God wants us to seclude ourselves, rather that He wants us to transform society by interacting with it. This doesn’t address the conundrum of personal holiness possibly being harder to achieve in the world… perhaps the ideal would be to achieve some modicum of personal holiness or faith formation first, then interact with society?

As for the idea of educating to need, do you mean limiting all education to around eighth grade? That’s my possibly incorrect understanding of what the Amish do. I’m reminded of the story of the talents, which were to be used rather than buried. People need different educations, based on different talents. St. Alphonsus Liguori was a tremendously educated, brilliant man and I’m not sure he could have made such great gifts to the Church without his education. Ven. Solanus Casey, on the other hand, was holy without being brilliant at all. We would be doing the world, and the Church, a disservice if we strip our thinkers and do-ers of the tools they need to engage the society and move it toward Christ; we do ourselves a disservice when we look down our noses at folks living humble lives of virtue, which has never required college degrees.

Maybe this isn’t what you were wondering about at all! and none of this addresses what God is calling any particular individual toward, these are just a few of my rambling thoughts on this…
 
OLHope said:
is all about sex, parties and fast cars.
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Hey please dont lump in fast cars with sex and parties. Fast cars are not bad as long as there on a race track with drivers that know what they are doing.
 
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