Is there any reason to think the Amish are lacking anything in life by abandoning technology?

Question

They use all solar power (as the sun grows their crops which feed their horses that plow their fields). What do you think?

Answer 1

I think they may in some cases lack the advances of medicine. They do allow their children to be taken to hospital occassionally for modern medicine when absolutely necessary. The circumstance is discussed between elders and a medical need will be determined. If elders disagree that there is medical need, the family may still take their child to hospital if they choose, but the father will be expected to admit as much in a public gathering to his judgment. The congregatoin will forgive him. I think that there is not such an aversion to modern medicine as there once was and it appears that the women, more than the men, feel most pressured to accept modern medical technology. The Amish are not a cult. Their doctrine is to be separated from being worldly, not separated from the world. There is a difference. They will implement modern tools/equipment if it does not make them dependent and therefore vulnerable to worldly behavior. They do not dictate the congregatoins actions. The elders are highly respected and attempt to guide the youngers. In fact, when a child turns 16 he/she is taken into the "world" so they can decide for themselves if they want to remain in the Amish community. A few years ago, more than 90% returned to the community. It is an awesome way of life. They are pacifist. They take every word of the Bible seriously... and we might do well to emulate them far more than we do. Unfortunately, I am not as pacifist as I could want to be. The Amish are Blessed. They certainly don't feel they are lacking.

Answer 2

If anything technology has made us grow apart from our fellow man. You may say, look at this site, you are talking with people and sharing ideas you would never have met or known if it were not for technology. But are we not all shut ins who would rather talk on-line because it is safer than actual human contact. Most people would rather email than talk on the phone or meet face to face. The Amish make the time to talk and shake hands with their neighbors.

I am not saying that the Amish have the ideal way of life but it seems like their society is more advanced when you look at their simple but wholesome way of life compared to our decadent society!

Answer 3

I haven't seen our Amish neighbors lacking anything. They seem content with the lives they have chosen. Sometimes I even find myself yearning for some of their own simplicity and faith!

The Amish community of Pennslyvania has really touched a lot of people in this country in the last week, whether they know it or not. I wish we could broadcast how they have acted across the oceans, to show others "this is how we should be".

Answer 4

they live naturally the way God planned. they live off the land and you never miss something you have never had. people grew up years ago without tvs ect . they were just more hard working and probably kept the body fat off from the excercise. kids did better to because they played out side more instead of becomming couch potatoes and over weight kids.I really doubt the amish feel they need these things and they are strong beleivers of God and living off the land. the women are very good cooks and bakers all from scratch no boxes. thier days are long and well spent.

Answer 5

Don't you think they would like everything technologically advanced so they would have more time to take care of their kids so they don't get shot by mentally derranged molestors while they are plowing the fields or their wives in the barn. They are in denial as to what nature has provided above all other things.... a brain.

Answer 6

how come all these devices created to save time doesn't give us more time? I would think that the Amish have a better quality of time with their families than we do. they work hard to raise their crops and have a better food source than most. talk about Organic! The truly depend on God for their support of life and now grace.

Answer 7

the place is it written that believers don't have self belief in technology? technology and technologies is evidenced everywhere. How can they be denied? technology, besides the indisputable fact that, did no longer create evolution. it could have disclosed evolutionary techniques yet did no longer create evolution, and believers don't have subject concerns with technology. We would take subject with sciences unproven and unprovable announcement of evolution over creation yet we don't deny technology. So there are no motives for us to pass into the back areas of civilization.

Answer 8

They are supposed to be the happiest people on earth.
They take in the world not of the world to the limit.
they posses a lot of truth.

I really feel so bad for the resent deaths that occurred within their group. Outsiders got em.

Answer 9

They use technology. They use tools. But, they do not use much of modern technology - computers, cars, planes, etc.

It is their choice. They seem to do alright. Sometimes I wonder if we who are immersed in modern technology have lost something from OUR lives. There is a great deal of life out there beyond iPods and Yahoo Answers.

Answer 10

Technology makeslife easier.But are we happier? Amish people are what they chose to be.If they are happy then they don't lack from not using a microwave or computer.The Amish showed us alot this week ,so I don't believe they are lacking.