what exactly is an amish community? (religously speaking as well as traditionally)?

Answer 1

I live only minutes from an Amish community, so I'll try to help.

The Amish near me are Old Order Amish, which means they don't use cars, electricity, phones, ....all the modern conveniences. They do use gas powered generators for running refrigerstors (at least a few do!) and they accept rides to town with neighbors and friends. I see them in the stores quite often.

They still use the horse and buggy for transportation, and to plow their fields, harvest their crops, etc. Farming isn't what it once was, and some of the Amish in my area own businesses such as woodworking shops, general stores, etc.

Religion wise, they are a Christian sect, translating the Bible literally and living their lives as simply as possible. They have no formal churches, and each family in the community takes a turn at hosting services in their homes each Sunday. The services are in German, but outsiders are welcome at anytime to take part.

The kids go to school until the 8th grade. There's no need to go any longer, because they aren't going to be doctors or lawyers. Instead, they learn their trades from family and friends.

They tend to live together in close knit communities because it would be difficult for them to go about their ways if they were spread out all over the place. They are hard working, caring people who come together and help each other for whatever reason.

They are also beneficial to the communities around them. An example of their kindness and worth can be traced back to the May31, 1985 tornado outbreak our area experienced. The tri-state area was devastated with 143 tornadoes in an 8 hour period, with at least 3 of them being F-5's.

One of the largest on record hit a town about 20 minutes from me, and leveled it completely. Within days, a group of Amish from a neighboring state had arrived for the cleanup and rebuilding. They brought their own supplies, they furnished supplies for others, and they helped to construct new homes for people they had never met. They did this from their hearts and they asked nothing in return.

The attack at the school is a perfect example of what is wrong with this world. For the life of me I cannot understand how anyone could possibly want to harm the Amish. They have a wonderfully accepting view of outsiders, and a live and let live philosophy. The attack was a real tragedy, and my heart goes out to the community.

Answer 2

Amish live in a secluded community from modern society. They are fundamental Christians who do not use modern conveniences like electricity and cars. They are exempted from paying taxes because they take care of their own.

Answer 3

The Amish live in a separate community due to their religious beliefs. Read about their beliefs---

Answer 4

The Amish are a fundamentalist Christian sect that believes technology and possessions are inherently bad.
They are also called "Pennsylvania Dutch" (for you Wiki-thinkers) which comes from "Deutch" (German). They are common in New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as Pennsylvania.
They believe in self-suffiency, hard work, and 18th-century social mores that seem kind of odd to us today (strict separation of the sexes, no unsupervised intersex relationships or contact, no machines that the cannot build or rebuild themselves, homespun clothing, etc.).

Answer 5

If a person claiming to be Amish answers your question, don't believe him.

Answer 6

THEY BELIEVE IN THE OLD WAYS NO CARS BUT HORSES HARD WORD WORK THEY ARE ACTUALLY LIVING IN A PURE WAY

Answer 7

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/5400904.stm

Answer 8

http://www.religioustolerance.org/amish.htm

Answer 9

i wondered that, cos i heard the news today. it wasnt in my dictionary either