The Amish – Their Beliefs, Traditions and Way of Life
Have you ever stopped to think about how much of your day is dictated by noise—emails pinging, the constant scroll of social media, or the pressure to keep up with a world that never sleeps? For many of us, the modern pace of life feels overwhelming. We’re endlessly chasing productivity, yet we often end the day feeling disconnected and drained.
Now, imagine a world without these distractions. No relentless buzzing of smartphones. No constant craving for more likes, followers, or the latest gadgets. Instead, imagine a life where faith, community, and simplicity form the foundation of every decision.
That’s the reality of the Amish and Amish Beliefs.
The Old Order Amish are known for their simple lifestyle, choosing the horse and buggy over cars, mutual aid within their communities over Social Security, and striving for separation from mainstream society as much as possible.
Given their renunciation of modern technologies and their rural settlements, one might assume the Amish would go unnoticed. Yet, paradoxically, they often become the focus of the very mainstream culture they avoid, from Amish Country tourism in Pennsylvania to “Weird Al” Yankovic’s “Amish Paradise” and even “bonnet ripper” romance novels.
Who Are the Amish?
The term “Amish” encompasses a wide array of independent Christian groups that stem from a traditionalist branch of Anabaptism, a movement that arose during the Protestant Reformation.
Like many people, I wondered at one time if the Amish followed Christianity or if the Amish believed in Jesus. Yes, they do. The Amish follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible, which they consider the foundation of their faith.
The Amish share several core beliefs with other Christians:
- Faith in Jesus Christ: The Amish believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, sent to redeem humanity from sin. They believe in His death and resurrection as central to their salvation.
- Biblical Authority: They view the Bible, especially the New Testament, as the ultimate guide for their faith and life.
- Salvation: While salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is fundamental, the Amish highlight living a life that demonstrates faith through good works, humility, and obedience to God’s commands.
- The Trinity: Like most Christians, the Amish believe in the Trinity: God as Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
What distinguishes the Amish from other Christian groups is their approach to faith and daily living:
- Anabaptist Influence: The Amish originated from the Anabaptist movement, stressing adult baptism, pacifism, and separation of church and state. These principles remain central to Amish beliefs.
- Separation from the World: The Amish interpret passages like Romans 12:2 (“Do not conform to the pattern of this world“) as a call to live separately from modern society. This affects their technology use, dress, and lifestyle.
- Community-Centric Faith: The Amish focus on communal faith, often placing the community’s needs above individual desires. Their worship, decision-making, and daily lives are centered on this collective approach.
- Plain Living: Inspired by biblical teachings on humility and simplicity, the Amish avoid materialism and ostentation.
- Nonresistance: Reflecting Jesus’ teaching to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39), the Amish reject violence, including military service.
In the U.S., the Amish are divided into at least 40 affiliations or subgroups, each with its own rules about dress, technology, and participation in public life.
For example, groups like the New Order Amish and the Swartzentruber Amish differ significantly in their practices and views. Even the term “Old Order Amish,” which originally referred to a group that emerged after a schism in the 1860s, has evolved to encompass a range of affiliations, some more assimilationist than others.
Common Practices of Amish People
Humility is the beginning of wisdom. (Amish Proverb)
Despite this diversity, certain practices are consistent across Amish communities: rural living, church-regulated dress, and a selective approach to technology. They speak a dialect known as Pennsylvania Dutch, derived from the German of the Upper Rhine Valley.
The Amish often refer to themselves as “plain,” contrasting their lifestyle with mainstream society’s “fancy” ways.
As one Amish proverb says, “It is better to lose a little of the world than to lose your soul.“
The Amish share beliefs outlined in the 1632 Dordrecht Confession of Faith, which highlights separation from the world, nonviolence, and the shunning of excommunicated members.
Unlike most Christian denominations, they lack a governing body or official seminaries. Their churches are led by lay ministers chosen from within the community.
This informal, familial structure makes it rare for outsiders to join, leading some scholars to describe the Amish as more of an ethnoreligious group than a traditional Christian denomination.
Historical Roots of the Amish
The Amish trace their roots back to the Anabaptist movement during the Protestant Reformation in the early 16th century.
Originating in Switzerland, the Anabaptists were part of a larger movement challenging mainstream Catholic and Protestant practices, particularly infant baptism. They believed baptism should only occur when a person could consciously decide to follow Christ.
The Amish specifically emerged in 1693 when Jakob Ammann, a Swiss Anabaptist leader, broke away from the Mennonites.
Ammann believed in stricter practices, such as shunning (Meidung) members who strayed from community rules and emphasizing a more literal interpretation of the Bible. His followers, later called the Amish, sought to live apart from the “worldly” society to maintain purity and faithfulness to their values.
In the early 1700s, many Amish migrated to North America, particularly Pennsylvania, to escape religious persecution in Europe. William Penn’s promise of religious freedom made it an attractive destination.
Over time, the Amish have maintained their distinct identity through simple living, plain dress, and resistance to modern technology, reflecting their commitment to community and faith.
Growth and Evolution in the United States
In the United States, the Amish community thrived and evolved. Today, there are about 400,000 Old Order Amish, primarily in the U.S., with smaller populations in Canada and Bolivia.
Central to Amish life is the Ordnung, or “order.” This set of rules governs every aspect of daily life, from technology use to employment options and mutual aid. The Ordnung varies between communities; a settlement in Pennsylvania might have entirely different rules from one in Ohio.
Stricter Ordnungs are associated with more traditional Old Order communities.
In a society driven by speed, consumption, and individualism, the Amish way of life challenges us to reconsider our own. Could we embrace simplicity, foster deeper community ties, or reflect on how we spend our time?
While their path is not one most outsiders could—or would—adopt, there is beauty in the deliberate, faith-centered life the Amish lead.
Their journey is not about fitting into the world but about staying true to themselves. In doing so, they offer an invitation to all of us to reflect on what we value most and how we can live a life that aligns with our beliefs. Perhaps in their simplicity lies a wisdom that even the modern world cannot ignore.
FAQs About Amish Beliefs
Do the Amish believe in the Trinity?
Yes, the Amish believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, adhering to traditional Christian doctrine.
Why do Amish communities vary so much?
Each Amish community follows its own Ordnung, leading to variations in practices.
Are Amish beliefs compatible with modern technology?
Technology is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure it doesn’t disrupt faith or community.
Why do the Amish reject higher education?
They believe formal education beyond eighth grade fosters pride and detracts from community values.
How do the Amish interpret the Bible?
They read the Bible literally and focus on applying its teachings to daily life.
Can outsiders become Amish?
It’s rare but possible. Converts must fully embrace the Amish way of life.
What’s the significance of Amish plain dress?
It reflects humility, simplicity, and equality, avoiding vanity and competition.
Do the Amish celebrate holidays?
Yes, but their celebrations focus on religious meaning rather than secular traditions.
What’s the Amish view on environmental stewardship?
They believe in caring for the Earth as God’s creation, often practicing sustainable farming.
