Some topics I'm interested in:
My brother and I enjoy learning about other religions and denominations. We've looked at some Chistian denominations different from ours and I studied several Eastern religions while getting my history degree at college. At the moment, I think one Christian denomination that I'm interested in is Quakerism. Having grown up in Jennings County, the birthplace of Jessamyn West, author of "The Friendly Persuasion," (a book describing a Quaker family's reactions to the Civil War) which was later made into a movie starring Gary Cooper, I've wondered for some time what Quaker beliefs consist of and how they worship. I've heard people say that there were a lot of Quakers living in the area at that time, but where did they go? I rarely see a meetinghouse. The only one I've seen is in the next county.
Another Christian denomination that I really don't know anything about are the Amish. I've been to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and many live in Indiana, too. My car once broke down in Rush County in front of a boot shop. It was snowing and the lady who was inside allowed me to wait inside for someone to pick me up. It was cozy there by the fire, watching her nailing boots. I don't know if she was Amish or Mennonite. She had a couple bare lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling, so I could assume she wasn't Amish, even though her dress looked it. However, maybe she used a generator. I've heard that that is allowed. So I suppose that's something I could explore. Also, after watching one of those television crime-solving dramas that mentioned Rumspringa, I've developed a curiousity about that rite of passage.
I'm also interested in food preservation, especially drying or dehydrating food. However, I don't think I would find much information about that. I know that's it's been difficult to replace soiled and damaged books about it at the library where I work.
Also, I just finished reading City of Ember and People of Sparks, children's books written by Jeanne Deprau. City of Ember has been made into a movie that is coming out in October. I decided to read it so if it was good, I could recommend it to kids who may see the movie trailers. It was very good. I really enjoyed it. For those of you who haven't read it yet, but intend to, here's a spoiler, so don't read on . . . It sparked an interest in bomb or fallout shelters. Actually, during the 50s and 60s, my grandfather wanted to make a fallout shelter, but my grandmother wouldn't let him because she thought that people would think that he was crazy. I know that the early ones probably weren't very effective, but what about ones today? How many people really built them? There's still a threat of nuclear war, so are there people still designing them? It's all very fascinating.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Hi,
I saw that you were considering doing your project about Quakerism. I grew up in a Quaker church (and would still be going to that church but I moved). I don't know if you already know this but... If you looking for a Quaker church in your area they are may be called Friends for example Wabash Friends Church or Mooreland Friends. If you have any questions, I might be able to help you. :)
~Jenny c.j.
Religion is something I find interesting, too. I love to see how they all differ, yet are all the same as well. I live in the South Bend region and there are Amish very near to me. In fact, we have a place called Amish Acres were we often took field trips to in school. (it's also known for great food and great crafts).
If you have ever read Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult or see the movie Witness with Harrison Ford, one cannot help but be fascinated with the simplistic lifestyle of the Amish, Quaker, and Mennonites. I would suggest seeing both. And my husband and I go to Amish Acres about every other year. I too am also fascinated with Rumspringa.
One of my English teachers studies different utopian societies such as the Amish, Mennonites, Hutterites, and Quaker religions.
Hello! I think that your idea for investigating the Amish would be fascinating! I do not know much about them, but am just mesmorized when I see them. I also saw the movie "Witness" with Harrison Ford and thought the Amish way-of-life seemed very interesting! My college roommate grew up near Ft. Wayne and when I'd go home with her, I would often see many Amish families traveling in their horse and buggy. I think my fascination with "pioneer times" has something to do with this, as their lives seem similar. Whatever you decide to do your project on...I wish you the best of luck!
~Gracia
Post a Comment