Our third child was born about five weeks ago and we felt it was time to get out of the house and do something fun with the kids before summer passed us by. So we got in the car and headed to Lancaster, PA or as many call it “Amish Country.” Growing up Lancaster was a spot we visited often as kids. I have great memories myself from those visits and wanted to give my kids those same memories this summer. It was also a refreshing and inspiring look at what is possible with a homogenous traditional Christian culture and society.
It’s certainly intriguing to explore alternative lifestyles that choose to limit or reject the adoption of new technologies. The Amish community, known for their simple and self-sustaining way of life, has long fascinated those like me who are seeking a deeper connection with tradition and nature. Many people wrongly believe that the Amish swore off “all technology,” but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The Amish certainly use technology. A wagon is technology. A plow is technology. We may consider these to be “outdated” tech, but they are still technology nonetheless.
These technologies are viewed as practical tools that enhance their self-sufficiency, yet they consciously draw the line at adopting more complex and potentially disruptive advancements. At some point in time a few hundred ...
