Beliefs

History

Controversies

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While many think that the Amish are anti-government, the truth is very much the opposite. They believe in the necessity of government and do pay taxes (although it is sometimes believed that they do not.) They do, however, give some limitations to the authority of the state.

There are four major areas where the Amish have clashed with the government.

Elementary School Attendance

In the beginning, few Amish parents allowed their children to go to school beyond the fourth grade. The one-room schoolhouse was the standard and parents were very involved. The government began to consolidate these schools and slowly parents started allowing their children to go to these newly consolidated schools through the eighth grade. Parents were wary of these schools because they were away from the community and they didn't know the teachers or what was being taught.

Compulsory High School Attendance

The Amish feel that the years a student spends in high school are the years when "cultural isolation" is important. They believe that public high school teaches ideas that the Amish do not acknowledge. They feel "the wisdom of the world is foolishness with God." (Corinthians 3:19)

"In 1972, in Wisconsin vs. Yoder, the court ruled in favor of the Amish saying the states could not constitutionally force Amish to send their children to public high schools." http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/amish.html

Compulsory Welfare

The Amish are focused on community and family. They believe that in old age, it is the family responsibility to provide for their own people. They, therefore, do not believe in paying Social Security tax. They believe that if they paid it, they would be denying their faith.

Military Service

Amish people have a serious objection to war. Starting in World War II, they were given permission to serve their military obligation in civilian public service jobs.

Photo 2000, Doyle Yoder Productions, Inc. For more about Doyle Yoder?s Amish photos, please visit www.ohioamish.com Photo was taken from the book America?s Amish Country II, published by America?s Amish Country Publications

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