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Radical Reformation History  /  Lecture 11: The Birth of the Amish  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
Jacob Amen’s excommunications at Moser’s barn (without the brotherhood), the later realization that “fault on both sides” existed, and the “We were wrong, but…” apologies all appear in the breakdown. What does this lesson reveal about God’s concern for process, humility, and communal discernment (Acts 15), and what concrete habits would help your community confront sin and error without creating a culture where disputes escalate into irreversible division?
Another way to ask: What does this breakdown teach about doing things the right way, staying humble, and deciding together as a church (like Acts 15)? What habits could help your community deal with sin and mistakes without fights turning into permanent splits?

Direct Answer Dean’s lesson suggests God cares not only about right doctrine but about right process—humble, communal discernment rather than unilateral, heated action. The “fault on both sides” insight and the flawed “We were wrong, but…” apologies warn that partial humility can still preserve division.

Support from Transcript:

  • At Moser’s barn, Amen reads “six charges” and declares Reiss “to be excommunicated,” then quickly excommunicates others when they won’t answer directly.
  • A key procedural issue is raised: some Emmental brothers said, “bring in the brotherhood,” and Dean connects this to Acts 15: “It was the entire multitude… had to agree.”
  • Dean notes the Amish later “repented of this very act” and admitted, “We were wrong… It takes a brotherhood to be able to excommunicate.”
  • He highlights Uli Amen’s wisdom: “fault on both sides,” calling it a repeated pattern in church disputes.
  • Dean critiques the apologies as incomplete: “it’s not what I call an apology… ‘We were wrong. But…’” showing how defensiveness blocks reconciliation.
Discussion Follow-ups What practices help slow conflict (whole-church involvement, waiting, clear questions, written agreements)? How can leaders model full repentance without attaching a “but” that re-accuses the other side?

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