Posts by Saloma Furlong
The Ramifications of Wisconsin v. Yoder, Part 1
Of all the questions I get at my book talks, none will get a more passionate response than when someone asks about Amish and why they limit their education to eight grades. Many people are under the impression that education is limited for girls only, but in this case the deprivation is equally shared between…
Read MoreIn Our Backyard
There is no surer sign of the seasons changing than that of birds migrating. David and I have had the privilege of living in homes on migratory routes. Once, while we were living in Fairfax, Vermont, we had our windows open for the first time in early June. At supper, I heard birds that were…
Read MoreAutumn Memories and Pumpkin Pie
My house smells like autumn right now. I made my first pumpkin pie of the season today. I took the recipe off my own website and realized when I tasted the pie filling that I had adapted a two-pie recipe to one, all except for the molasses — Drats! When everything is right, pumpkin pie…
Read MoreCan you Spell “Inauthentic”?
I’ve been asked, over the past several weeks, what I think of the reality television series Breaking Amish. I always answer the same thing, “I don’t watch television, and I cannot imagine that this show is all that “real” or authentic. It would be the first reality show about the Amish that ever was. And…
Read MoreMy Book’s on Sale!
Thank you to those who let me know that it was difficult to leave comments on my blog. I have corrected that situation, so you don’t have to type those indecipherable letters/words just to be allowed to leave a comment. Since I’ve done this, I’ve been getting a lot of solicitations, which always start out…
Read MoreIs Our Image of the Amish on Trial?
There is a news story written by John Seewer that was just circulated by the Associated Press about the centrality of Amish shunning in the hate crime trial in Cleveland, Ohio. These last few days the trial has had me reflecting on why the outcome of this trial (which has yet to be determined) is…
Read MoreTurning the Amish Table
I’ve been following the media stories about the trial of members of the Bergholz Amish community in Ohio. Among all the back and forth of the two groups, the one thing I find the most fascinating is that it has become a contest on who is the most Amish — as if this is a…
Read MoreHe Restoreth My Soul
Sunday morning David and I realized we hadn’t made any plans for the weekend because our lives have been so busy. We felt like getting away from our everyday life, so I called our long-time friends, Janel and Paul Gamm, and asked them if we could come to their Labor Day party. Janel and I…
Read MoreRebecca Questions Answered 2
Stephanie Reed wrote: Has Rebecca had a chance to begin attending a Bible-believing church since she left? I believe that’s a hugely important step in her journey, one that will provide a whole community of support in addition to yours, not to mention setting her on a path to healing. Rebecca has chosen not to…
Read MoreRebecca Questions Answered
Elin wrote: Would Rebecca perhaps like to tell us a bit what it has been like this far to be out of the Amish? It must be a very emotional experience, both good and bad, at least I would guess so myself. Rebecca says, “Yes, it is emotional.” She describes one example of something good…
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