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Radical Reformation History  /  Lecture 19: The Anabaptists Come to America  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 9
In the Amish poem, the writer says to his persecutors, “I commend you unto the grace of God…Take all away. Only leave me my Savior”; how does that expose what the Amish believed God was worth, and what possessions, securities, or “beautiful places” would reveal whether we actually share that valuation?
Another way to ask: What does the Amish poem show about what they believed God was worth? What things you value most—money, safety, comfort, or a “beautiful place”—show whether you really feel the same?

Direct Answer The poem shows the Amish writer valued Christ above homeland, beauty, possessions, and safety; even persecution is met with forgiveness and a willingness to lose everything except “my Savior.” Dean uses it to show faith that measures blessing by closeness to God, not by comfort.

Support from Transcript:

  • The poet repeatedly says farewell to “beloved regions,” “fields,” and “house of my youth,” showing real cost in leaving.
  • He grieves the beauty of Switzerland—Alps, peaks, valleys, forests, lakes—yet still departs for faith’s sake.
  • He addresses persecutors: “I commend you unto the grace of God,” and asks, “Do you think I would allow myself to be robbed of my precious faith in my Lord and Savior?”
  • The climactic line: “Take all away. Only leave me my Savior. The earthly things are all empty in vain.”
  • He reframes loss as blessing: “In destitution, I am more blessed than before…So blessed I feel…for the first time.”
Discussion Follow-ups What would be your “beloved regions” you’d struggle to leave—career, property, reputation, security, political safety? If those were threatened, would your faith sound like this poem or like self-protection?

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