Once you become Amish....

[Archie F. Swin]

...what will your fondest modern world memory be?

(poll forthcoming)

[Rain Man]

I had no idea that the Amish don't allow Gaz.


I bet at some point the Amish find a loophole in their rules to allow Internet use, just like the Jewish have found loopholes to operate machinery on Saturday. At some point, some savvy clergyperson says, "You know, if we interpret it this way..."

[seclark]

well groomed beavers
sec

[JBucc]

You know, I never thought about the heating or cooling. And what happens if one gets sick? Are they allowed modern medicine or to have x-rays or MRI's?

[Rain Man]

I've never figured out what they can and can't have. I've heard people say that they won't use electricity, but they will use electric power tools.

And more important, I have no idea why they set the rules that they do. What's the big deal about the mid-19th century? Why do they stop development there? Why not the 16th century, and let them all run around in powdered wigs and tights? Or the fourth century, and have them all wear togas? I don't get it.

Originally Posted by JBucc

You know, I never thought about the heating or cooling. And what happens if one gets sick? Are they allowed modern medicine or to have x-rays or MRI's?

They usually die during the 2 day ambulance journey to the hospital.

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by Phobia

They usually die during the 2 day ambulance journey to the hospital.

[Simplex3]

If it's true that I won't be able to shave that will suck. Other than that I'd be cool. I don't need any of this crap.

[Rain Man]

Perhaps there's an Amish bulletin board site where we can ask the Amish these questions.

[Simplex3]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Perhaps there's an Amish bulletin board site where we can ask the Amish these questions.

See, this is where the Buddhists have the Amish beat hands down. They HAVE bulletin boards and stuff.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by Simplex3

See, this is where the Buddhists have the Amish beat hands down. They HAVE bulletin boards and stuff.

I thought the Buddhist boards only existed transcendentally.

I think I found an Amish board, but it's never had a post on it.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I've never figured out what they can and can't have. I've heard people say that they won't use electricity, but they will use electric power tools.

And more important, I have no idea why they set the rules that they do. What's the big deal about the mid-19th century? Why do they stop development there? Why not the 16th century, and let them all run around in powdered wigs and tights? Or the fourth century, and have them all wear togas? I don't get it.

I don't think it's about electricity or the internal combustion engine, or modern contraptions in themselves.
They don't per se ban these things as evil, so much as they eschew them in favor of interpersonal reliance.
Basically they see modern conveniences as impersonal and ostentatious, while their lifestyle is centered on humility and social interaction [among themselves].
That's why they have rumsprigga, lets the teens decide for themselves if they prefer the modern life, or at least taste it to further cement the good qualities of their chosen life.

[Simplex3]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

That's why they have rumsprigga, lets the teens decide for themselves if they prefer the modern life, or at least taste it to further cement the good qualities of their chosen life.

You have to admire a way of life which allows their kids the ability to seek out other lifestyles and judge for themselves.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

I don't think it's about electricity or the internal combustion engine, or modern contraptions in themselves.
They don't per se ban these things as evil, so much as they eschew them in favor of interpersonal reliance.
Basically they see modern conveniences as impersonal and ostentatious, while their lifestyle is centered on humility and social interaction [among themselves].
That's why they have rumsprigga, lets the teens decide for themselves if they prefer the modern life, or at least taste it to further cement the good qualities of their chosen life.

Y'know, to be honest, I'm looking at that list of stuff and I wouldn't mind living without all of them 99 percent of the time. It might not be good for my material wealth, but it would probably improve my quality of life. Maybe the Amish are onto something.

I would just need the rest of you to keep developing weapons so the terrorists don't take over.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Y'know, to be honest, I'm looking at that list of stuff and I wouldn't mind living without all of them 99 percent of the time. It might not be good for my material wealth, but it would probably improve my quality of life. Maybe the Amish are onto something.

I would just need the rest of you to keep developing weapons so the terrorists don't take over.

Yeah, there are some intriguing aspects. But a life oblivious to the saga of Dawson and Pacey is a life I don't want to live.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

Yeah, there are some intriguing aspects. But a life oblivious to the saga of Dawson and Pacey is a life I don't want to live.

My biggest worry would be that reading the box scores of the Chiefs games wouldn't be as satisfying as watching them on TV.