What It's Like To Be Amish

Summary

This video explores the Amish community, shedding light on their origins, beliefs, and unique way of life. Tracing their roots to the 17th century, the Amish reject modern technology and embrace a simple, communal lifestyle. Key practices such as baptism after adolescence, strict codes of conduct, and the cultural significance of beards and prayer coverings are discussed. The video also touches on Amish education, dating customs like bundling, and their distinctive toys. Despite their seclusion, the Amish continue to adapt in some ways, balancing faith with modernity in a deeply spiritual, community-centered existence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Amish community is centered in Pennsylvania, particularly Lancaster County, and numbers over 370,000 in the U.S.
• 😀 The Amish religion traces its roots back to the 17th century, originating from a split in the Swiss Anabaptist church.
• 😀 A central tenet of Amish life is the rejection of pride and the belief in humility, which extends to avoiding self-promotion and individualism.
• 😀 The Amish believe in living simply, as people did in biblical times, rejecting modern technology and innovations like electricity and cars.
• 😀 Membership in the Amish church begins after baptism, typically between the ages of 16 and 23, with a tradition called Rumspringa allowing adolescents to explore nonconformity before committing.
• 😀 The Amish follow a book called the Ordnung, which dictates rules on daily living, including clothing, technology use, and community practices.
• 😀 While the Amish reject most modern technology, some communities use green technologies like solar panels or wind turbines while remaining off the grid.
• 😀 Photographs of the Amish are typically accepted in candid settings, but posed portraits are discouraged due to concerns about vanity.
• 😀 The Amish practice strict rules around appearance, including beards for men (worn after marriage) and prayer coverings for women, based on religious beliefs about modesty.
• 😀 Courtship in Amish communities is unique, with some practicing bundling, where couples share a bed without engaging in sexual activity, and strict guidelines on dating and marriage.
• 😀 Amish children stop formal education after 8th grade, learning practical skills for farm and craft work. The 1972 Supreme Court case Wisconsin v. Yoder ruled in favor of the Amish in a dispute over mandatory schooling.

Q & A

What is the origin of the Amish religion?

The Amish religion originated in the 17th century as a result of a split within a Swiss Anabaptist church. The more conservative faction, led by Jakob Ammann, broke off and formed the Amish faith.

Why do the Amish reject modern technology?

The Amish reject modern technology because they believe it leads to individualism and separation from the community. They value humility, simplicity, and a communal lifestyle, seeing technology as a tool that can foster pride and self-promotion.

What is Rumspringa, and how does it affect Amish teens?

Rumspringa is a tradition in which Amish adolescents are allowed to explore the outside world and experiment with nonconforming behavior before deciding whether to join the church. Most teens (about 90%) choose to return and be baptized into the faith.

What is the Ordnung, and how does it impact Amish life?

The Ordnung is a book that outlines the rules and practices for adult life in Amish communities, including everything from clothing to technology usage. It is regularly updated based on the community's consensus.

How do the Amish balance their rejection of modern technology with survival in the modern world?

While the Amish reject many forms of modern technology, some communities make exceptions, using green technology like solar panels or wind turbines to generate electricity. They also accept help from others who use technology, such as car rides, in certain situations.

Why do the Amish avoid portraits and photographs?

The Amish avoid posed portraits and photographs because they are considered vain and self-promoting. However, candid or natural photos, such as those taken during communal activities, are more acceptable.

What role does music play in Amish culture?

Music in Amish culture is limited to singing hymns using natural voices. Instruments are rejected because they are seen as tools for individual self-expression, which goes against the Amish values of humility and community.

What significance do beards have for Amish men?

Beards are a symbol of adulthood for Amish men. Once they are baptized, they are allowed to grow a beard, marking their transition into adulthood. However, unmarried men must remain clean-shaven, and beards can be a form of identity, with beard shaving used as a form of punishment in some cases.

What is the purpose of the prayer coverings worn by Amish women?

Amish women wear prayer coverings, or caps, to signify modesty and adhere to religious beliefs, specifically the Apostle Paul's teachings on covering the head during prayer. These coverings are typically worn during religious services and public life, though they are removed at home or when sleeping.

How do Amish children grow up differently from non-Amish children?

Amish children grow up with a focus on family work, often leaving school after the eighth grade to learn trades or help with farming. They are taught to value humility and simplicity, with toys like faceless dolls used to avoid vanity. This lifestyle also leads to conflicts with the U.S. education system, as Amish children do not attend school past eighth grade.