Review of "Rumspringa: To Be or Not to Be Amish"

Rumspringa: To Be or Not to Be Amish by Tom Shachtman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Amish.  The author intersperses firsthand testimonials with his own research and background information. Shachtman deals with a wider variety of issues than you might think would be encompassed by the idea of rumspringa, including the role of women, deeper matters of faith, economy, etc.

Rumspringa, in my opinion, seems a very bizarre idea. Old Order Amish shun the modern English world and yet let their teenagers venture off into it ill-prepared with no restrictions whatsoever. How any of these teens manage to come out of the other side of it without serious repercussions is beyond me. (And some definitely experience those serious repercussions!) To have the world of modern technology, fashion, and ideas opened to you all at once, including drugs, alcohol,and sex, is a completely overwhelming concept.

Furthermore, as a Christian, I have a hard time reconciling this idea of a "free pass" for these years to the idea of living your life for Christ, putting aside the old self and putting on the new self in Christ.

Anyway, if you are at all interested in the Amish, I think you would find this book fascinating and informative.



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