As a theologian, I find learning about other Christian denominations fulfilling. Last year, I was drawn to study the Amish. As part of my research, I decided to visit one of the Amish communities in Ohio, and I got amazed by this unique religious group. So, last week, one of my online Christian forum members asked about the Amish, claiming that he had never heard of them and wanted to learn something new. I read so many responses, and I realized that many members needed to be more informed about Amish. Since I lived with them and learned about them one on one, I decided to write a detailed article about Amish.
So, the Amish are a sect of Anabaptists who split from Catholics in the sixteenth Century. Their founder was Jacob Ammann, who taught them to lead a very simple life. Their lifestyle is distinct because most Amish groups do not use modern technology. They are mostly strict about appearance, although rules depend on the Amish group, either Old Order, New Order, Beachy Amish Mennonites, or Mennonites. In addition, they believe in Jesus Christ’s salvation and only baptize adults.
Join me in this article as I write about the history of the Amish, their beliefs and practices, and their Courtship and Marriage rules. I will also write about their rules on clothing and give a comparison between Amish and other similar sects, as well as Protestants. Read on to find out more.
History of Amish
To understand the history of the Amish, you must first understand that they are part of the Anabaptists. In 1525, the Anabaptist group was formed after a disagreement with Catholics on the baptism of infants. They believed that babies are too young to have a meaningful commitment to Christianity; therefore, it is useless to baptize them. The name “Anabaptist” means, Baptized Again. They also disagreed with Catholics over unnecessary church hierarchies.
The formation of the Anabaptist sect threatened civil and religious men in power. In a few decades, as the Anabaptists group grew popular and many mini-groups formed, almost 2500 Anabaptists were killed. Some were drowned, some were killed in prison, some were starved, and some were decapitated by swords. Fear engulfed the members of the Anabaptists, and many fled into hiding. 160 years later, the sect started resurfacing, and an Anabaptist movement was formed. People like Jacob Ammann converted to Anabaptism. He later became a leader of the Swiss Anabaptist church. Unfortunately, the prosecution started again, which forced him to move to Alsatian, present-day France.
In 1693, Ammann started setting some rules for his followers. One of them was partaking in the Holy Communion twice a year, unlike previously, which was only one. He also proposed that Christians should follow Christ’s doings by washing each other’s feet during Holy Communion. He also forbade men from trimming their beards, and the whole group was not allowed to put on Fashionable outfits as a way of maintaining a pure doctrine and spiritual discipline. He also promoted the idea of shunning people who had been excommunicated.
These rules, especially the last one, caused division amongst Anabaptists in Switzerland and Alsace. People who sided with him and continued to follow him formed the Amish group. Therefore, the Amish group came into existence in 1693.
Where did the Amish come from? Origin of Amish?
Amish came from different European countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Alsace, Russia, and Germany. However, they migrated to Northern America during the 19th and 20th Centuries from Europe. Those who remained in Europe assimilated into Mennonites, and gradually, the population of Amish was reduced in Europe.
How many types of Amish are there?
There are four types of Amish; Older Order, New Order, Beachy Amish Mennonites, and Mennonites.
Old order Amish
This is the most popular conservative Amish group. They were established in 1878 after splitting from progressive Amish Mennonites because they wanted to be conservative. They are so strict on matters regarding the use of technology and appearance. The people must dress according to their traditions. They dress up in plain colors.
Also, the old order is strict about shunning excommunicated members to maintain discipline in the group. Since they do not use technology, they do not use birth control, and their population is growing very fast. They live in the US and Canada. In the US, they are in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, and Minnesota.
They do not support any participation in the military because they believe that believers should not be violent. They also travel by means of horses.
Lastly, these order of Amish hold their worship in their houses and do not build churches.
New order
The group was established in 1966 by members of Old Order Amish who felt that they were at risk of being excommunicated. The conflict was because some members felt it was time to use modern means of farming and allow youths a little freedom during courtship. Although they do not allow internet access, watching TV, or listening to the radio, they at least accept electricity, and homes can have simple telephones for communication.
They also allow members to dress in bright-colored clothes, unlike the old Amish order. However, just like Old Order Amish, they travel by horse and buggy and worship in their houses, i.e., they do not build churches. They live in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Michigan, Kentucky, New York, and Minnesota.
Beachy Amish Mennonite
These are the type of Amish that do not have Amish features, and if you come across them, you can barely tell if they are Amish. They do not travel by horse and buggy, they do not speak German, and they do not worship in homes. They have a meeting house where they teach Sunday school and conduct Bible study with youths. They also support missionary work.
They do not shun members and accept the use of automobiles, and their Internet is also filtered. However, no one is allowed to use radio and TV.
Like the old order Amish, women cover their heads with bonnets, and men do not shave beards. They live in Kentucky and Illinois.
Mennonites
Between 1862-1878, there were reform movements that led to the establishment of Amish Mennonites. They are often called Mennonites from Amish, but they left the old order Amish, and these days, they do not use the title Amish Mennonites. However, they still are similar to Amish in many ways, including values like doing good as an act to counter injustice. They largely support voluntary faith like the Amish.
They also have clear differences, which made them stop using the title Amish Mennonites. They are not strict when it comes to appearance; men can shave beards, unlike the original Amish. They also accept and use modern technology.
Where do Amish live?
Amish People live in North America. Their population is high in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. The high population in Pennsylvania is connected to the fact that it is where they first settled after coming from their original homelands.
Amish beliefs and practices
What is the Amish lifestyle?
Amish lead a simple lifestyle that is mostly distinct from modern lifestyle. They live according to the Old Testament law. Their lifestyle is guided by their do’s and don’ts list. Their lifestyle is free from worldly things like technology, modern clothing, etc. They make their clothes, plant their food, make furniture that follows their customs, and teach their children. They are so hardworking and focused on nurturing their families by spending enough time together.
What are Amish traditions?
There are many Amish traditions, and they include;
Marrying from the community
Their traditions demand them to date from Amish communities and marry Amish.
Playing with faceless toys
Children play with faceless toys, and it is a tradition that trains them not to have an obsession with physical looks.
Tradition of Puppy Mills
Amish pass down their tradition of breeding puppies which has now become a very lucrative business for them.
Growing beards after marriage
Amish men grow their beards after getting married as a tradition. They do not keep mustaches since it is associated with wealth.
Shunning members
Part of their tradition is to shun members who go against their beliefs. It means that the person cannot eat with them, sit with them or visit family or friends.
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