Other Nonconformist and Evangelical Churches Books

Book SynopsisThis first comparative study sketches the differences as well as the common threads that bind these groups together.Trade ReviewThe authors give the general reader an excellent basic understanding of the beliefs and practices shared by all of these separatists while making the uniqueness of each group clear. One of the best single-volume works on this subject; highly recommended. Library Journal This look at the history, similarities and differences between four groups of Old Order faithful in North America-Hutterites, Mennonites, Amish and Brethren-is fascinating... A book that, in one volume, tackles history, sociology and future trends-and does it well. -- J. Brent Bill Christian Century A complex, sympathetic, and delightfully nuanced argument that perhaps only such a comparative perspective could produce. The groups in question are depicted not as 'cultural fossils' or 'modern day Luddites' but instead as committed Christians who have made rational choices to stem the tides of modernity that they perceive as destructive to their faith. -- Perry Bush American Historical Review The best effort so far in the task of comparing Old Order ethno-religious groups in North America. -- Steven D. Reschly Journal of American Ethnic History On the Backroad to Heaven is above all an intelligent and accessible introduction to contemporary Old Order communities... This would be a valuable text in many courses on contemporary Western Religion. -- Anna L. Peterson Religious Studies Review Kraybill and Bowman have jointly produced a rich volume that clearly lives up to the promise of their earlier work... [Their] discussion displays both wide accessibility and exemplary clarity and rigor... General readers will find this book stimulating and rewarding. -- Peter C. Blum Mennonite Quarterly Review The material on the Amish and Hutterites in Backroad is excellent, ranking with the best of the sizable amount of literature that is available on both groups. Kraybill and Bowman have provided more information on the Old Order Mennonites and Old German Baptist Brethren than one will find almost anywhere else. This book is recommended not only as an introduction to the four groups, but also as a fairly comprehensive guide to their beliefs and practices. -- Stephen Scott Ohio History 2003 As one has come to expect from books written by Don Kraybill and by Carl Desportes Bowman, the organization of On the Backroad to Heaven is logical and coherent. References to recent phenomena-such as the media frenzy surrounding the unfortunate drug case involving Amish youth-as well as the inclusion of the latest scholarship should make this a book that will appeal to academic and general readers alike. Donald F. Durnbaugh, Professor Emeritus, Bethany Theological Seminary, editor of The Brethren Encyclopedia This is a model ethnography of four pacifist, Christian sectarian groups... It is a bold attempt to bring together four significant 'old order' groups and, through comparitive analysis, create a typology of 'old order' society or, as the authors put it, 'to see Old Orderliness across a spectrum'... This is a perceptive and rigorous ethnographic study, well conceptualized and sensibly executed. -- Royden Loewen Great Plains Research 2003 On the Backroad to Heaven presents an accurate and very informative comparative picture of four Old Order groups in North America. -- David Rempel Smucker Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 2003 The book speaks to classic sociological questions in its exploration of how these four groups [Amish, Hutterites, Mennonites, and Brethren] are constantly responding to changes in the surrounding Gesellschaft society... I highly recommend the book for its thorough coverage of Old Order history, values, beliefs, and lifestyles and for its interesting comparative focus. -- Daniel V. A. Olson Contemporary Sociology 2003 This work is insightful, informative, and so easy to read that I had a hard time putting it down! -- Ed Robbins Provident Book Finder A readily accessible and eminently readable introduction to a seemingly anachronistic world that remains vital in the twenty-first century. -- Timothy Miller Kansas History 2001Table of ContentsContents:Preface AcknowledgmentsCHAPTER ONE: The Old Road to Heaven CHAPTER TWO: The Hutterites CHAPTER THREE: The Mennonites CHAPTER FOUR: The Amish CHAPTER FIVE: The Brethren CHAPTER SIX: Common Convictions CHAPTER SEVEN: Four Roads to Heaven CHAPTER EIGHT: Preserving a Pilgrim People CHAPTER NINE: Ironies of a Postmodern JourneyNotes Selected References Index

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Book SynopsisFrom the police officer dispersing a party full of Amish Youngie to the social worker staffing a child protective services hotline, professionals who work with the Amish will benefit from this one-of-a-kind guide.Trade ReviewServing the Amish: A Cultural Guide for Professionals, by James A. Cates, provides the reader with a window into the world of the Amish... The author provides a wealth of information for all mental health clinicians who may serve in professional roles with member of Amish communities. This book is very successful in achieving its goal of sharing essential information for preparing clinicians working in Amish communities. But this book is much more than that. It also provides valuable information for mental health clinicians who work with clients of all diverse backgrounds in that many of the lessons shared are relevant to how we prepare ourselves for, and conduct ourselves with, member of a wide range of diverse groups... Whether or not one might interact with the Amish in the future, I strongly recommend this well written and engaging book to all mental health professionals and trainees. -- Jeffrey E. Barnett PsycCRITIQUES James A. Cates's Serving the Amish: A Cultural Guide for Professionals delivers a useful tool for practitioners interacting with Amish communities as well as a notable contribution to the field of Amish and Anabaptist studies... Rarely do we see cultural guides that reflect such depth of experience in the community, length of treatment that allows for sufficient detail, and writing that conveys clear respect for the breadth of scholarly literature on a given group. Serving the Amish raises the bar for a form of cultural competency writing that may be embraced by social scientists and practitioners alike. The Mennonite Quarterly ReviewTable of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgmentsPart I: Culture and Context1. Strangers and PilgrimsPart II: Life Experience2. Changing Views of Human Services3. Building and Maintaing Rapport4. Across the Life Span5. Women's Issues6. Sexuality7. Violence and Abuse8. Death and LossPart III: Professional Interaction9. Counseling and Psychotherapy10. Substance Abuse and Addictions11. Law Enforcement and the Judiciary12. Healthcare Professions13. Social Work and Social ServicesPart IV: Practical Considerations14. Guidelines for Service to the AmishEpilogueAppendix AAppendix BAppendix CNotesBibliographyIndex

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