My Journey from the Amish Community to
Writing
"Must I Remain Amish?"
Ray Burkholder
Author
A Personal Exploration of Faith and Doctrine
Born and raised in the Old Order Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio, for 49 years, I always adhered to the traditions and teachings that were passed down through generations. The Amish way of life, characterized by simplicity, humility, and devotion, was the bedrock of my existence.
However, as time went on, certain issues within our community began to raise questions in my mind. I started to wonder about the way some matters were handled within our community. Whether it was the strict shunning policies, the rules and modern conveniences, I often found myself questioning if these practices were truly reflective of God’s will. Were the teachings we received every Sunday in church genuinely rooted in biblical doctrine, or were they interpretations shaped by centuries of tradition?
Driven by these questions, I turned to the Bible, seeking clarity and truth. What I discovered was both eye-opening and transformative. The scriptures illuminated many aspects of my faith that I had previously taken for granted, providing me with a deeper understanding of God’s
word and its application to daily life.
Thus, the idea for “Must I Remain Amish?” was born. My goal in writing this book was to address the confusion and questions that often arise about the Amish faith, both within and outside the community. I wanted to share my journey and findings with others who might be grappling with similar doubts and questions.
Examining Amish Doctrines
In “Must I Remain Amish?” I delve into some of the most commonly taught doctrines within our Amish community, comparing them to what the Bible actually teaches. Through this comparison, I aim to shed light on the discrepancies and encourage readers to study these matters for themselves on their own as well.
A Heart Felt Message
Throughout “Must I Remain Amish?” my intention has been to keep the discussion as simple, short, and to the point as possible, ensuring that the message is accessible to all readers. My heartfelt desire is to help people,– especially those within the Amish community—understand
these matters from a scriptural perspective.
By sharing my journey and the insights I have gained, I hope to provide a source of clarity and encouragement for anyone questioning their faith or the teachings they have received. It is my belief that faith should be grounded in the word of God rather than man-made traditions from
our forefathers, and that questioning and seeking are vital parts of spiritual growth. Our eternal destiny hinges upon it!
Conclusion
“Must I Remain Amish?” is more than just a book; it is an invitation to explore faith with an open heart and mind, to seek answers in the scriptures, and to embrace the transformative power of God’s word. Whether you are a member of the Amish community, someone with questions about the Amish faith, or simply a seeker of truth, it is my sincere hope that my book will provide you with valuable insights, guidance and inspiration within its pages. Together, let us embark on this journey of faith, guided by the light of scripture and the love of God, knowing the importance of aligning one’s beliefs with divine truth.
Ray Burkholder
Author
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Excellent and Organized Book by a Man with a Heart for the Amish
I was delighted to read my copy of Must I Remain Amish? Ray has done an excellent job in organizing his book around many of the questions that do (or hopefully will) come up amongst the Amish people.
With a heart filled of love for his people, the Amish, Ray beseeches them to examine the doctrines of man. and judge them by what the Word of God, the Bible, says on these subjects. All people in this world need to decide who they will follow; the thoughts of fallible men, or the Word of the one true God of the Bible. Ray puts both of these side-by-side on a number of issues.
I pray that Ray’s book be read, and be a blessing to as many as possible!
MUST READ!
This book is a must read for anyone who might be questioning or wondering about the Amish system. It addresses one by one, each belief the Amish base themselves and their beliefs upon, with unarguable Truth straight from Scripture!
It is eye opening and a timely read! I praise God for putting it upon Ray’s heart to help others to understand these very important topics that often cause much confusion.