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Amish
Religion
Where Did the Amish Get Their Start?
Tracing their roots back to the Anabaptist movement
of the 16th century, the Amish people are a tightly
knit religious and ethnic group. An early leader in
the Anabaptist religion, Menno Simmons began the Mennonite
sect. Later, Jacob Amman started the Amish faith when
he felt the Mennonites were drifting from Simmons'
teachings.
The
Amish detest pride and teach humility in all areas
of life. This teaching is at the core of Amish beliefs
and what separates them from modern society. They
believe that modern electricity, automobiles and most
other modern technologies promote one person above
another and decreases an individuals need for community.
They also believe in simplicity in lifestyle which
is put into practice in their homes, food and clothing.
Their religious beliefs are based on the teachings
of Christ. Their interpretation of Christ's teachings
include adult baptism and the shunning of excommunicated
members until they return to the fold. A FAQ page
from the Pennsylvania Dutch County Welcome Center
describes their beliefs this way:
| "Both
Mennonites and Amish believe in one God eternally
existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Romans
8:1-17). We believe that Jesus Christ, God's only
Son, died on the cross for the sins of the world.
We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts of sin,
and also empowers believers for service and holy
living. We believe that salvation is by grace
through faith in Christ, a free gift bestowed
by God on those who repent and believe.
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They
are taught to be separate from the outside world,
citing scriptures such as "Be not unequally yoked
with unbelievers." (II Corinthians 6:14), "Come out
from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord."
(II Corinthians 6:17) and "...Be ye not conformed
to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans
12:2). Even within the Amish communities, there is
separation. More liberal Amish groups such as the
Beachy Amish, who drive automobiles, are widely seen
as non-Amish by other Amish groups and are considered
outsiders. Smaller differences between groups such
as how many suspenders to wear or how many pleats
to put in a bonnet are considered minimal and inter-marrying
between the two groups are allowed.
The
Amish are pacifists and shun anything military. Many
groups don't allow buttons because of their original
use by the military. For this same reason, men do
not wear moustaches. They teach instead that their
non-violence could lead others to believe in Christ,
although they do not actively proselytize. The Amish
tend to be kind-hearted, simple people who work hard,
serve others in their community and enjoy spending
time together.
| The
very conservative Christian group which broke
away from the larger Anabaptist movement in the
Alsace region in France during the late 17th century.
Most Amish now live in the U.S. and Canada --
largely in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. They
isolate themselves from the larger American/Canadian
culture. |
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