One of the chief comments that we hear from critics of Urglaawe is that "all Pennsylvania Germans were hardcore Christians." This statement is absurd, and it has been disproved using several sources in the past. While the first wave of Deitsch settlers were indeed of Anabaptist sects, subsequent waves were primarily seeking economic opportunity.
Recently we came across another resource that contained some classic references, most notably this one:
"Not all Pennsylvania-German pioneers were good Christian people. With such as were not, sin did abound, and men were given to idolatry, giving to the creature what is to be given to God only; they abused God's name by profanity, by superstitious practices..."
Schantz, FJF.
Domestic Life and Characteristics of the Pennsylvania German Pioneer, 1900
Perhaps this will help place the stereotype of the Deitsch folks be put to rest!
No comments:
Post a Comment