Educational Resources
Controversies of the Amish
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.
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