mightychurch.com

There is trouble in Amish community - program on ABC Catalyst, Sunday July 12, 10pm

Quite a few people are discovering that Amish elders are not following the bible but creating their own rules.

The Amish bible is the original one from 300 years ago, written in old German, and no one can understand that language any more.
Some people who took the step of reading an Englsih bible have discovered that faith in Jesus is the most important thing.

So do they now obey the elders or the bible?
If they defy the elders they will be excommunicated.
But many have taken that step and started their own private bible studies and worship assemblies.
They still maintain their Amish background, but are now Christians.

“Trouble in Amish Paradise” was actually shown on “Compass”. It is a pretty amazing documentary - seeming to present Amish more as a cult with their Pharisaical adherence to man-made rules - rather than relying on Scripture.

[ “Compass” is repeated on ABC 2 on Fridays at 6pm - however, as last night’s episode was about 53” , perhaps they will divide it and show it over several weeks. ]

Meanwhile, you can watch it live on-line here :
http://www.abc.net.au/compass/video.htm?pres=20090712

A transcript will be available - but it’s not up yet.

Here’s the Summary from the Compass website :

The Amish arrived in America 300 years ago and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, today home to around 30 000 hardworking Amish whose lives revolve around their church, families and land. As well as a strictly plain dress code, they don’t use cars, electricity and eschew modern technology. This program follows two men who let us into their private world because although their Christian faith is strong they begin questioning the all-powerful bishops’ authority and rules. They are ultimately excommunicated for not following strict Amish law, but that’s not the end of the story.