They ARE Amish

Just to clear the little debate that seems to be going on in this BB -- the community Rebecca belongs to in this book are a blend of Amish/Mennonite, a. k. a. "Plain People." They are called "Plain" because they literally live a very plain life. No ornamentation or frippery allowed in their homes or clothing.

They also aren't allowed to sing because they believe it leads to sin. Amish men wear beards when they reach adulthood, just like the men in the movie. They don't accept any outsiders into their religion, hence the title of the movie and the book its adapted from, Outsiders by Penelope Williamson. The Amish are also Pacifist, they don't involve themselves in any violence because "The Christian does not choose a nonviolent approach to conflict because of assurance it will always work; rather the Christian chooses this approach because of his/her commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord." Amish men and women may only marry within their Church. And the Amish practice shunning their peers for heinous sins.

Myths in the movie:

1. The Amish are not opposed to medicine. In fact, they help each other pay for hospital services.
2. The Amish don't shun people left and right.


"The term "church members" means those who are baptized as adults and voluntarily commit themselves to a life of obedience to God and the church. Yes, those who break their baptismal vows are shunned by the Old Order Amish. "Belonging" is important and shunning is meant to be redemptive. It is not an attempt to harm or ruin the individual and in most cases it does bring that member back into the fellowship again. Actually, the number of members excommunicated and shunned by the Amish is small.

The Biblical basis for shunning is found in these two verses: "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat" (I Corinthians 5:11)

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and of fences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." (Romans 16:17)

The families of a shunned member are expected to also shun them. Families shun the person by not eating at the same table with them. The practice of shunning makes family gatherings especially awkward." (from Amish FAQs, http://www.800padutch.com/atafaq.shtml#shun)

For more info about the Amish and Mennonites, see these links:

Amish FAQs: http://www.800padutch.com/atafaq.shtml#shun

Who are the Amish?: http://www.800padutch.com/amish.shtml

P.S. I live right outside Lancaster County, PA. It is a beautiful place and I know some very fine Mennonites who live there. I recommend visiting it if you love the wide open spaces, folk art (they sell their quilts and carpentry), great German food, etc.