Blogging change

We've moved the blogging date for the last section of Amish Grace to Monday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. We'll look forward to hearing your comments on the final portion of this book.

Part II of Amish Grace explores the history and beliefs of the Anabaptist Amish from the 1500's until today. Their beliefs are characterized by forgiveness, nonresistance, and humility. They place the decisions of the church and the community first before their individual desires and therefore are very submissive to the decisions of the church and community. It is harder for them, as for anyone, to forgive the wrongdoing of someone they have known, lived near, worshiped with, and trusted all of their lives than to forgive a total stranger. Their history shows they are conditioned to opt for martyrdom rather than violence when confronted by an enemy. The oldest of the Nickel Mine students offered to be taken first and showed her acceptance of being the martyr. Their parents forgave and comfort the murderer and his family.

Part Two - Forgiveness

Since Part 2 of Amish Grace focuses on the foundations of forgiveness from the Amish perspective, with the Lord's Prayer being the cornerstone of that foundation, can we be so bold as to examine Luther's explanation of the fifth petition in comparison?

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

We ask in this prayer that our Father in heaven would not hold our sins against us and

because of them refuse to hear our prayer. And we pray that he would give us everything by grace, for we sin every day and deserve nothing but punishment. So we on our part will

heartily forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

~ Martin Luther's Small Catechism

Do you agree with the Amish minister's statement that "sometimes it's harder to forgive each other than it is to forgive someone like Charles Roberts"?

What influences shaped the children of the West Nickel Mines School?

Blogging night moves

We have postponed our "live" blogging to Monday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. We look forward to hearing from you then!