Rating: Not rated
Tags: Comparative Religions, History, Lang:en
Summary
Includes pictures
**
Includes contemporary accounts
*Includes a bibliography for further reading
Since its fruition, Christianity has faced an unremitting
string of conflicts, critics, and challenges. As the number of
Christian converts grew, the growth in clashes on ideologies
and control was only natural. In the same vein, more and more
of those who called themselves Christians seemed to be straying
further and further away from God's light. Drunkenness, heresy,
and immorality were on the rise. The Middle Ages was especially
rife with rape, incest, adultery, and other obscene sexual
behaviors, which were well-recorded by medieval chroniclers.
The English scholar, Alcuin, lamented that civilization had
become “absolutely submerged under flood of fornication,
adultery, and incest, so that the very semblance of modesty is
entirely absent.”
Towards the 17th century, the Puritan-raised George Fox became
increasingly discouraged by the worsening moral conditions of
society. George was unable to fill the spiritual void inside of
him, until one day, he discovered his inner
“Light.” Next came the godly visions. George began
to preach about the “true” Word of God, and soon,
amassed a following – the Religious Society of Friends,
later known as the “Quakers.”
Few today know much about the Quakers. Whenever the subject of
Quakerism slips into conversation, most picture a rosy-cheeked
fellow in a simple black overcoat, and a wide brim hat atop his
thick, cloud-white hair, inspired by the famous logo of the
Quaker Oats company. In spite of the stereotype, Quakers today
come in all colors, shapes, and sizes, with the more liberal
folk sporting trendy haircuts, tattoos, and various piercings.
They call themselves “Friends,” a starkly different
but very devout following of God. They strive for a world
empowered by peace and acceptance, an ambitious mission fueled
by diversity, blind to race, gender, or creed.
Back in the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation took
Europe by storm. The havoc wreaked saw the split of churches
and the emergence of the Amish, led by Jakob Ammann. By the
18th century, a group of Amish had crossed the seas to the
United States, where they made their home, and today the Amish
are now one of the fastest-growing populations in the world.
Buggies, straw hats, long and plain dresses in shades of blue
and black, charming log cabins reminiscent of the Little House
on the Prairie – this is often the mental image that
comes to mind when one thinks of the Amish. Nowadays, many have
become accustomed to being within a 10 foot radius of at least
3 pieces of technology every hour of the day. World news and
current events has never been more readily available,
accessible by just a touch of a fingertip. Yet there exists a
collection of cultures worldwide that steer clear of
contemporary society for a range of reasons.
Americans have heard of the Amish, but most know little about
them. They are often seen as unconventional and strictly
religious, but quiet, calm folk who keep to themselves. Those
who have heard of them know of their rejection of electricity
and most, if not all modern aspects of life. Those who have
taken a gander at the dozens of “reality shows”
that have sprung up over recent years may have even heard of
the ever-so-famous – but often inaccurately depicted
– Rumspringa. But beyond the buggies and prayer bonnets
lies an intriguing culture that has remained strictly loyal to
its roots.
The Quakers and the Amish: The History and Legacy of the Two
Unique Religious Communities profiles both societies, and the
praise and criticism they’ve received over the centuries.
Along with pictures of important people, places, and events,
you will learn about the Quakers and Amish like never
before.