The world of the Amish - Between tradition and temptation | DW Documentary

The Amish: A Life Apart

Key Concepts:

• Ordnung: The unwritten rules governing Amish life, dictating dress, technology use, and social interactions.
• Gelassenheit: Humility and submission to God’s will and the community, a core Amish value.
• Bishop/Church Leaders: Individuals responsible for upholding the Ordnung and guiding the community.
• Swartzentruber Amish: The most conservative Amish group, rejecting nearly all modern conveniences.
• Mennonites: A related Anabaptist group, more accepting of modern technology and integration with wider society.
• Bann: Shunning, a form of social exclusion used as a disciplinary measure within the Amish community.

I. Historical Origins and Current Demographics

The Amish originated from Germany, Switzerland, and Alsace in the early 18th century, seeking religious freedom and settling primarily in Pennsylvania and later Ohio. Today, over 400,000 Amish reside in the United States, maintaining a largely isolated existence from mainstream American culture. Holmes County, Ohio, is particularly notable, with the Amish comprising almost half of the population. Their communities often reflect their European heritage, featuring Swiss chalet and Bavarian architectural styles. A defining characteristic is their rejection of modern conveniences like cars, publicly supplied electricity, and private telephones.

II. The Ordnung and Resistance to Modernity

Central to Amish life is the Ordnung, a set of unwritten rules that govern all aspects of daily living. This commitment to a traditional lifestyle stems from a desire to preserve their faith and community values. A church leader, appearing anonymously to respect the prohibition against being filmed, explained the importance of humility and avoiding self-promotion, stating, “You will never see portraits on our bureaus or walls… It would be a shame to do it.” This principle of Gelassenheit – humility and submission – is fundamental.

Pete, a dairy farmer from Alsace, exemplifies this dedication. He exclusively uses horse-drawn buggies, finding peace in the slower pace of life. He acknowledges the labor-intensive nature of his work, stating, “It's a lot of work but I have to work something so this is my lifestyle. I enjoy it. It's peaceful sitting behind the horses, driving the horses.” While he utilizes an old, discontinued diesel-powered harvester, he emphasizes the necessity of completing harvests before winter, even if it takes ten days compared to a few hours with modern machinery.

III. Daily Life and Traditional Practices

Amish daily life revolves around farming, family, and community. Men typically work the fields, while women manage the household. Ruth, Pete’s wife, sews all the family’s clothing, a practice that has adapted to include sewing machines, despite the overall resistance to technology. Amish dress remains largely unchanged since the 19th century, prioritizing modesty: long sleeves, ankle-length dresses, and a complete absence of makeup or jewelry. Ruth describes the comfort of uniformity, saying, “It's kind of nice to see everybody wear the same. It's comforting, and I like it like that.”

Household chores are also performed using older methods. Ruth uses a 1950s washing machine powered by a solar collector and a wringer to squeeze out water, acknowledging the convenience of modern appliances but adhering to church guidelines. The church actively discourages the adoption of modern conveniences, with instances of families purchasing modern washing machines being met with community disapproval and a requirement to return the appliance.

IV. Education and Child-Rearing

Amish children attend their own schools, beginning each day with a hymn. The curriculum, while adhering to national standards, is adapted to reinforce their religious principles. The principal, James, explicitly avoids teaching evolution, stating, “Our social studies and science is based on scriptural principles… we go by the Bible.” Schooling ends at age 14 or 15, a practice upheld by a 1972 Supreme Court decision recognizing the Amish belief that further education could distance children from the community. The emphasis is on vocational training, preparing children for roles within the Amish community.

V. Economic Activities and Community Support

While primarily agricultural, some Amish communities have found success in other ventures. Roy, a furniture maker, runs a thriving business employing 30 Amish craftsmen. His company generates “several million dollars in annual sales” by capitalizing on the reputation for “100% Amish quality.” Roy acknowledges the need to adapt to some modern practices, such as using computers for accounting, but emphasizes adherence to religious guidelines.

The Amish demonstrate strong community support through their own relief funds and mutual aid. When a former neighbor’s son requires expensive surgery (over $70,000), the community rallies to cover the costs, viewing children with Down syndrome as “God’s special children.” This communal spirit extends to practical assistance, as demonstrated by Pete and Ruth’s care package delivery to the family.

VI. Variations within the Amish Community and Emerging Trends

The Amish are not monolithic. The Swartzentruber Amish, the most conservative group, reject nearly all modern technology, living almost entirely self-sufficiently. They live in seclusion, relying on manual labor and avoiding even basic amenities like electricity and telephones.

However, a growing number of Amish are cautiously approaching aspects of modern life. The annual winter migration to Florida’s beaches, particularly the town of Pinecraft, illustrates this trend. While maintaining their core beliefs, they allow for some relaxation of rules, such as renting electric golf carts and occasionally watching television.

Some young Amish, like Sheryl, choose to leave the community, seeking greater personal freedom and opportunities. She now works in a café and owns a car, joining a more liberal Mennonite community. Niva, another young woman contemplating leaving, fears the Bann – shunning by her community – but values her independence.

VII. Demographic Growth and Future Outlook

Despite the challenges of maintaining a traditional lifestyle in a modern world, the Amish population has nearly doubled between 2000 and 2020, due to high birth rates. They have settled in over 30 states, and studies indicate that approximately 85% of Amish adolescents intend to remain within their religious community. This suggests a continued commitment to their unique way of life, even as they navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

Conclusion:

The Amish represent a fascinating case study in religious preservation and cultural resistance. Their unwavering commitment to the Ordnung, coupled with a strong sense of community and mutual support, allows them to maintain a distinct identity in a rapidly changing world. While facing internal pressures and external influences, the Amish continue to adapt and evolve, demonstrating a remarkable resilience and a dedication to their deeply held beliefs.