The Amish and the Traditional

[paleoman]

#3058

OK, so it’s a quiet, snowy day here in Michigan and I had this thought that I’ll flip out and see what bites. Can us trad bowmen (and women) be compared to the Amish in our own world? I’m no Old Order expert, but they and their related sects (Mennonites, etc.) do reject much of the modern world or pick and choose from it what suits them. It’s almost as if we’ve said “enough” from the modern world and put the brakes on too. Fair comparison?

[SteveMcD]

#16005

Uhhhh, NO.

Just because I prefer a longbow over a compound, doesn’t mean I would reject life support at the hospital if I needed it. Secondly, “Modern” Longbows and Reurves, all use glass epoxies, exotic woods, stains and finishes, that were unheard of in the days of Art Young & Saxton Pope.

Although, I wish I still had my GTO over the SUV I drive today… it’s a far cry from a horse & buggy.

[paleoman]

#16153

I’m not saying I reject the modern world, no way – too many enjoyable vices! It’s less a direct comparison I was thinking about than maybe there’s a grain of something in common in limiting ourselves?? I dunno, I was watching a program on the Amish and it’s a nice, slow day:)

[duboisj]

#16868

😳

paleoman wrote: I’m not saying I reject the modern world, no way – too many enjoyable vices! It’s less a direct comparison I was thinking about than maybe there’s a grain of something in common in limiting ourselves?? I dunno, I was watching a program on the Amish and it’s a nice, slow day:)

The Amish aren’t really about the nice slow day. They’re about their faith in God and living life with their eyes set on Him. They reject modern conveniences because those speed up life into a whirlwind and it’s easy to lose sight of God and Neighbor when that happens.

Perhaps you’re right about that “grain” though: “Be still, & know that I am God” when we’re out in the woods just might be God pulling us toward life lived as He intended, focused on the things that matter.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#16896

All my knowledge of the Amish is anecdotal, but I spent a day hunting on a Hutterite colony in northern Montana a few years ago. While most of the day was spent out on the prarie, far from the colony, we did have to go spend some time with them in the morning and fill out some paperwork, etc. It was pretty fascinating. Felt like I’d walked into a another country.

Unlike the Amish, Hutterites seem to live in long dormitory buildings, kind of like factory housing, up to 200 people in one colony. It was kind of bleak, actually – nothing like the quaint Amish farms. And also unlike the Amish, they seem to have no qualms about using the latest high-tech farming equipment (and lots of it), driving around in cars, etc. But they still dress like it’s the 1800’s, which makes for an odd contrast.

At the end of the day, we were sitting drinking a beer by the horse trailer, and one of the elders drove up and bummed a beer off us. It was an eye-opening day to say the least.

Not sure if they would ever pick up a bow – they’re extreme pacifists, which is what got them “invited to leave” the US back during WWII. They refused to fight, and migrated to Canada instead.

All in all, while I respect them, I can’t say I really have anything in common with them, or would want to live that way, though I was grateful for their hospitality. But when I think about it, I reckon I’m probably more similar to them, in terms of my idiosyncratic blend of modern and traditional in my life, than to the Amish.

And cracking a beer with a guy who looked like he just stepped out of a time machine from 1870 is a memory I won’t forget. 🙂

[james gilmer]

#19147

i see more amish with compoounds here in mn than with trad gear.

[Troy Breeding]

#19434

A few of the Amish here in OH do use Trad gear, but most use compounds. To each his own.

Troy

[Jason Wesbrock]

#19539

I didn’t make the choice to use recurves and longbows out of dislike for something else. I use them because I enjoy doing so.

And like Steve…I wish I had a GTO, preferably a ’64.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#19694

J.Wesbrock wrote: I didn’t make the choice to use recurves and longbows out of dislike for something else. I use them because I enjoy doing so.

Well said, J.

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