On March 12th at 10:30 p.m. on ORF 2; afterwards: “A homecoming – in the footsteps of the Anabaptists in Austria”
Vienna (OTS) – They live like they did 300 years ago: the Amish in the USA. The religious community has its origins in Europe and follows its own rules. Deeply rooted in their faith, the Amish practice adult baptism and – depending on the strictness of the community – refuse technical progress. They wear old-fashioned clothes, hats, bonnets and long beards. Barbara Völkel’s film “The Life of the Amish,” which “kreuz und quer” will show on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 10:30 p.m. on ORF 2, provides insight into a traditional world. At 11:15 p.m. Birgit Mosser-Schuöcker follows in the footsteps of the Anabaptists in Austria in “A Homecoming”.
“The Life of the Amish” – A film by Barbara Völkel
Anyone who meets the Amish immerses themselves in a bygone world. Originally from southern Germany and Switzerland, the Amish community has brought their culture and language to the New World:
They speak Pennsylvania German – a mixture of English and German dialects – and live as they did 300 years ago. Deeply rooted in their faith, the Amish follow strict guidelines and reject modern technologies and ways of life. To outsiders, these rules can sometimes seem puzzling. They travel through their rural communities in horse-drawn carriages, but if it’s too far, they can use a shuttle service from which some Americans earn a lot. The phone is not used unless it is for business purposes and the device is outside the home. Despite their simple way of life, the Amish have no problems with having children: children are considered a blessing from God, and families are blessed with children accordingly. Business is also going well, because organic agricultural products are just as in demand as the Amish craftsmanship.
The Amish have their own private schools, but usually only attend them until the age of 14. In addition to reading, writing, arithmetic, geography and German, the curriculum primarily includes Bible lessons. The children work at home while they are still at school. But before they are baptized as young adults in order to finally belong to the Amish community, they have the opportunity to do the so-called Rumspringa: During this time they are allowed to try out everything that other young people usually do – after which they have to decide on a lifestyle . However, anyone who chooses a more modern existence after baptism will be excommunicated. The film gives a fascinating insight into a traditional world.
“A Homecoming – In the footsteps of the Anabaptists in Austria” – A film by Birgit Mosser-Schuöcker
The Roman Catholic Church seems to have been an integral part of Tyrolean identity since time immemorial. But that wasn’t always the case: “Without the Habsburgs’ violence, Tyrol would probably be Protestant,” says the Catholic theologian Prof. Dr. Josef Gelmi stated, “or even become Hutterite or Anabaptist”. The documentary follows in the footsteps of the Christian radical reformers, tells the story of their faith, their persecution and expulsion in the Middle Ages and discovers new communities in what is now Lower Austria.
Two years ago, a community, a so-called Bruderhof, made up of around 35 people, settled in the small Weinviertel village of Retz. Together they try to live their dream of a simple Anabaptist life and orient themselves towards the early Christian community. An organic farm secures existence; the principle of community of goods applies, an idea of great appeal. The young mother Asenath Keiderling explains the strength she draws from her conviction: “For me it means that I don’t just go to church on Sundays, but that I live my faith every day.”
The idea of the Bruderhöfe goes back to the Anabaptists, who were widespread in Austria around 500 years ago. Jakob Huter, a South Tyrolean who opposed the church and the princes, became their most famous spokesman and role model. With his simple, popular faith, he and his communities challenged those in power. The Hutterites opposed the sale of indulgences, which meant that one had to pay for one’s own salvation – and they denounced oppression and social hardship. With prison, bloody torture and public burning, the House of Habsburg finally secured its rule – and the Roman Catholic Church the sole interpretation of Christian faith in Tyrol. With a first joint devotion, the same church in Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral asked for forgiveness for the persecution of these Christians in autumn 2021.