In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of Appalachia in September, including the worst-hit regions of North Carolina, much of the political discourse focused on who failed to respond. Accusations were thrown at the federal government for slow action, and California’s government also felt the heat during concurrent wildfires. But while officials and pundits sparred, a quiet force of over 2,000 Amish volunteers from Pennsylvania took action.
Without waiting for government approval or media recognition, the Amish began rebuilding homes and communities in hard-hit areas like Chimney Rock, NC. Known for their communal spirit and unmatched craftsmanship, their arrival and dedication exemplified a deeply held belief: that helping others in times of need is not optional but essential.
The Amish way of life reflects a clear rejection of the modern assumption that government is the default answer to every crisis. Their actions align with principles like subsidiarity—the belief that the most local institutions should handle problems—and sphere sovereignty, the idea that not all issues fall under the state’s authority. These doctrines, rooted in Catholic and Reformed thought respectively, are lived out practically in Amish service.
Conservatives often decry government overreach, but the best way to keep the state out of domains it doesn’t belong in is to be present and effective in those areas first. Edmund Burke’s concept of “little platoons”—families, churches, communities—illustrates the true strength of civil society, and the Amish embody this tradition well.
Alongside the Amish, groups like Samaritan’s Purse also acted swiftly, providing shelter, supplies, medical aid, and spiritual care—without fanfare, but with powerful Gospel-driven purpose. This kind of selfless action echoes the historic role of Christians who have run toward crisis rather than away from it—from plagues to natural disasters.
In a world addicted to government intervention and dollars, the faithful response of the Amish and likeminded Christian groups serves as a model: help comes not through FEMA or federal aid, but through Christ’s love in action, rooted in the work of His church.
This post originally appeared at https://phyllisschlafly.com/family/working-christianity-stunts-big-government/
Phyllis Schlafly