9 episodes
What I Learned From The Amish: With Donald Kraybill Donald Kraybill
-
- Arts
-
-
4.9 • 14 Ratings
-
What, if anything, can we learn from the Amish? Professor Kraybill spent decades researching and writing about this distinctive community. In a series of episodes he argues that our hyper-tech society has much to learn from the horse-and-buggy driving Amish. In each episode, Kraybill explains how an old-fashion practice related to community, technology, apprenticeship, and forgiveness—turns relevant once again in the twenty first century. An Amish man joins the conversation in each session. Donald B. Kraybill is professor of sociology emeritus at Elizabethtown College and senior fellow in the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. An internationally recognized scholar, he has published many books and professional essays on the Amish and other Anabaptist communities in North America. His most recent book, What The Amish Teach Us is available from Johns Hopkins University Press and Amazon.
-
Episode Nine: Death
Professor Kraybill describes the many Amish rituals around dying and shows how their traditions provide special support for the bereaved after a death.
-
Episode Eight: Humility
Professor Kraybill explores the value and practice of humility in Amish life and explains why individualism is the biggest difference between Amish culture and our own.
-
Episode Seven: Choices
Professor Kraybill shows how Amish restrictions of choice improve satisfaction. In other words, why fewer choices bring more joy. He explores examples related to clothing and to wedding practices.
-
Episode Six: Smallness
Professor Kraybill explains why the Amish think bigness ruins things and shows how small-scale life, including small schools, preserve the dignity of individuals.
-
Episode Five: Hacking
Professor Kraybill explores the fascinating ways that Amish “hackers” adapt technology to fit Amish values and practices. He shows how hacking is a way to control technology while at the same time permitting some progress.
-
Episode Four: Forgiveness
An English neighbor shoots ten young girls in an Amish school. Within hours, the Amish offer forgiveness to the offender. Forgiveness is a dominate theme in Amish life, and the Amish community demonstrates how forgiveness brings freedom and healing, and enhances our mental wellbeing.
Customer Reviews
Fascinating
Dr. Kraybill, thank you for sharing your knowledge of the Amish. You’ve helped me personally, to understand and appreciate the Amish.
Simple and Straightforward
Donald does a great job of explaining Amish beliefs and culture in a relaxed and friendly way. Thanks and keep bringing us more episodes.