I think somebody is desperate for a story that puts an image of bad religious behavior. I grew up in an amish home and I never saw any of what you are portraying in your story. The part about the parents encouraging this is completely false. It does happen but not with the parent's blessing.

I am yet to know what is this organization called Amish. Still I think it is very cruel and insensitive on the part of its officials to let loose young teenagers to a grey world where even adults are pulled apart by mind boggling temptations. I am not trying to harp on some out dated vlues. Being the father of growing up children I am just at a lost in understanding the rational behind making the inexperienced bunch of children to go out experiment, and make a choice between good and evil. Such organization should be banned.

In my teens, I waitressed in a restaurant that also employed Amish teenagers. The only risky behavior I ever saw was the motorcycle that one young fellow had hidden in the woods. Hopefully those in the documentary that did join with the church will be better prepared to guide their own children through rumschpringe after having experienced the hazards for themselves.