Why do Amish people live the way they do?

Question

Do they think people who live in normal society are evil?
Do they ever come into normal society for materials or anything?
And could anybody just one day out of the blue join a amish society? What would they have to do?

Answer 1

It's a religious way of life.
They came to America to excape persecution (in germany). They made their own communities, and have choosen to remain seperate and traditional.

They do come into "normal" society. But just because you live in the "normal" society doesn't mean it is normal, and it is actually demeaning to call your society normal, because it suggest you think that their society is not normal. Being differnt doesn't mean it's wrong... maybe you can say mainstream society.

Many Amish are carpenters. In places with lots of Amish, such as Ohio and Indiana, they own contracting bussiness. However, they hire non Amish to drive them around (since only 1 Amish per community is allowed to drive for emergency reasons).

My dad use to drive them to their worksites, and then pick them back up at night.

Also- I have seen Amish inside of a CVS pharmacy. They drove their horse drawn buddy there.

You can join the Amish, but that takes dedication... there is a 80's film making fun of some guy from the mob being hidden in an Amish place. Don't remember the name, google it.
ALSO Amish BOYS can choose to leave at age 14. But they can never go back, and their family has to black list them from their memories. Amish children can also associate with non-Amish children from ages 12 to 14. This is how they decide if they want to remain Amish, or go out into mainstream society.

Answer 2

They go out into the world at age 18 (not 14) for one year, and when that year is up they make the choice to stay with the Amish or go live among the rest of society.
They live a life that honors hard work and sacrifice - its not that technology is evil but they can do everything that technology can but gain a sense of pride when they finish building a house, or shaping a horseshoe. They eat fatty foods, lots of red meat (everything that our society says will hurt you) and are in better physical condition and health than the majority of the rest of the "modern" world.
Makes you wonder if we have it right, or if they do.

Answer 3

I was wondering this the other day!! So I went and looked up "amish" in Wikipedia and was fascinated by what I found. If I were you I'd go check it out. However, I don't know if anybody could just one day join amish society.... hmm if you find out let me know.

Answer 4

It's hard to explain, I think. People who live close to the earth, without a lot of diversions, are in a unique position to be close to God. Normal people today, with all our comforts and entertainments, don't even think, let alone have any kind of inner life. Think of the monastic lifestyle, with Monks. That is something that existed in every religion. They don't want a bunch of entertainment and diversions.

Just in case that doesn't make sense, here's another example. When you have to depend on God, because you're not capable of controlling your circumstances, that also puts you in a position to have a better relationship with Him. People who live in real poverty or real danger experience this. But that's not really an issue with the Amish. Most of them are pretty well off.

Answer 5

They do what they do because they choose to---and you do what you do because YOU choose to--that's the way life works. Changes can happen for the Amish also---if a person wants to change, they will. Outsiders are free to join--but it is a total departure for a really dedicated person--a complete change in life styles. But it can be done.

Answer 6

That's just their culture man. Just like how Buddhist monks live like they do or how urban people live in the city, it's just their style of living.