Must I Remain Amish (By: Ray Burkholder)

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.