In Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and...
Illustration
In Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and scattered throughout several other states live small colonies of Amish people. Stemming from a pacifist movement, they came to the United States in an effort to remain faithful to their understanding of God's call to them not to enter any war for any reason. Persecution was the result and so they came across the Atlantic to search for freedom. Standing fast against the culture, they developed men's coats with no buttons so as to make a statement against the military, all of whom had brass buttons on their uniforms. They maintained as simple a lifestyle as was possible as a witness and a discipline of faith. It was not always easy.
The movement continues to be challenged by the more dominant culture that surrounds it on all sides. But the most faithful see their lives as a part of their faith. They try to be kind, honest, and righteous people. They try to point to the power of God in their lives. They strive for simplicity, purity, and holiness. And oddly, although most Americans find it hard to understand them, they are also admired by nearly all who encounter them. Such is the power of faith lived out -- even when it is hard to understand.
-- Daubert
The movement continues to be challenged by the more dominant culture that surrounds it on all sides. But the most faithful see their lives as a part of their faith. They try to be kind, honest, and righteous people. They try to point to the power of God in their lives. They strive for simplicity, purity, and holiness. And oddly, although most Americans find it hard to understand them, they are also admired by nearly all who encounter them. Such is the power of faith lived out -- even when it is hard to understand.
-- Daubert
