Is this a cult? Ex-Amish Answers Your Questions | LADbible Stories

Summary

In this revealing interview, Naomi shares her experiences growing up in a strict Amish community, offering insights into their lifestyle, traditions, and beliefs. From misconceptions about technology and sexuality to the communal nature of Amish life, Naomi paints a vivid picture of her upbringing. She describes the emotional and cultural challenges of leaving the Amish and adjusting to the outside world, including the shock of watching movies and learning about actors. Naomi provides a nuanced perspective on Amish practices, including their views on marriage, education, and fun, while addressing common stereotypes and misconceptions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Naomi grew up in a strict Amish community and left at 17, seeking freedom and exposure to the modern world.
• 😀 The Amish follow a strict set of religious rules called the 'Ordinong', which governs aspects of their life including dress, technology, and social behavior.
• 😀 The Amish community has punishments for breaking the rules, such as shunning, and requires public admission of guilt for reconciliation.
• 😀 Technology is restricted in Amish life, with allowances for minimal tools like battery-powered flashlights and small generators, but they avoid modern conveniences.
• 😀 Sexual education and awareness in the Amish community are extremely limited, with no discussions about sex in school, leaving children to figure it out on their own.
• 😀 Birthdays are not celebrated in Amish culture, with the most recognition being a tug on the ear corresponding to the person's age.
• 😀 Pennsylvania Dutch is the primary language spoken in Amish communities, though English is also taught in school.
• 😀 Amish people do use swear words, contrary to the common belief that they completely avoid such language.
• 😀 The Amish came to America in the 1700s to flee religious persecution, settling first in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and now living in 32 states and Canada.
• 😀 The Amish community practices arranged dating, with specific roles for men and women, and courtship involving overnight stays in the woman's home (without sex).

Q & A

What is the Ordinong in Amish culture?

The Ordinong is a set of strict rules that guide every aspect of Amish life, including dress codes, acceptable farming practices, and how technology is used. It is the foundation of their way of life, with specific guidelines on everything from the tools they can use to their everyday behaviors.

How are punishments administered in the Amish community?

When an Amish person breaks the rules after being baptized, they are often shunned for a period of time, usually ranging from four to six weeks. After that, they can be accepted back into the community if they confess their wrongdoing and ask for forgiveness, which is agreed upon by the community.

Why do the Amish avoid using certain technologies?

The Amish strive to stay separate from the modern world and limit their use of technology to avoid becoming overly dependent on it. Some technology, like battery-operated flashlights and small generators, is allowed for practical purposes like lighting or operating farm equipment, but they avoid more modern technology like cars and smartphones.

What is the Amish practice of 'Rumspringa'?

Rumspringa is a period during which Amish teenagers are allowed to experience the outside world. However, a significant number of Amish youth return to the community and get baptized. In Naomi’s case, she did not participate in Rumspringa but instead left the Amish community independently.

What role does sex education play in Amish communities?

Sex education is virtually nonexistent in Amish communities. Children are not taught about sex in school. Naomi, for example, was confused about where babies came from as a child and only figured it out later by observing animals on the farm.

How do Amish people view birthdays and gifts?

The Amish do not celebrate birthdays in a traditional way. Naomi recalls only receiving a simple birthday greeting (a tug on the ear) as acknowledgment of her age. She remembers feeling special when the milkman gave her circus peanuts for her birthday when she turned 15.

What language do the Amish speak?

The Amish primarily speak Pennsylvania Dutch, although they also learn to read, write, and speak English, particularly during their schooling years.

What is the significance of the Amish 'faceless' dolls?

The Amish create dolls without faces as part of their belief in avoiding graven images, as prohibited by the second commandment. They do not have pictures or images, including on calendars, to avoid idolatry.

How do Amish people view modern entertainment like movies and TV?

Naomi’s first experience with movies left her traumatized as she didn't understand that actors were just acting. This highlights how the Amish, who live separate from modern society, may be unaware of certain aspects of mainstream media and entertainment.

What is the Amish perspective on marriage and dating?

In Amish communities, marriage is not arranged but is restricted to individuals from the same Amish sect. Dating begins once young people turn 16, with a somewhat informal process where a young man expresses interest, and if the woman agrees, they begin dating under strict rules about privacy and physical boundaries.