The Amish Way

6 Questions

What are the key principles that guide the Amish way of life?

The key principles that guide the Amish way of life include simplicity, humility, community, and separation from the world.

How do the Amish view technology?

The Amish view technology as a potential threat to their way of life and choose to limit its use.

What are some of the reasons why the Amish choose to live a simple lifestyle?

The Amish choose to live a simple lifestyle as a way to prioritize their faith, maintain community cohesion, and separate themselves from worldly distractions.

What are the key beliefs of the Amish community?

The key beliefs of the Amish community include a strong emphasis on humility, simplicity, and separation from the modern world. They believe in living a life of obedience to God, as demonstrated through their rejection of modern technology and worldly influences.

What are some of the key practices and traditions of the Amish community?

Some of the key practices and traditions of the Amish community include living in close-knit agricultural communities, dressing in plain and modest clothing, speaking the Pennsylvania German dialect, and practicing adult baptism. They also uphold the practice of Gelassenheit, which emphasizes submission to God's will and community norms.

How does the Amish community view education and technology?

The Amish community has a unique perspective on education and technology. They prioritize education that is practical and aligns with their way of life, emphasizing vocational skills and practical knowledge. They strongly reject the use of modern technology, believing it can lead to worldly temptations and disrupt their commitment to simplicity and community.

Study Notes

Amish Way of Life

Guiding Principles: Humility, simplicity, and separation from the world are core principles guiding the Amish way of life.
Rejection of Modernity: Amish reject modern conveniences, seeing them as threats to their simplicity, humility, and community.

View on Technology

Limitations on Technology: Amish restrict or reject certain technologies, such as electricity, cars, and computers, to maintain their simple way of life.
Purpose of Technology: Amish only adopt technology that serves a practical purpose, such as farming equipment, but reject technologies seen as luxuries or threats to community.

Rationale for Simple Living

Focus on Inner Life: Amish believe that a simple lifestyle allows them to focus on their inner life, faith, and community.
Rejection of Worldliness: Amish reject the worldly values of materialism, individualism, and consumerism, opting for a simpler, more communal way of life.

Amish Beliefs

Biblical Authority: Amish believe in the authority of the Bible and follow its teachings.
Pacifism: Amish are pacifists, rejecting violence and military service.
Separation from the World: Amish believe in separating themselves from the world, avoiding participation in mainstream society.

Key Practices and Traditions

Communal Life: Amish live in close-knit communities, often working together on farms or in traditional crafts.
Simple Dress: Amish wear simple, plain clothing, rejecting fashionable or showy attire.
Sunday Worship: Amish worship on Sundays, often in members' homes, following traditional hymns and sermons.

Views on Education and Technology

Limited Education: Amish education is limited, with a focus on practical skills, scripture, and the German language.
Rejecting Higher Education: Amish reject higher education, seeing it as a threat to their community and way of life.
Selective Adoption: Amish adopt technology selectively, ensuring it serves their community's needs without undermining their values.