Think No Evil

Inside the Story of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting...and Beyond

De: Jonas Beiler, Shawn Smucker

Narrado por: Kelly Ryan Dolan

The true story of October 2, 2006, when Charles Roberts entered an Amish schoolhouse, bound and shot 10 schoolgirls, and then committed suicide, stunned all who read the headlines or watched the drama unfold on television screens. Somehow, the senseless violence seemed all the more horrific against the backdrop of horse-and-buggy funeral processions and scenes of wide-eyed innocent children clad in bonnets and suspenders.

But perhaps even more startling than the violence was the quiet yet powerful response of the Amish community offering unconditional forgiveness to the murderer and reaching out to his family with baskets of food and warm welcomes into their homes. Could such forgiveness be genuine, truly heartfelt? Surely there must be simmering rage behind those peaceful words.

Jonas Beiler wondered. He had grown up in that very Amish community. His own pain of losing his daughter in a tragic accident years before resurfaced, and the lingering shadows of other life tragedies loomed darker. As he met with the grieving families, he could see how devastated and broken they felt, and yet he was drawn to the strength he saw in them.

Outsiders, too, had difficulty understanding the rock-solid faith of the people in this Amish community. How could they forgive someone who killed their innocent daughters? How could they reach out and embrace his family, expressing unconditional love for them in these circumstances? Letters from around the world poured in, asking these universal questions in the face of suffering.

And so began Jonas Beiler's journey into this story - the story behind the headlines, behind the farmhouse doors, around the lantern-lit kitchen tables, at the local market, and alongside the tiny coffins. His quest is now yours to read, his discoveries yours to consider.

Walk with those closest to the scene: an Amish grandfather, an ambulance driver, a surviving Amish schoolgirl, and volunteer firefighters. Even look on as the community demolishes t...

©2009 Jonas Beiler (P)2009 Oasis

A Must Read!!

I have always loved the Amish people, but after reading this book I love them even more. They are truly remarkable people. Everyone should read this book. It's teachings are invaluable!

heartfelt and sincere

I loved that the authors focus wasn't on the tragic events, but on educating people on the power of forgiveness. As someone that k
holds grudges like it's mandatory, this has been eye opening to me and I appreciate it so much.