The Riddle of Amish Culture (Center
Books in Anabaptist Studies) by
Donald B. Kraybill
Hoofbeats Into My Heart
Since its publication in 1989, The Riddle of Amish Culture has become
recognized as a classic work on one of Americas most distinctive religious
communities. But many changes have occurred within Amish society over
the past decade, from westward migrations and a greater familiarity with
technology to the dramatic shift away from farming into small business
which is transforming Amish culture. For this revised edition, Donald B.
Kraybill has taken these recent changes into account, incorporating new
demographic research and new interviews he has conducted among the
Amish. In addition, he includes a new chapter describing Amish recreation
and social gatherings, and he applies the concept of social capital to his
sensitive and penetrating interpretation of how the Amish have preserved
their social networks and the solidarity of their community.

Personal Review: The Riddle of Amish Culture (Center Books in
Anabaptist Studies) by Donald B. Kraybill
There is so much we urgently need to learn from the Anabaptists that this
book becomes a "must read". With our economy sliding down an ever
more slippery slope and the very structure of global society changing
uncertainly we can very profitably take some pages from here, to use, to
give us a footing in this troubling time. We "English" may have plenty to
worry about, but the Amish will simply go on about their business. They will
hardly notice if the lights go out, the banks close and fiat money becomes
worthless. They have nourished core sociatal values which have been
sadly abandoned during the years of our "liberation" and the designation of
the US as "the world's consumer". They already keep it simple, their family
structures are unusually sound, their children are cherished and
safeguarded. They are nonviolent and a persons word is their bond. The
barter system as well as doing unto others as they would be done by
works very well. They believe in hard work in caring for what they have,
and really, caring for the land and the family is really what grows our own
roots. Blindly racing after more "stuff" and "toys" has begun to pall with
many of us in the "me first" lonely world. Or it has for me. I've a degree in
Sociology and have always found the Plain People of prime interest and as
the years have passed I have been honored to study them. This book is
really one of the best, in my humble estimation. You will learn much about
what makes these people do so well, but I also urge you to read this book
especially with an eye for enriching your own life in what may be coming in
our personal paths. It may make the difference between misery and peace.
Several years ago I found a small very conservative Mennonite Church
which I visit some 50 miles from me and the round trip is time well spent.
They have a delightful bright, sparkling clean school there too. Children
could not be more lovingly educated. If anyone thinks that the 8th grade
isn't enough, I've got news for you! That entire congregation will give any
intellectual out there a real run for their money. They all speak 3-4
languages and are very well traveled. Their manners are as polished as
the shining windows of the classrooms without the faintest hint of pride and
respectful visitors are most kindly treated. I have found this book to be of
endless value in understanding my friends as well as giving new structure
and peace to my own life. This book will take you much further than sitting
on a tour bus staring at what many barely understand, but on a deeper
level long for.
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