When the subject of Amish and forgiveness comes up a lot of people seem to think that they are somewhat hypocritical because they shun those of us who have left the Amish.
While I don't agree with that practice, I don't see it as being unforgiving.
The Amish believe that those who have left their church have been deceived and are no longer pleasing God.
They base their practice of excommunication and shunning on 1 Corinthians 5. It's not that they don't still love those who have left, but they feel their duty and devotion to God and the Amish church requires them to not have too much contact with those who have left so that they don't also become deceived.
Our decision to leave the Amish was one that we didn't make lightly. We knew doing so would change everything. That as long as we didn't go back we would be shunned. We don't hold that against them. It's what they believe, and they have the right to practice that belief even though it is hard for everyone. On both sides. Not just the ones who leave, but the ones that are doing the shunning don't like it any more than we do.
There is a whole lot of hurt, but there isn't unforgiveness.
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There is a lot packed into this - you could teach our culture a lot. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, Beth.
DeleteSending blessings from The Netherlands.
Oh, you stated this well. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteI thank you for your response. It is one I will have to consider carefully.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting concept. It is so sad though just the same.
ReplyDeletethank you so much for explaining this in such an eloquent way, I never really understood this and living in a community that has had twelve Amish families recently join it helps me understand much better,
ReplyDeleteI am happy to have this explained. I can't help but think that the hurt on both sides is not what our loving God wants!
ReplyDeleteThe Amish are only doing what they feel is right and pleasing to God. We who leave, choose to leave on our own free will.
ReplyDeleteYou explained it very well and concisely for those of us that struggle with the concept. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Well explained, but so sad for all concerned.
ReplyDeleteKathy (from Reflections by Kathy)