I thought about this once..
Could someone just become Amish if they wanted to or did one have to be born into it..?
Say I read about them and looked into there way of life and all and fell inlove with every about them and wanted to become part of there community..
Could someone do that.? Would that community except a person that was not born into there way of life..?
2007-12-01 13:38:19 · 22 answers · asked by LadyCatherine 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The answer is yes.
One converts in to that religion. Just like people who convert into the Jewish Faith. I know this about the jews because it has happend twice in my family.
And I know it about the Amish because of this article:
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/patriotnews/article312397.ece
2007-12-01 13:47:05 · answer #1 · answered by zingahgrrl101 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Question: How can I join the Amish community and become an Amish person?
Answer: Anyone can live in an Amish community by simply moving to where the Amish live in a specific area. If a person wants to join the Amish church, the person must move to an Amish community, live there for a length of time (which could be years), accepting the Amish and the Amish accepting you (it is really a mutual issue), being willing to live within the rules of the Church (Ordnung). To become a member of the Amish church requires a genuine religious commitment which is much more than just moving to an Amish community and living the Plain lifestyle of not using electricity, cars, telephones, etc.
2007-12-01 21:50:27 · answer #2 · answered by Raven 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know where you are located but I think if you're near Pennsylvania or Ohio, where there are many Amish and Mennonite communities, it might be worth a trip just to witness the way they live. Being born into it has to be the easiest way for you to be accepting of the tremendous changes you would have to make but I don't think you would be considered an outcast after a time. I know they would be suspicious of what they term a "worldly" person, but if you can accept all the limitations and all the advantages of the simple life, at least go there and witness first hand, who and what they are. I happen to marvel at them and their lives and used to go there often. I hope you can too. Good luck!
2007-12-01 21:49:43 · answer #3 · answered by Chris B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is possible in some communities. It depends on the place where you go, how well you get along with those Amish people, whether they think you are sincere, etc. I don't think there's really any central authority that makes the rules for that sort of thing.
If you wanted to do it, it would take years, and you'd have to live the same way they do for a while before they'd let you join. Also, you have to also be sincere about the religion. And probably learn whatever Pennsylvania dutch they speak.
2007-12-01 21:45:05 · answer #4 · answered by .x 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've read you can voluntarily become Amish. You have to go through a 6 or 8 wk baptismal prep class.All Amish have to. You have to get baptized into their church. I'm pretty sure,if I remember right. There's a waiting period. They want to make sure you are taking these steps w/full knowledge of all it entails. Anyway, that's all I know. I read they don't proselytize @ all.They have said people plan to become Amish but nearly always leave. People just seem interested in the fact that they are "different".
2007-12-01 21:47:37 · answer #5 · answered by paula r 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can join either Amish or Mennonites. In general the Mennonites are more accepting of people converting from other religions. Many Mennonites would also feel that plain living is the result of being a Christian, while Amish would often feel living plain makes you a Christian. Either way, you have to be ready to give up a lot of 'modern' conveniences.
2007-12-02 15:25:35 · answer #6 · answered by M W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amish live a very simple life. They are a tight group of families...so I am not sure how easy it would be to join a community. I have met a few Mennonites and they seem to be open to others. Look for Mennonite groups in your area, tell them your feelings and see what they say. You might be able to speak with an elder and get some advice. Good luck on your spiritual journey!
2007-12-01 21:54:17 · answer #7 · answered by Shonda G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not to hard for the boys. It's difficult for girls because women are property, either their husband's or father's. You'll have a difficult time finding anybody to marry you if you cannot sew, bake bread from scratch and make food out of things most people consider scrap like lungs, eyeballs and intestines. Some are more consertive and will not even allow dye to be used in their clothing. The order in my area in Tennessee, I think they use power tools to make furniture to sell and there was an article in the paper about how they were installing solar power in their store but only for the lights and cash registar, not for their homes.
2007-12-01 22:04:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The area I'm from has some Amish people and I've never heard of anyone deciding to become Amish. I don't think most people would like that way of life, though they might admire it from afar.
2007-12-01 21:41:32 · answer #9 · answered by Stimpy 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You can definatley become Mennonite, which is very close to Amish, and I think you can convert to Amish as well, but i'm not totally sure
2007-12-01 21:41:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋