Don't the Amish not go in automobiles?

Question

Sorry if it's a dumb question, but I'm almost certain they're against automobiles -- aren't they not even allowed to have a hair dryer? Anyway, what are these Amish doing with the van?
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15134838/

Answer 1

I am NOT Amish but have had talked to some Amish people to better understand them. I questioned that the first time I seen a family of Amish people in walmart and they drove there. LOL
However some back in the olden days they did not use cars or any thing that required electricity. Now days some of them have updated to allowing their self's to use some of the things we do in life. Such as cars. They don't like to use things that they don't feed they have too. Like computers I'm not sure if any Amish people now days use computers. Some of them pay people to drive them places....well they use trade them something for a ride.

"Maintaining Amish standards, but accepting some modernization to meet needs of living, requires compromise that must not disrupt the social structure. By rejecting certain types of modernity and accepting others, some Amish appear to the outside world to be contradicting themselves - hypocrites. However, from the viewpoint of Amish culture, there is no contradiction. One of the more pronounced inconsistencies is the use of an automobile...although he may not own a car, a member may accept rides and willingly hires an automobile with a driver to transport him from place to place. There was little hesitation when the Amish decided "no" to car ownership. It would separate the community in various ways. If only wealthy members could afford it, the car would bring inequality. Proud individuals would use it to show off their status, power and wealth. Cars would speed things up dramatically, disrupting the slow pace of Amish living. So, they will use them but not own them, for then things will surely get out of control."

Answer 2

Thats one the quirks of many religions. You can do this, you can't do that. blah blah yadda yadda.

Listen...Automobiles is not a sin. They claim it is. BUT...

Did you see Horse drawn ambulances?

I feel so sorry for the families and girls. But. See what happens when you face a life and death situation. all of a sudden maybe things aren't a sin.

When death faces you or a family member.....your religon can change my friend.
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.Amish Belief:
The world: 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. Amish homes do not draw power from the electrical grid. They feel that that would excessively connect them to the world.

Nonresistance: They reject involvement with the military or warfare. They believe that Amish must never resort to violence or to take up arms in war. However, they do not generally view themselves as pacifists, because this would involve them in political action to promote peace. Their rejection of violence does not extend to the disciplining of their children. The Faith Mission Home in Virginia housed mentally retarded children and adults. They used physical punishment to control the children. It took "...the form of slapping the hand several times or spanking the buttocks a maximum of four strokes with the hand or a 'simple light paddle." 3 Bruises on a young woman led to the state Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation obtaining an injunction which prohibited the use of force by staff in the Home. The case caused Professor Alvin Esau to comment: "There is of course great irony on this issue, as groups such as the Amish and Hutterites use physical punishment, sometimes excessively, while supposedly believing in nonviolence in human relationships." 4

It's ok to disconnect from the world until when? You need them. yeah right.
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Answer 3

only the former Order Amish do no longer stress. the different Amish sects use vehicles. previous Order Mennonites also do not stress vehicles, yet they do use automatic farm kit like tractors.

Answer 4

True, they don't own a motorized vehicle, but they are allowed to utilize cars, trucks, vans..etc. when the journey or project at hand can not be effeciently conducted. The vehicles are contracted and owned by non Amish citizens. There is a limit as to what a horse and buggy can accomplish.

Answer 5

Not a dumb question. A detailed news report that I watched reported that the Amish live their life the way we imagine it, but they will use our technology if need be, as in the case of the horrible shooting! They are not against us and our technology. They simply choose not to allow it into their everyday lives. I am not an expert on the Amish way of life. That is simply what I undetstand from the news. Anyone & everyone please correct me.

Answer 6

Amish do not have electricity, cars, or hair dryers. They will ride a bus for long trips.

Mennonites are a more modern sect of the Amish. They do have cars and electricity.

Answer 7

The Amish people are to be admired for their simplicity of living and high thinking, the use of mechanical means is reduced to a minimum, they use these resources as little as possible and choose to make the primary objective of their lives spiritual, rather then focus on economical development, which is of temporary benefit only.

A good link for any question relating to this peaceful and God centred community is as follows:-

http://www.holycrosslivonia.org/amish/amishfaq.htm#auto

Answer 8

they could if they want to cuz it isnt wrong to use cars or electricity....dont know why theyre against it..What van?

Answer 9

They sometimes have a community owned van. Sometimes they borrow one from neighbors. They may also asked to use your telephone on occasion, they just don't have one at their house.

Answer 10

They don't drive, but they do ride, They ask friends or pay a driver if they have to go somewhere.