Educational Resources
Beliefs of the Amish
There are three sects of Amish: the Old Order (the main group), the New Order (sometimes called the Schwartzentruber Amish) and the Andy Weaver Amish. These groups are sometimes called the Old Order and the Progressive Amish, depending upon the degree of adherence to some of the basic beliefs. The main differences between the groups are reflected in dress, buggy style and the style in which church services are conducted. The group pretty much dictates every aspect of the life of its Amish members.
Their beliefs consist of the following:
- The Amish believe in a "divine Christ, heaven and hell, receiving inspiration from scripture, and the church as the body of Christ," but they differ from the "outside world" because they feel that their faith encompasses their entire culture.http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/amish.html
- All Amish men wear beards and black hats. Amish men grow beards once they are married; the beard signifies adulthood. Hats signify the order to which the man belongs (different styles for different orders), and also reflects his age and status within the order.
- The declaration of "brotherly union" is the concept of the brotherhood living together in a community.
- Only the pure should be involved in religion, and members who fall into sinful acts should be shunned. The proper name for this is the Meidung. They believe that one "should not buy from, sell to, or even eat at the same table as the excommunicated individual." http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms /amish.html
- Once a person is shunned, he/she can make amends and return to the community.
- The Amish practice the washing of the feet as a symbol of humility..
- Emphasis is on the community, not on individual achievement and personal success.
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Gelassenheit teaches the Amish to be reserved, modest, calm and quiet and to submit completely to God's authority.
- They believe in "separation from the outside world, vow of obedience and a closeness to nature." http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/amish.html
- The Amish hold church services in the homes of their members.
- They take the words of the Bible literally.
- There is a traditional Amish prohibition against being photographed, and you won't often find mirrors in Amish homes. This is based on the biblical Commandment that says, "Thou shalt not make any graven images."
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