what's an amish?

Answer 1

The Amish and Mennonite peoples can trace their religious origins to the Protestant Reformation. The Amish are reformed Menonites (Anabaptists). The group was founded by Jacob Amman (~1644 to ~1720 CE). The Anabaptists believed that only adults who had confessed their faith should be baptized, and that they should remain separate from the larger society. Many early Anabaptists were put to death as heretics by both Catholics and Protestants, and many others fled to the mountains of Switzerland and southern Germany. Here began the Amish tradition of farming and holding their worship services in homes rather than churches.

The beliefs and practices of the Amish were based on the writings of the founder of the Mennonite faith, Menno Simons (1496-1561), and on the 1632 Mennonite Dordrecht Confession of Faith. Near the end of the 17th century, a faction led by minister Jakob Ammon broke away, laying the groundwork for the Amish faith. The Amish who split from Mennonites generally lived in Switzerland and in the southern Rhine river region. During the late 17th century, they separated because of what they perceived as a lack of discipline among the Mennonites.

Some Amish migrated to the United States, starting in the early 18th century. They initially settled in Pennsylvania. Other waves of immigrants became established in New York, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri Ohio, and other states.

Amish and Menonite members usually speak a German dialect called Pennsylvania Dutch (Deutsch). High German is used during worship. They believe in remaining quite separate from the rest of the world, physically and socially. Part of this may be caused by the belief that association with others -- often referred to as "The English" -- may be polluting. Part may be because of the intense persecution experienced by their ancestors as a result of government oppression. In matters of faith, Amish and Mennonite families are closely related. Mennonite families, however, may own modern amenities, and often follow more liberal dress and lifestyle codes.

Amish homes do not draw power from the electrical grid. They feel that that would excessively connect them to the world. They reject involvement with the military or warfare. They believe that Amish must never resort to violence or to take up arms in war. Their faith forbids the swearing of oaths in courts; they make affirmations of truth instead.

Answer 2

Much of what was written regarding the Amish as far as their origins is correct- they were founded in the 1600's by Jacob Ammon. Much of the other information and impressions people have of them was incorrect. The Amish have served in the military, during the draft they entered as consciencious objectors and were assigned to non-combat positions like all the others who enlist under this category. Although Old Order Amish do not use electricity in their homes, they do use it in cases where they have a dairy and must have the refrigeration. Each church is organized independantly of each other, known as the Ordnung, and is run by a deacon and elders of the church. The Amish do not use many of the conveniences which we English (the term for non-Amish) find necessary for everyday life, things like electricity, televisions, and the like. It is not that they believe these things evil in and of themselves, but that they expose themselves to things which can lead them to sin. They dress simply and modestly because they believe one should not be so concerned with one's outward appearance- that leads to the sin of pride. When it is truly necessary, the Amish will travel in cars, use the phone, and use electricity. They prefer to live as independantly and self sufficient as possible, and have an extended family- both in terms of blood and through the church- that support them in emergencys, time of trouble, and in their old age. They believe that supporting one another is their Christian duty, and live accordingly.
Normally, between the ages of about 16 and 18, the Amish youth experience a period called Rumspringe, which doesn't really translate to an English word or phrase. During this time, the young are encouraged to experience the outside world, and are not questioned by their elders as to what they do or where they go. Once they choose to join the church are are baptized, they are expected to abide by all the rules of the community, and can be shunned if they do not. The Amish believe this choice has to be freely made, with full knowledge of what one will be giving up and what will be expected of them once they are members of the church.
Most Amish people speak English quite well, but normally they speak to one another in a form of old German, Deutch- and as the original settlers created communities in Pennsylvania, the language came to be known as Pennsylvania Dutch. As the group grew larger, they spread out to many other states. They are related to the Mennonites, which is an offshoot that is a bit more permissive in terms of religious practice and restrictions.
If you are curious to learn more about the Amish, there are several really good websites you can visit. They are not maintained or sponsored by the Amish, naturally- but by persons who find the way admirable and are able to answer questions many people have about the Amish and their way of life.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
what's an amish?

Answer 4

The Amish, or Plain People, are a religious group that started in the 1600's by a man by the name of Jacob Amman. They practice modest dress and lifestyle that includes women in plain usually dark colored dresses. No pants or cutting their hair. The men wear home made pants with no zippers. Button flaps only and the married men wears trimmed beards but no mustache, straw or black brimmed hats. They don't drive cars. Only horse and buggy. They don't have modern conveniences such as electricity or telephones. This is just a little bit. You can learn alot by checking them out on the internet. Really pretty interesting.

Answer 5

Amish are Puritanical Christians. They believe that reliance on modern technology and medicine draws people away from the way God wants them to live. So, they live like the 18 century. No cars, dress like colonial Americans, farm with plows not tractors, stuff like that. They are also complete pacifists, which means they will always turn the other cheek and never raise their hand in anger. This keeps them out of being drafted for the Army.

Answer 6

the Amish are an Anabaptist Christian denomination found primarily in the United States and Ontario, Canada, that are known for restrictions on the use of modern devices such as automobiles and telephones. The Amish separate themselves from outside society for religious reasons; they do not join the military, draw Social Security, or accept any form of assistance from the government, and many avoid insurance.

Answer 7

The Amish are somewhat of an Isolationist religious group who do not use electricity. They get around using horse and buggy and they dress very conservatively. They do not believe in fighting and have very strict rules of conduct. They are a very productive people in spite of these restrictions and have unusual talents in woodworking. You can google them as well as Shakers and Quakers where you will come up with many links describing their lifestyles and faith.

Answer 8

Myth: They don't use electricity.

Truth: Some do and keep it hidden behind fake walls that move.

My hubby knew families that had televisions, game systems, and stereos behind fake walls. Just thought I'd share that interesting fact.

Answer 9

The Amish is why you eat so well today and why we didn't have famine 20 years ago.

They are a religious group that was run out of Russia by the Czar, along with the Jews, and anyone else who didn't follow Russian Orthodox Teachings. They settled in the U.S.

Because of their work with developing stronger forms of Wheat, resistant to disease, we were saved from rampant starvation, and allowed us to sell excess wheat to Russia. Had they not been run out of Russia, we would have been buying wheat from Russia.

Answer 10

Christians from I think germany, main difference they came to America because they believe one thing different, this was baptizim apply a person must believe and accept christ to be saved. At 16 I believe tey are fre to choose but until than they must follow and practive with the family. See devil's playground great documentry,