Quote from Forum Archives on July 9, 2001, 4:18 pm

Posted by: rc63 <rc63@...>

I read it awhile ago. I liked it but I don't remember it that well (that might say something about how well I liked it )
As far as the ending, I guess I assumed they lived among them with a simpler lifestyle but not necessarily becoming Amish. You're right though about the differences within the community from the *little* I know. I think I assumed an acceptance of the couple in the community due to the children but I have no idea if that's the deal or not.
My uncle and aunt were Mennonites for awhile--he was actually a pastor. They were in Indiana though and I only attended their church once. I know their motivation in joining that denomination was the missions work--they also spent many years in South America.
Rebecca
----- Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2001 1:07 PM
Subject: [ChristianBooks] The Redemption of Sarah Cain

Well, I have just finished this book. I liked it except I thought the ending
was a bit odd -- the epilogue cleared some things up, but the end of the last
chapter was strange to me. Anyone else feel this way.

That said -- I loved the book! I like Lewis' works. I love to read anything
set in the Amish Community and I feel Lewis does a great job with accuracy. I
learn so much each time I read. I remember when I first read The Shunning, I
had no idea Amish believed in works salvation and not salvation by grace. And
all their rules! I see now in Redemption that that is the way of the Old
Order Amish, but there are those Amish who believe in salvation by Grace.
These New Order Amish even have running water, electricity and phones. Now
what is the difference between them and the Mennonites???? Anyone know a good
source (nonfiction) that talks about these various groups?

In The Redemption of Sarah Cain, Ivy and Gilbert Cottrell have chosen to be
Amish. (I had no idea you could do that! Thought you had to be born into the
community). The book starts with Ivy's death. Her husband, Gil, has died 3
years earlier. There are 5 children left, ages 17 to 6. Ivy has appointed
her estranged sister, Sarah Cain as their legal guardian. Sarah hasn't seen
her sister in 12 years -- since Ivy and Gil joined the Amish. Not because the
Amish forbade it, it was Sarah's choice. She and Ivy have never been close
and she cannot understand the decision to be Christian, must less Plain!
Sarah has "run away" to Oregon. She is fighting a tragedy in her past that
haunts her soul and she is staying as far from God as she can. She goes,
reluctantly, to Lancaster County to find someone to care for her nieces and
nephews, but of course she finds someone else -- God. And she finds herself
again. It is a most interesting journey!

A definite good to read book!

Now I have a question that could spoil the ending, so if you don't want to
know to much stop reading this email now!......

Here is the question for those who have read Redemption -- other than my
question about the strangeness of the ending -- do you think Brian and Sarah
became Amish or just lived among them? I couldn't tell. I mean the Epilogue
talked of paint and wall paper and modern things, so I decided they must have
stayed English. BUT I did not know that the Amish would allow English to live
amongst them. And then of course, being naturally curious, I wonder about
church. If Brian and Sarah stay English and the children are Amish, where
would they go to church? Do the Amish allow English to attend their church
regularly?

As you can see, this is a topic that draws many questions from me! Thanks for
any insight!

Barb