In the USA a man has the right to make many choices. When someone (person or government) takes away that right they are said to be interfering with the other's freedom, even if they can justify such a restriction (ie: you cannot yell fire in a crowded building).
But what if the person is never allowed to explore any other way of life except the one they grew up with? Are they really free to choose?
2007-09-15 12:24:02 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I have never heard of "rumspringa" but it sounds like a very interesting idea.
2007-09-15 12:40:17 · update #1
Good Grief
Who are you going to pick on next? Here's a hint - how about doing some research first before Bulldozering in showing your ignorance all over the place.
There are non-rural Armish communities out there - with loads of cross-movement.
It is not a Cult.
They are not as ignorant as many of their critics.
.
2007-09-15 12:55:26 · answer #1 · answered by Rai A 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
An excellent documentary called "The Devil's Playground" answers this question. Amish boys and girls when they reach about 18, go through a ritual called Rumspringa where they go into the non-Amish world and decide if they want to return and become Amish. During Rumspringa, they explore life, and potential mates, etc.
2007-09-15 19:28:56 · answer #2 · answered by CC 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
It's a fine line to walk. You have to be careful not to attempt to impose your ideals on someone else. Richard Dawkins seems to feel that the Amish children cannot truly choose to be Amish because they don't have the facts to choose to be uneducated beyond a certain point. Of course by educating the children to a point (ie: the manditory age of 16) you remove their choice as well. Just by a different means.
As I understand it, there are some groups of the Amish that allow youths of a certain age out into the wider world to see if they want to remain Amish. Of course there are reprocusions of leaving, such as losing their family.
2007-09-15 19:29:18 · answer #3 · answered by mist_dark 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Amish allow their youth to explore the outside world between their 16th birthdays and whenever they choose to be baptized in to the church. This is called rumspringa, directly translated as "running around."
2007-09-15 19:29:57 · answer #4 · answered by love 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
They usually take some time to leave, and live normally for a little while (at around 18 - 20) so they can decide whether to stay amish or not... Most choose to stay amish since they are shunned by their families if they choose to not be amish.
Plus they don't usually live in "amish only" villages... I see them at walmart occasionally.
2007-09-15 19:27:21 · answer #5 · answered by funaholic 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Except that Amish boys are not confined to a village. Mostly they are farmers, so not in a village and they go to various events in the area including fairs and sales.
2007-09-15 19:27:17 · answer #6 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Read Brave New World.
Then ask yourself...who's moral standard is right?
Even if you say God, they can say Ford...
The truth is there is no answer.
I live by compassion towards humanity, and for progress. Those are my guidelines.
And even if there aren't guidelines, I'm ok with that because these specific guidelines harm none and do not limit my intellect.
2007-09-15 19:30:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Typically, they ARE given a year off to decide if they wish to choose their fathers' lifestyle, or that of the world. It is a testimony to their faith and righteousness that most of their kids come back to them at the end of that year.
2007-09-15 19:35:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Rumspringa, look it up, they do know what they have to choose from.
2007-09-15 19:29:25 · answer #9 · answered by XX 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋