The Amish People

Living simply in midst of the technology revolution of the 21st century, the Amish present the image of an oasis of peace and tranquility. They arrived in the United States almost 300 years ago to start new lives free from religious persecution, primarily settling in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Currently, there are almost 200,000 members of Old Order Amish communities, concentrated in Holmes County, Ohio, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and LaGrange, Indiana. Amish culture is an American icon, known for its handcrafted furniture and quilts, plain dress and horse-drawn carriages.

Recognized by their plain dress, women in dark long-sleeved dresses with white aprons and capes and men in black pants and jackets, Old Order Amish customs set them apart from their fellow American citizens in many ways. Their literal interpretation of the Bible has led them to adopt specific dress codes, behavior standards, and rejection of most modern technologies. Even photographs are not allowed because they are considered examples of graven images as found in the Ten Commandments. Believing that their faith in God is best evidenced by words and especially actions, they strive to follow the examples and commandments set forth in the Bible and accept God's will in good and bad situations. As a result, the Amish practice conscientious objection to military service and turn the other cheek in the face of personal attacks and confrontations.

Maintaining the strength of their community and family are overriding principles that guide every decision of the settlement. Following the example of Christ in the Bible, high value is placed upon humility and submission, while pride and selfish ambition are rejected. This translates to no individualism, competitiveness, or materialism. For example, automobile ownership is not allowed because it is believed it would cause division within the community by highlighting rich vs. poor and bring about boasting. However, an Amish individual will accept a ride in a car when business proceedings or family emergencies require speed or a great distance. Following the same principle, homes are without telephones or electricity but the dairy barn will be powered, albeit from an alternative energy source and there are frequently found small outbuildings housing a communal telephone for outgoing calls. Although individualism and self-reliance are not accepted, the community as a unit enjoys its independence from outside electricity sources.

Increasingly, the Amish family values set them apart from the American culture around them. Members are expected to marry and have families and practice a unique courtship tradition. Amish are only allowed to marry other Amish, although they may come from a different settlement. They conform to traditional gender roles and often have large families. Divorce is not allowed. Another key to the unity of the community is their common language. While English is taught in the schools, an obscure German dialect called Pennsylvania Dutch (from Deutsch for German) is spoken in the home.

In addition to their unique dress, Amish men stand out with their unique style of facial hair. Once a grown man is married, he begins to grow his beard. But no men have mustaches. This is because of their rejection of anything military or vain and in their home country, the military leaders who persecuted the Amish sported very stylish moustaches.

They have no formal organized government, but are led by nominated bishops, preachers and deacons. A much debated practice is that of shunning. This is a discipline measure based on New Testament Bible passages used when a baptized member trespasses against the community. No other members, even spouses, are allowed contact while the offender is being shunned. But once the offender repents, he or she is readily forgiven and welcomed back into communion with the community.

A landmark legal decision in 1972 allowed the Amish to continue their way of life without government interference in terms of compulsory schooling, child labor laws and Social Security taxes and benefits. Children are schooled through 8th grade in one-room schoolhouses. Taught by single young women in multi-age classes of 25-35 students, Amish children consistently score higher on standardized tests than their rural counterparts nearby. The Amish believe that the next stage of growing up is best done near their families, learning a stronger religious faith and practical skills. Once children complete their schooling, the boys learn farming and carpentry alongside their fathers and other men and the girls learn housekeeping and child-rearing skills. At age sixteen, the young are allow more freedom and are even encouraged to live among the "English" to test their desire to remain in the Amish community. Although a small number of the youth decide to live outside, most choose the Amish life and submit to baptism and commit their lives to the fellowship.

While exempted from Social Security taxes, the Amish still pay property, sales and other applicable taxes. They also do not have insurance, but come together as a community to support each other when emergencies arise. Rather than enroll in the government care program, the Amish care for their elderly at home.

Each Amish settlement lives independently from other settlements, sharing the same core doctrine but differing on issues of degree. These range from how extreme the simplicity of clothing needs to be to the amount of compromise allowed in the use of modern technology. When there are disagreements, members sometimes migrate to another community that better matches their version of the faith.

The Amish were farmers when they emigrated from Switzerland and Germany, and farming is still their primary source of income. While the Amish live separately from the world around them in a very simple manner, they are shrewd businessmen and have cultivated friendships and business relationships with non-Amish, called "English" living in the communities surrounding them. There are many "English" who will assist the Amish pro bono to help preserve their way of life. In addition to raising crops such as corn, hay, wheat, tobacco, soybeans, barley, potatoes, and other vegetables, both for personal use and for market, they also have dairies and are proficient carpenters. More recently many cottage industries have arisen, selling quilts, furniture, jellies and other hand-made goods. These have become increasingly popular to consumers in the outside world due to their high quality. Because the Amish strive in all things to give glory to God, their workmanship is well above par and a lasting testament to their faith.