The Amish  and Mennonite lifestyles are all about faith and dedicating one's 
life to God. To even consider them in any other context (such 
as"sustainable") completely misses the very point of living that lifestyle 
and what makes it possible. In case no one has noticed, it's their faith 
that sustains them and allows them to live simply, not the other way around. 
I know that concept is hard for some to get their arms around, but it is 
essential for us to understand that some things are not subject to a 
smorgasboard approach. It's all or nothing. If you're interested in living 
that model, you absolutely must accept the religious dicipline first. It 
doesn't work otherwise, as we proved in numerous communes in the 60's. Not 
to disparage these folks or their systems, but living such a simple and 
pacifist life in this world is only possible within the confines of a hugely 
complex military/industrial system that's actually doing the heavy lifting.

In addition, as Lloyd points out, those systems do not produce the surplus 
required by a nation of 300+ million people in the 21st  century.

barry digman

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