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.
- 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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