Ever driven past a horse-drawn buggy in Pennsylvania or Ohio and wondered, "Okay, but what do the Amish actually believe?" It's way more than just no electricity or fancy cars. I remember trying to explain this to a friend after visiting Lancaster County – they thought it was just an old-fashioned lifestyle choice. Boy, were they surprised. It's a deep, intricate faith woven into every single thing they do. Let's dig past the bonnets and buggies.
The Absolute Bedrock: Core Amish Beliefs
Figuring out what do the Amish believe starts with their foundation. Forget complex theology lectures; their faith is lived, not just preached. Central is the New Testament, especially Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. That's their playbook. They take "be in the world, not of the world" dead seriously. This isn't about being anti-modern for the sake of it. It's about guarding their community and staying focused on God.
A key word here is Gelassenheit (pronounced guh-LAH-sen-hite). Roughly, it means "yieldedness" or "submission." Think humility, calmness, putting the group before yourself. No showing off. Ever seen an impeccably clean Amish farm? That’s Gelassenheit in action – quiet diligence, not pride. It shapes how they interact, work, even pray.
Then there's the Ordnung (ORRD-nung). This is the big one, the unwritten rulebook. Forget printed manuals. It’s the collective memory of the community, passed down. It covers everything: dress (why those specific hooks-and-eyes, not buttons? Ordnung), technology (horse vs tractor? Ordnung), social interactions (how to court? Ordnung). Each church district (usually 25-40 families) has its slightly different Ordnung. What flies in one settlement might be forbidden just 20 miles away. Makes it tricky for outsiders to pin down absolute rules!
Separation: The "Why" Behind the Lifestyle
This is critical to grasp what do the Amish believe. Separation (Absonderung) isn't about hatred or fear of the outside world. It's about protection. Protection from distractions, materialism, vanity, anything that pulls focus away from God, family, and community. It’s why they live in tight-knit settlements, often speak Pennsylvania Dutch at home, and have their own schools. That phone shanty at the end of the lane? Perfect example. It enables necessary business contact while keeping the worldly influence literally outside the home. Smart, if you think about it. I once asked an Amish carpenter why he wouldn’t just get a cellphone for convenience. His answer? "Convenience isn't king. Peace is." That stuck with me.
What This Belief Looks Like Every Single Day
Understanding what do the Amish believe means seeing how belief translates to action. It’s in the mundane:
| Belief in Action | How It Manifests | Notes & Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Simplicity & Plainness | Plain dress (solid colors, no patterns), unadorned homes, functional buggies. Avoids pride and vanity. | Women wear head coverings (prayer kapp); men wear broad-brimmed hats and plain coats without lapels. Specific colors/styles vary by district. |
| Community & Mutual Aid | Barn raisings (a new barn built in 1-2 days!), caring for the sick/elderly. No need for commercial insurance. | “Amish Aid” collections financially support families facing huge medical bills. |
| Technology Use | Selective adoption based on Ordnung. Focus is on preventing worldliness and dependence. | May use gas-powered engines for specific tasks (sawmills, welders), often use pressurized air or batteries vs. grid electricity. *Important: Huge variation!* |
| Education | Private, single-room schools only up to 8th grade. Focus is on practical skills for Amish life. | Believe higher education fosters worldliness and individualism. Teachers are typically young unmarried Amish women. |
| Peace & Non-Resistance | Conscientious objectors to military service. Avoid lawsuits. Turn the other cheek. | Rooted in Jesus's teachings. Seek reconciliation within the church instead of courts. |
Work Ethic and Vocation
Hard work is sacred. Idleness is seen as dangerous. Farming used to be nearly universal, but land pressures mean many now run small businesses – furniture making, construction, quilting stores, bakeries. Ever bought an Amish-built shed? Sturdiest thing you'll own. Their belief ties work directly to faith and community service. Profit isn't the sole goal; providing for family and supporting the church matters more. Don't expect flashy advertising – their reputation travels by word of mouth.
Rumspringa: What Everyone Gets Wrong
Movies love to portray this as Amish teens gone wild – drugs, cars, parties. In most communities? It's way tamer. "Running around" (Rumspringa) typically just means relaxed rules on socializing, maybe using a phone or dressing a bit more "English" (non-Amish). It's a period for considering baptism, not necessarily rebellion. Most (85-90%) choose to join the church. The high stakes? Baptism is a lifelong vow. Breaking the Ordnung after baptism leads to the tough practice of Meidung (shunning).
Key Practices Rooted in Belief
Digging deeper into what do the Amish believe means looking at specific practices:
- Worship: Held bi-weekly in homes (not churches!), rotated among families. Simple singing (no instruments), sermons in German dialect (High German), lengthy prayers. Lasts about 3 hours, followed by a shared meal. The benches are hauled in a special wagon!
- Baptism: Usually late teens/early 20s. Crucial step signifying adult commitment to the church and Ordnung. Done by pouring water, not immersion.
- Communion: Held twice a year, spring and fall. Preceded by a solemn council meeting (Gemeh) focused on reconciliation and unity.
- Marriage: Only between baptized members. Ceremonies happen at home during weekdays (usually November), simple vows, big community feast. Courtship is discreet – the young man takes the girl home in his buggy after youth singings.
- Funerals: Simple, held in the home. Plain wooden coffin, no eulogy praising the individual, focus on God's will. Burial in plain Amish cemeteries with identical, humble markers.
Different Groups, Different Rules: Understanding Diversity
Thinking all Amish are identical is a big mistake. What do the Amish believe varies significantly across affiliations. It's a spectrum:
| Group | Technology Allowance | Dress Strictness | Church Structure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Amish (Old Order) | Very restrictive. Horse-buggy only, minimal mechanization. | Often very distinct: fuller beards for men, specific bonnet styles for women. Darker colors. | Traditional home worship. | Tend to speak a distinct Swiss dialect. |
| New Order Amish | Slightly more open (e.g., may allow phones in homes for business, some solar power). | Plain, but styles might be slightly less distinct than Old Order. | Traditional home worship. | Often more emphasis on personal salvation & Bible study. |
| Beachy Amish | Allow cars (often plain), electricity, phones. May meet in simple church buildings. | Plain/modest dress, but women may not always wear kapps indoors. | May have meeting houses. | Technologically closer to Mennonites but maintain Amish identity and separation beliefs. |
This variation explains why you might see an Amish person using a cellphone in one town but not in another. It's not hypocrisy; it's different Ordnung interpretations. Sorting this out is key to truly grasping what do the Amish believe – it's not monolithic.
Clearing Up the Confusion: Common Myths Debunked
Let's bust some myths about what do the Amish believe:
- Myth: They hate technology. Reality: They are cautious about how technology impacts community and spiritual life. Many use propane fridges, gas-powered tools, hydraulic systems, and computers for business (outside the home!). The question is: "Does this pull us apart or foster dependence on the world?"
- Myth: They reject all modern medicine. Reality: They widely use doctors, hospitals, and modern treatments. Herbal remedies are common, but major illnesses get modern care. Some communities refuse certain things like insurance or vaccinations due to beliefs about divine will or separation, but this varies. Myth: They pay no taxes. Reality: They pay income taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes. They are exempt from Social Security taxes (and thus don't receive benefits) because they conscientiously object to government insurance programs, believing the church should care for its own. This was a hard-won legal exemption.
- Myth: They never leave their communities. Reality: Travel happens – for family visits, business, even vacations (especially Beachy groups). Often by bus or hired van. They aren't prisoners.
Navigating Interaction: Respectful Observations
If you're visiting Amish country (like Holmes County, OH, or Lancaster, PA):
- Photography: Most Amish consider posed photos (especially faces) deeply prideful and a violation of the 2nd Commandment (graven images). Snap that picturesque buggy from behind, but always ask permission if people are involved and respect a "no."
- Shopping: Support authentic Amish businesses (furniture, quilts, bakeries, farmers markets). Cash is king; many don't accept cards. Be mindful of Sunday closures.
- Buggy Etiquette: Drive cautiously! Slow down significantly when passing buggies, give them wide berth. Those horses spook easily. Don't honk.
- General Courtesy: Be polite but not intrusive. Avoid overly personal questions. Dress modestly if visiting their spaces. They aren't tourist attractions, but neighbors living their faith.
I learned the photography lesson awkwardly years ago near Shipshewana. A friendly wave turned into a firm head shake and averted face. It felt embarrassing in the moment, but taught me more respect than any guidebook.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do the Amish believe happens after death?
They believe in heaven and hell, based on acceptance of Jesus Christ. Salvation is through faith and living according to God's will as interpreted by their church.
What do the Amish believe about the Bible?
They view the Bible, especially the New Testament, as the inspired Word of God and their ultimate authority. They interpret it literally in many aspects, particularly regarding separation and non-resistance.
What do the Amish believe about government?
They believe in obeying government laws unless those laws directly conflict with their religious beliefs (like military service). They pay most taxes but conscientiously object to government-run social insurance (Social Security). They avoid holding political office or voting, focusing on being separate.
Can Amish people own businesses?
Absolutely! Many are highly successful entrepreneurs running furniture shops, construction companies, bakeries, greenhouses, and retail stores. They adapt business practices cautiously within Ordnung guidelines (e.g., using phones for orders but not in the home).
What do the Amish believe about Rumspringa?
It's a period of relaxed discipline *before* baptism, allowing young adults social freedom to explore the world and ultimately decide if they want to commit to the church for life. It's not an official church doctrine but a cultural practice. Its intensity varies greatly between families and communities.
What happens if an Amish person breaks the rules?
For minor infractions, there's usually counsel and encouragement. Serious or unrepentant sin, especially after baptism, leads to the practice of *Meidung* (shunning). This means church members, including close family, limit social and business interaction to encourage repentance. It's the most severe and controversial practice, aimed at preserving church purity, not punishment. It can tear families apart.
Are the Amish and Mennonites the same?
No, but they share common Anabaptist roots (originating from the Radical Reformation in 16th-century Europe). Mennonites generally have fewer restrictions on technology, dress, and interaction with the world. They often drive cars, use electricity freely, and worship in church buildings. Beachy Amish are very similar to conservative Mennonites.
What do the Amish believe about salvation? Is it different?
The core is similar to many Christian groups: salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. However, the emphasis is heavily placed on living out that faith within the community according to the Ordnung as evidence of true conversion and obedience. It's faith demonstrated through works and submission.
The Challenges and the Choices
Life isn't simple for them. Pressures like rising farmland costs force innovation (and sometimes friction over Ordnung adaptations). Dealing with serious health issues without modern insurance is frightening. Shunning (Meidung) is ethically fraught and painful. Some young people do leave, finding the restrictions too heavy.
But for those who stay? There's immense strength in community, purpose, and a clear identity grounded in deeply held convictions about what do the Amish believe. It’s a demanding faith, no doubt. Visiting their communities, you sense a different pace, a tangible quietness. It’s not perfect – no human community is – but it offers a profound counterpoint to our hyper-connected, individualistic world. Whether you agree with their choices or not, understanding the *why* behind the buggies and bonnets reveals a fascinating, resilient culture built on centuries-old faith.
So, what do the Amish believe? Ultimately, they believe in living a radically separate life dedicated to God, family, and community, guided by Scripture and their Ordnung. It shapes every choice, from technology to transportation to how they resolve conflict. It’s a faith defined by practice, humility, and yielding to the collective good.
Leave a Comments