The Amish are a Christian religious group that originated in 16th century Europe. They are known for simple living, plain dress, and a reluctance to adopt many modern conveniences. The Amish live in small communities and continue to follow many traditional practices. Here is an overview of their history, beliefs, and way of life according to the Bible.
History of the Amish
The Amish trace their origins to the Anabaptist movement of the Protestant Reformation in 16th century Europe. The early Anabaptists rejected infant baptism and emphasized adult baptism upon confession of faith. They also advocated separation of church and state and nonviolence. This brought them into conflict with both civil and religious authorities, resulting in widespread persecution.
In 1693, a schism occurred among the Anabaptists in Switzerland led by Jakob Ammann. Ammann and his followers favored stricter church discipline and avoidance of outsiders. They became known as Amish or Amisch from Ammann’s name. Over the next century, Amish groups migrated to North America to escape religious persecution and seek economic opportunities. The first Amish arrived in Pennsylvania in the early 18th century.
Most Amish immigrated to the United States between the mid-18th century and mid-19th century. Today, there are Amish settlements in about 30 states, with the largest communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. The Amish population in the United States exceeds 350,000 and is growing rapidly due to large family sizes.
Core Beliefs of the Amish
The Amish adhere to basic tenets of Christian faith but place great emphasis on separation from the world, church discipline, and following the Bible literally. Here are some of their core beliefs according to the Bible:
- Separation from the world – The Amish seek to maintain a plain lifestyle separate from mainstream society. They limit involvement with technology, reject fashion trends, and minimize interaction with outsiders (2 Corinthians 6:17, Romans 12:2).
- Church discipline – Members who deviate from Amish teaching and practice risk excommunication and shunning by the church. This is used to encourage conformity and preserve unity (1 Corinthians 5:11-13, Matthew 18:15-17).
- Nonviolence and nonresistance – The Amish refuse to participate in warfare, law suits, or physical violence. This reflects their beliefs in nonresistance and forgiveness (Matthew 5:38-42, Romans 12:17-21).
- Adult baptism – Baptism is not performed until a person is old enough to make a voluntary confession of faith, usually in late adolescence. This symbolizes mature commitment (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38).
- Using horses and buggies – The Amish rely on horse-drawn transportation to prevent pride and maintain tradition. They do not own automobiles (Proverbs 16:18, Micah 6:8).
- Plain dress – Amish clothing is simple, uniform, and modest, reflecting values of humility and separation from the world (1 Peter 3:3-4, 1 Timothy 2:9).
- Pacifism – The Amish refuse to serve in the military, bear arms, or endorse violence, which reflects their commitment to peace (Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18).
- Evangelism – The Amish do not actively seek converts but welcome sincere seekers. They forbid television or radio for evangelism (Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 3:15).
In all aspects of life, the Amish seek to follow biblical teaching literally. Core values like submission, simplicity, obedience, and humility shape their culture. Separation from the sinful world, strict church discipline, and uniform lifestyle all stem from their interpretation of the Bible.
Amish Ordnung – Rules and Discipline
The Amish follow the Ordnung, an unwritten set of rules that regulates private, public, and ceremonial life. The Ordnung outlines dress, technology, rituals, and family relations and varies slightly between communities. Adhering to the rules demonstrates submission and separation from the world.
If an Amish person violates the Ordnung, they face progressive discipline from the church. First comes private confession and counseling. Next is a six-week period of excommunication during which the offender remains isolated from the community. Those who remain unrepentant after the ban risk permanent shunning or expulsion.
The purpose of discipline is redemption and reconciliation, not punishment. Excommunication prompts contrition, and the church welcomes back repentant members (2 Corinthians 2:5-8, Galatians 6:1). However, those who remain out of fellowship with the church community are shunned to protect purity and prevent sin from spreading (1 Corinthians 5:1-5).
Amish Worship and Community
Worship is the core of Amish life and identity. It reinforces values of humility, obedience, and separation from the world. Here are some key elements of Amish worship services:
- Services are held biweekly in homes or barns. There are no dedicated church buildings.
- Services last about 3 hours on Sunday mornings and are conducted mostly in High German.
- Singing is unaccompanied, slow, and traditional from the Ausbund hymnal.
- Leaders preach short, solemn sermons emphasizing submission and obedience.
- Communion is held twice annually; foot washing may precede it.
- Baptisms occur during special worship services twice a year.
- Funerals are simple with services held at home followed by burial in Amish cemeteries.
Beyond worship, the Amish find meaning through community. Cooperation and mutual aid are deeply valued. Working together at barn raisings and harvest time reinforces interdependence. Families rely on informal community support networks rather than government assistance programs.
Amish Lifestyle and Culture
The Amish way of life revolves around family, farming, and faith. They have preserved traditional practices in a modern world. Here are some key elements that shape Amish culture and daily life:
- Clothing – Amish dress is plain and conservative, typically dark colors with capes and bonnets. It reflects values of modesty, uniformity, and separation from the world.
- Cuisine – Food traditions center around farming and agriculture. Typical dishes include pot pie, roasted meats, noodles, soups, and desserts.
- Schooling – Amish children attend private one-room schools through eighth grade. They learn basic reading, writing, and math along with vocational skills.
- Technology – The Amish selectively use technology including propane appliances, manuals tools, and some cell phones. But they prohibit television, computers, and automobiles.
- Family life – Large families with multiple generations living together are common. Gender roles are traditional with women as homemakers.
- Economy – The Amish largely sustain themselves through farming, small cottage industries, andconstruction. Some work outside the community.
- Language – Most Amish speak English and a dialect of German called Pennsylvania Dutch at home.
- Healthcare – The Amish rely heavily on traditional and home remedies. But most seek modern medical care for serious illness.
Overall, the Amishculture emphasizes community interdependence, self-sufficiency, and separation. Traditions govern family, worship, dress, and farming practices derived from biblical principles and the Ordnung rules.
Amish Diversity and Change
Despite their reputation, the Amish are not completely isolated from change. There are several distinct Amish affiliations that vary in the extent they accept certain modern conveniences:
- The Old Order Amish are the most traditional group that resists innovations like electricity. They make up about 75% of the Amish.
- New Order Amish are more progressive, allowing limited technology like refrigerators and diesel generators in homes but no tractors in fields.
- The Beachy Amish drive cars and use more mainstream technology but still dress plainly and follow other traditions.
- Amish Mennonites are the most integrated into modern society. They embrace contemporary fashion, cars, education, and technology.
In general, the Amish selectively adopt new practices that do not threaten core values. For example, more Amish work in small businesses, construction crews, and factories to supplement farming income. Cell phones are permitted for safety and business purposes if kept in shanties outside the home. While slow to change, Amish beliefs remain dynamic and adaptable.
The Amish and Evangelism
The Amish do not actively evangelize or seek converts. They believe faith emerges through humble example rather than overt preaching. However, they do welcome outsiders who sincerely wish to join the Amish faith:
- Prospective converts must learn Amish ways during a months-long probationary period. This tests their commitment.
- Adult baptism marks formal membership into the Amish church. It signifies a willingness to submit fully to the Ordnung rules.
- Very few outsiders successfully convert to Amish life which requires relinquishing most modern comforts and conveniences.
- The Amish population grows primarily through abundant births, with families averaging 5-7 children.
- Fewer than 10% of Amish youth choose to leave after Rumspringa, a period of greater freedom during adolescence.
High retention rates ensure a steadily increasing Amish population. Scholarship funds help young adults purchase farmland so families can remain in the faith. The Amish seek to lead by example rather than aggressively evangelize converts.
Key Takeaways on the Amish
In summary, here are some of the key points on the Amish way of life and belief system:
- Originated from Anabaptist movement during the Protestant Reformation in Europe
- Seeks separation from the world and values simplicity, humility, community
- Practice adult believer’s baptism and pacifism
- Governed by the unwritten Ordnung rules for dress, technology use, and moral conduct
- Worship biweekly; song is slow and unaccompanied
- Farming is integral to culture and self-sufficiency
- Selectively limit technology and modern conveniences
- Population growing due to high birth rates and retention
- Converts are welcomed but expected to fully adopt Amish ways
- Diversity exists between affiliations but core values persist
The Amish have thrived by preserving centuries-old traditions rooted in biblical literalism. Their distinctive faith shapes all aspects of everyday life. Though outsiders may view them as relics of the past, the Amish continue to maintain separation and find meaning in humble submission to God, each other, and the disciplined Christian life.
