When I think of Amish people I imagine farmers in awkward clothes cultivating their land or riding their buggies. Of course also the picture of colourful quilts comes into my mind. Apart from that Amish society is on the one hand fascinating and on the other hand very mysterious to me:
How could they accomplish to survive as a subculture which differs so much from the surrounding mainstream society? What are the keystones of their faith? Where do they come from? Will they manage to remain unchanged in such a – as they see it – sinful, seductive and dangerous world?
In this paper I will try to answer all these questions. Moreover, I want to give a comprehensive idea of Amish lifestyle and philosophy in order that we as non-Amish can understand their way of life, which feels so strange and disconcerting to us.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. A Short History of the Amish
- 3. Main Features of Amish life
- 3.1 Belief and Cultural Identity
- 3.2 Family Life
- 3.3 Education
- 3.4 Rumspringa and Mate-Finding
- 3.5 Excommunication and Shunning
- 4. Conflicts with Modernity
- 4.1 Attitude towards Technical Innovations
- 4.2 Current Business Problems
- 5. Conclusion
- 6. Illustrations
- 7. Works Cited
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Amish lifestyle and philosophy, explaining their survival as a distinct subculture and the core tenets of their faith. It seeks to bridge the gap between Amish and non-Amish perspectives, making their way of life more accessible and less disconcerting to outsiders.
- The historical development of the Amish community, tracing their origins from Anabaptism.
- Key aspects of Amish daily life, including beliefs, family structures, education, and social practices.
- The Amish approach to modernity and the challenges they face in maintaining their traditions in a rapidly changing world.
- The significance of excommunication and shunning within the Amish community.
- The unique cultural identity of the Amish and its maintenance across generations.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by presenting the author's initial perceptions of the Amish community, highlighting their fascinating yet mysterious nature. It poses key questions about their survival as a distinct subculture, their faith, origins, and the challenges of maintaining their traditions in a modern world. The chapter establishes the paper's objective: to offer a comprehensive overview of Amish life and philosophy to enhance understanding among non-Amish individuals.
2. A Short History of the Amish: This chapter details the historical origins of the Amish, tracing their roots back to the Anabaptist movement of the Protestant Reformation in 16th-century Switzerland. It highlights the persecution faced by Anabaptists due to their beliefs in adult baptism and the separation of church and state, emphasizing the role of key figures like Ulrich Zwingli and Menno Simons. The chapter traces the development of Anabaptist doctrines, including the "Bekenntnis von Schleitheim," and the subsequent split that led to the formation of the Amish community, distinct from the Mennonites, due to differing views on excommunication and shunning. The chapter underscores the persistent persecution faced by the Amish throughout their history due to their pacifist principles. The creation of the Ausbund, a collection of hymns, is also detailed as a significant aspect of their history and faith.
3. Main Features of Amish life: This chapter delves into various aspects of Amish daily life. While the subchapters cover Belief and Cultural Identity, Family Life, Education, Rumspringa and Mate-Finding, and Excommunication and Shunning, the overall chapter synthesizes these elements to present a holistic picture of their social structures and practices. It explores the close-knit community, the importance of faith and tradition, family-centered education, and the unique process of "rumspringa" as a transition into adulthood. The chapter also illuminates the practices of excommunication and shunning as mechanisms for maintaining community purity and religious discipline, providing insight into their social control and community cohesion.
4. Conflicts with Modernity: This chapter examines the tensions between the Amish way of life and the pressures of modern society. It explores their attitudes towards technological innovations and the challenges they face in maintaining their traditional economic practices. The chapter highlights the complexities of balancing their religious beliefs with the realities of a rapidly evolving world, analyzing the impact of modern society on their community and their efforts to maintain their distinct identity in the face of external pressures. This chapter is likely to discuss the tension between traditional agrarian practices and the demands of the modern market.
Keywords
Amish, Anabaptists, Mennonites, religious persecution, adult baptism, excommunication, shunning, Rumspringa, community, tradition, modernity, technology, faith, cultural identity, family life, education, simple living.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to Amish Life
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of Amish life and philosophy. It covers the history of the Amish people, their core beliefs and practices, their challenges in a modern world, and their unique cultural identity. The document includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main topics covered in the document?
The main topics include the historical development of the Amish community from its Anabaptist roots; key aspects of Amish daily life such as beliefs, family structures, education, and social practices; the Amish approach to modernity and the challenges they face; the significance of excommunication and shunning; and the maintenance of their unique cultural identity across generations.
What is the historical background of the Amish?
The document traces the Amish origins back to the Anabaptist movement during the Protestant Reformation in 16th-century Switzerland. It highlights the persecution they faced due to their beliefs and the subsequent development of their distinct community, separate from Mennonites, based on differing views on excommunication and shunning. The creation of the Ausbund, a collection of hymns, is also noted as a significant part of their history and faith.
What are the key features of Amish daily life?
The document details various aspects of Amish daily life, including their beliefs and cultural identity, family life, education, the "rumspringa" period of adolescent exploration, and the practices of excommunication and shunning. These elements are presented to give a holistic picture of their social structures and practices.
How do the Amish interact with modern society?
The document explores the tensions between the Amish way of life and the pressures of modern society. It discusses their attitudes toward technological innovations and the challenges they face in maintaining traditional economic practices while balancing their religious beliefs with the realities of a rapidly changing world. The complexities of maintaining their distinct identity in a modern context are analyzed.
What is Rumspringa?
Rumspringa is a period in Amish adolescence where young people experience life outside the strict community rules before deciding whether to fully commit to the Amish faith and way of life.
What are excommunication and shunning?
Excommunication and shunning are mechanisms used within the Amish community to maintain community purity and religious discipline. They are discussed as methods of social control and a means to reinforce community cohesion.
What are the key words associated with this document?
Key words include Amish, Anabaptists, Mennonites, religious persecution, adult baptism, excommunication, shunning, Rumspringa, community, tradition, modernity, technology, faith, cultural identity, family life, education, and simple living.
What is the overall objective of this document?
The document aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Amish lifestyle and philosophy, bridging the gap between Amish and non-Amish perspectives to make their way of life more accessible and less disconcerting to outsiders.
Where can I find more information about the Amish?
The document includes a "Works Cited" section (though not explicitly shown in the provided HTML) that should list sources for further research. Additional information can be found through academic databases, libraries, and reputable online sources focusing on Amish studies or Anabaptist history.
- Quote paper
- Anne Gotzen (Author), 2011, The Old Order Amish of Lancaster County, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/195789
