We can learn from the Amish

It’s been less than two weeks since Charles Roberts invaded a one-room Amish school house and shot 10 innocent little girls. The senseless brutality and violence has shocked and disgusted an entire nation.

It is the response of the Amish people, however, that has captivated the nation for a different reason. When questioned about the tragedy, some Amish believers have reminded the inquirers that the family of Charles Roberts needs sympathy and prayers as well. In fact, the response of much of the Amish community has been to extend forgiveness toward the man that murdered their children and to extend compassion to Mrs. Roberts and her own innocent children. The Amish, in fact, have invited the wife of the murderer to their community.

Glenn Auker, a Mennonite minister, said Amish families who have invited the wife of the gunman to their community have been an inspiration, showing the world the depth of their faith and adherence to biblical teachings on forgiveness.

“This gives us added inspiration to obey the Bible,” Auker said. Mennonite beliefs mirror many of those held by the Amish. Both are conservative Christian Protestant sects whose members shun the use of tobacco and alcohol, are not permitted to gamble, and generally do not watch television or use the Internet.

But unlike the Amish, Mennonite followers drive cars and use electricity. Mennonites are decidedly more open as well, and welcome anyone to their Sunday services.

But the spiritual beliefs that both sects share, are leading to common reactions to Monday’s shooting. Merlin Amstutz, another Mennonite minister, and Auker spoke of respecting the will of God and allowing him to fill members of the church with forgiveness.

“Jesus taught to return good for evil,” said Amstutz. “And forgiveness of this type is beyond ourselves — we can’t do it ourselves, we need God’s help.”

Forgiveness wasn’t the only virtue exhibited by the Amish community. The oldest of the five Amish girls shot dead in a Pennsylvania schoolhouse is said to have stepped forward and asked her killer to “Shoot me first,” in an apparent effort to buy time for her schoolmates. Rita Rhoads, a midwife who delivered two of the victims, told ABC News’ Law and Justice Unit that she learned of 13-year-old Marian Fisher’s plea from Fisher’s family.

What’s more, Fisher’s 11-year-old sister, Barbie, who survived the shooting, allegedly asked the gunman to “Shoot me second,” Rhoads said. “Marian, the oldest one, did ask to be shot first,” Rhoads said. “The faith of their fathers really was embedded in them. ... How many adults are willing to do that? Not many.”

In contrast to the average American’s desire for security and safety and, if that is violated, revenge, the response of the Amish stands out as surely as gold is distinguished from lead.

And in comparison to those of other faiths who murder, riot, and kill innocents for some perceived slight, the example set by the Amish, including their brave children, ought to cause all to pause and ask which really reflects the character and nature of God.

When Charles Roberts faced young Marian Fisher and heard the words, “Shoot me first,” he encountered a true follower of Christ who was willing to sacrifice her own life so that others might live. When the mothers, fathers, grandparents, and friends of the slain girls extended forgiveness, they, too, mirrored the heart of Jesus who, from the cross, said of his tormentors to the Father, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

The devil was in Lancaster, Penn., two weeks ago. But so were the daughters of God — and it is their testimony, and that of their families, that will endure long after the name of their murderer has been forgotten.