The Amish originated from the Swiss-German Anabaptists in the late 17th century. They’re known for their simple living, plain dress, and reluctance to adopt modern conveniences. But is this a reflection of their religion, or is it purely a lifestyle choice? This article aims to delve into the complexities of the Amish way of life, exploring the intersections between faith and lifestyle.
Is Amish a Religion or a Lifestyle
The roots of the Amish community trace back to the late 17th century. Emerging from Swiss-German Anabaptist beginnings, this distinct group formed as a result of a schism led by Jakob Ammann, an Alsatian Anabaptist. Ammann’s vision of a more disciplined and tradition-oriented community is the backbone Is Amish a Religion or a Lifestyle seen today.
Ammann’s emphasis on strict church discipline and insistence on the shunning (Meidung) of nonconformist members became pillars of the Amish way of life. Post his leadership, the Amish began their migration from Europe, with large numbers setting foot on the North American continent in the 18th century. It’s crucial to note that their cultural and religious beliefs were maintained, even altered to a degree against the alien settings they encountered.
Pennsylvania became a favoured destination thanks to William Penn’s ‘Holy Experiment’. The state’s promise of religious freedom served as a beacon for the Amish, paving the way for one of the first and most prominent settlements. Today, Amish communities can be found sprinkled across multiple US States and parts of Canada.
Moulding themselves around Ammann’s beliefs and teachings, the Amish have steadfastly maintained their commitment to a life of simplicity and humility. It’s a bee in their bonnet to keep a fair distance from mainstream societal norms and adopt a quiet lifestyle deeply rooted in their faith. This steadfast dedication is the cornerstone of what shapes the Amish community, representing a unique blend of faith and pragmatic lifestyle.
Religious Beliefs of the Amish
Diving into the religious beliefs of the Amish unveils a world of pious dedication like none other. Rooted in the Anabaptist tradition, their faith underscores humility, simplicity, and a higher adherence towards community over self. They espouse a set of beliefs that can be viewed both as a religion and a lifestyle, merging religious observance with daily routines.
The primary tenet of the Amish faith is Gelassenheit. Encapsulating the values of submission, humility, and simplicity, it governs the daily actions and decisions of the Amish community. The faith holds an unwavering commitment to nonviolence – embodied by the doctrine of nonresistance. They interpret the New Testament literally and insist on nonparticipation in warfare, voting, swearing oaths, or wielding legal power. They maintain a pacifist stance, placing faith in God’s providence to intervene.
Their doctrine of meidung, or shunning, dramatically exemplifies the faith’s rigidity. If members disobey the Ordnung – a set of oral and agreed-upon rules for conduct and dress – they’re subject to social avoidance by fellow members. It ensures adherence to community norms and underpins the Amish commitment to communal integrity.
These beliefs extend to their perception of technology. The Amish faith posits that advanced technology fosters pride, vanity, and disrupts the tranquillity of their self-reliant, rural lifestyle. Consequently, they adopt a very selective approach towards accepting technology – preferring tools that promote cooperation and self-reliance.
Lifestyle Practices of the Amish
Is Amish a Religion or a Lifestyle is deeply rooted in their religious beliefs, creating a unique culture based on humility, simplicity, and community. Gelassenheit, a German term meaning calm demeanour or serenity, plays a significant role in defining the rhythm of Amish life. This principle stresses submission, humility, and nonviolence, which directly impacts how the Amish interact with the world and each other.
One key element of the Amish lifestyle is their deliberate limiting approach to using technology. This isn’t without reason; they believe that being too connected to the outside world via devices can lead to lost time, widened social circles, and distractions from spiritual growth. By controlling how they engage with technology, they strive to maintain their self-reliant lifestyle. While this might seem odd to outsiders, it’s a deeply rooted tradition that reinforces their community focus over individual needs or wants.
Another aspect worth noting is the Amish practice of Meidung, a form of social avoidance or shunning. Should a member break the Ordnung or community norms, this exclusionary practice is enforced. This shows the importance of group norms, integrity, and the strong alignment of lifestyle practices with religious beliefs.
