In a society where conflict is ubiquitous, the Amish people have developed unique practices and beliefs to resolve disputes peacefully and constructively. From their emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation to their use of community-based decision-making processes, the Amish approach to conflict resolution offers valuable insights for individuals and societies seeking to foster greater harmony and understanding.
When a dispute arises, the parties involved are encouraged to seek forgiveness and to work towards restoring the relationship rather than seeking retribution. In some cases, the Amish bring together a group of respected church members to discuss and resolve the issue. If anything else fails, they always have the freedom to move.
To find out more how the Amish settle differences and misunderstandings, read on.
In the Amish society, conflicts between members are typically resolved through a process known as “church discipline,” based on the principle of forgiveness and reconciliation.
When a dispute among the Amish, the parties involved are encouraged to speak privately to resolve the issue.
If this is unsuccessful, the matter is brought to the church leadership’s attention. The Amish bishop, the highest member of the Amish clergy, will meet with the parties involved to find a resolution.
Understanding The Meeting
This meeting is called a “church council” and typically involves the participation of church elders, bishops, and ministers who are respected community leaders.
During the council, each party can tell their side of the story and discuss their feelings and concerns. The council then works to find a solution that aligns with their religious teachings and reflects the community’s values.
If the church council can not resolve the problem, other bishops from other states and Amish communities will be called to intervene.
What Happens If the Conflict Remains Unsettled?
The worst resolution would be temporary or permanent shunning, which involves cutting off social and spiritual ties with individuals who have violated church rules or norms.
However, shunning is considered a last resort and is only used when the individual has refused to repent or make amends for their actions.
Suppose the unresolved issue involves the Amish community or church’s rules or decisions that may cause conflict with the individuals’ beliefs.
Some instances can be differences in interpretation of Ordnung, disputes over church leadership, disagreements over land use, or relationship issues. In that case, they may move away and transfer to other communities due to their non-confrontational nature.
The Amish usually believe that unwanted tension may arise anytime if they stay. They know better than to burn bridges with their neighbors.
This “moving away” factor is also considered one of the reasons why the number of Amish groups or settlements and the Amish population in the U.S. have continued to grow in recent years.
As of June 2022, the estimated population of Amish adults and children in North America is 373,620, where 62% lives in Indiana, Pennsylvania (especially Lancaster County), and Ohio.
This figure is an increase of around 12,150 since 2021 when nineteen new Amish settlements were founded and five existing settlements dissolved.
What Problems Are the Amish Facing Against the Government?
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Over the years, the Amish have faced many problems and injustices from non-Amish groups or people from the outside world, their world, to be exact.
The persecution they experienced in Europe before moving to Pennsylvania, where they found refuge, was their starting point.
Fortunately, William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, gave the first Amish community in America a haven. His policies allowed the Amish church community to establish in Pennsylvania and live according to their beliefs and traditions.
He also granted them exemptions from military service, a significant issue for the Amish, as their religious beliefs are pacifist and prohibit them from participating in wars.
However, one of the most recent and significant issues the Amish endured was the conflict between the Amish educational approach and state compulsory education law.
Many states in the United States require all children to attend school until a certain age, and this law typically requires that the schools meet specific standards and curriculum requirements.
The Amish, however, have a different approach to learning, which emphasizes practical skills and vocational training rather than academic subjects.
Amish schools typically only go up to eighth grade, and the curriculum is based on Amish religion. The Amish prefer to teach their children at home or within the community rather than sending them to public schools.
This difference in educational approach has led to conflicts with state and local education officials, who may view the Amish educational system as inadequate or noncompliant with state laws.
The government had attempted to force the Amish to comply with state education laws, which resulted in legal battles and disputes.
One of the most crucial legal battles between the Amish and the government over schooling was the 1972 U.S. Supreme Court case of Wisconsin v. Yoder.
Because the Amish normally refuse to settle disputes in courts, they needed help defending themselves.
This case caught the interest of a Lutheran minister, Reverend William C. Lindholm, and caused him to create The National Committee for Amish Religious Freedom. The committee provided them with legal counsel.
Eventually, the Supreme Court permitted Amish parents to have a claim to refuse and remove their kids from public school after eighth grade based on their religious beliefs and culture.
This ruling recognized the importance of the Amish religious freedom and parental rights and helped protect the Amish educational approach.
How Do the Amish Deal with Them?
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The Amish community values peaceful and respectful interactions with non-Amish neighbors and typically seeks to resolve conflicts or problems peacefully.
Traditionally, when the Amish faced conflicts with non-Amish people or even the government, they either gave in, refused to obey, met penalties with open arms, or moved away.
The Amish refusal to obey the government had caused a few scars on their history – some were fined, sued, and even jailed.
In the second half of the twentieth century, they realized that negotiation was the best way to resolve issues with outsiders.
Although the Amish were non-confrontational, several Amish groups knew they had to do something to protect their religious freedom and their well-preserved culture.
The Amish needed to create a national organization represented by Amish leaders from various states to articulate their views effectively on government bureaucracies.
Hence, the Amish National Steering Committee was formed. It was founded to provide a unique chance to identify environmental factors that may pressure collectivities to organize formally.
Some of the main issues that the Amish National Steering Committee handled were Social Security benefits, school issues for the Amish children, military service, health care, photo identification, property zoning, child labor, and slow-moving vehicle signs.
How do the Amish Communities Forgive?
For the Amish, no matter how complicated their concerns are with other Amish individuals or even the government, forgiveness and reconciliation are always a priority since they treat these actions as a cornerstone of their faith and community.
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The Amish capability to forgive was proven in 2006 when a milk truck driver named Charles Roberts entered a one-room schoolhouse in a quiet Amish town in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, and shot ten young Amish girls, killing five. After committing this heinous crime, he then killed himself.
Instead of crying for justice, the victims’ families expressed forgiveness to the killer and his family right after the tragedy. They even donated money to the shooter’s widow and three young children.
According to Donald Kraybill, a sociologist at nearby Elizabethtown College, some Amish families who had just buried their daughters the day before attended the shooter’s burial. They even hugged the widow and other members of his family.
Conclusion
The Amish approach to conflict resolution emphasizes forgiveness, reconciliation, and community-based solutions.
Rather than relying on legal systems or external authorities immediately, the Amish rely on their own traditions and cultural practices to resolve conflicts within their community as their first step.
While they face their unique challenges and issues, their approach offers valuable life lessons.
Because the Amish can endure any complications and express that kind of forgiveness that may seem impossible for many non-Amish folks, they don’t hold grudges and can work on healing their pain and grief one day at a time.
The Amish culture is known for its off grid and sustainable way of living developed and passed down over centuries. Living in harmony with nature and valuing the community’s well-being, the Amish lifestyle is based on simplicity, frugality, and self-sufficiency.
The Amish have developed a sustainable lifestyle based on Amish beliefs and faith in God and respect for the environment and future generations by adopting practices such as farming via small-scale agriculture, avoiding modern conveniences, using transportation without leaving carbon footprints, reducing waste through natural ways, and sharing resources within the community.
In this article, we will explore the sustainable practices of the Amish culture and understand how the Amish way of living can provide a model for sustainable living for the wider society or the rest of the non-Amish world.
Every Amish man relies on small-scale and traditional farming methods prioritizing sustainability and soil conservation.
An Amish farm is typically less than 100 acres and often work by hand or with horse-drawn equipment.
One of the critical elements of Amish farming is their commitment to sustainable agriculture, which aims to preserve the land for future generations.
They have developed a way of farming that respects the environment and ensures the long-term viability of the land by avoiding modern farming practices that rely on synthetic inputs and heavy machinery.
While Amish farming practices are similar to organic farming in some ways, they are not necessarily the same, contrary to what many believe.
Organic farming is a regulated industry that adheres to specific standards, while Amish farming practices are based on their cultural traditions and values.
While some would consider their approach “organic farming,” it’s generally better to stick to the “sustainable” term.
Here are some sustainable farming practices that many Amish groups still use today:
Crop rotation is an essential practice in Amish farming, and it involves planting different crops in the same field in alternating years. It helps to replenish and maintain the soil’s nutrients, prevent soil erosion and reduce pests and diseases.
The Amish plan their crop rotation for several years to ensure the soil remains healthy and balanced.
The crops that should be planted in each field depend on their nutrient requirements; some crops may add nutrients to the ground while others may take them away.
Once the crops are chosen, the Amish farmer alternates the crops from year to year to prevent soil depletion and promote healthy soil.
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During fallow, farmers often plant cover crops like rye or clover to protect the soil from erosion, add nutrients, and prevent weeds, bacteria, and pests from building up.
The Amish farmers rely on natural fertilizers to enrich the soil and promote healthy crop growth. Their choice of preventing chemical fertilizers reduces the risk of environmental damage, ensuring the long-term viability of their farms.
Some common natural fertilizers the Amish use are homemade compost (decomposed manure, food scraps, and yard waste), animal manure, cover crops (clover or rye), ground animal bones, and fish emulsion.
The Amish practice pest control in various ways, focusing on natural and non-toxic methods that minimize environmental and human health harm.
Some of the Amish’s first steps in preventing pests in their farms are crop rotation, companion planting, setting up traps for rodents, handpicking of beneficial insects like ladybugs or praying mantises, etc.
When there’s already a pest infestation, they use natural pesticides derived from plants or minerals. Some examples of these natural pesticides are Pyrethrin, Neem Oil, Diatomaceous Earth, Garlic Spray, and Soap Spray.
The Amish people have a strong tradition of manual labor in farming, relying on hand tools and physical work instead of machines.
Instead of using a tractor, the Amish use a horse-drawn-plow or a hand-held hoe to till the soil. It allows them to cultivate the soil more carefully and avoid soil compaction.
They often use hand tools, such as a hoe or a dibber, to plant seeds. It allows them to control the depth and spacing of the future roots more precisely.
When weeding, Amish often use hand-held tools, such as a hoe or a hand cultivator, to remove weeds from the soil. They use a sickle or a scythe to help them harvest crops manually.
The Amish have a long-standing practice of seed-saving and preserving heirloom seeds, which are open-pollinated varieties passed down from generation to generation.
They carefully select seeds from the healthiest and most productive plants, ensuring they are of the highest quality.
After harvesting, they allow the seeds to dry thoroughly before storing them. It helps to prevent mold and mildew from developing and prolongs their life.
They store them in a cool, dry place like a root cellar or a cool basement.
They often use glass jars or paper envelopes to keep the seeds and label them carefully to ensure they know the variety and year the seeds were saved.
All Amish Communities on Energy
The Amish people avoid using modern technology, such as electricity, which reduces their energy consumption and carbon footprint.
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Here are some ways that the Amish have become sustainable in avoiding electricity:
1. The Amish people rely on natural light for illumination, often positioning their homes and buildings to take advantage of the amount of sunlight that enters the area. They also use windows and skylights to allow light to penetrate deep into the building.
2. Instead of electric lighting, the Amish often use gas or oil lamps or kerosene lanterns for illumination. These light sources are not dependent on electricity and are relatively inexpensive.
3. The Amish often use wood stoves or other forms of non-electric appliances, such as hand-cranked washing machines, to perform daily tasks. These appliances are powered by human or animal energy and do not require electricity.
4. The Amish often rely on their community for support, sharing resources and knowledge to live sustainably without electricity. For example, they may share a phone line or a generator to power essential equipment.
Amish People on Transportation
The Amish have a unique transportation approach based on simplicity and sustainability. Here are some ways that the Amish are considered sustainable in regard to their chosen methods of transportation:
Horse and Buggy
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The most common transportation for the Amish is a horse-drawn buggy. It allows them to travel relatively long distances without using fossil fuels and promotes a slower pace of living.
Bicycle
Some Amish communities also use bicycles as a form of transportation. It is a sustainable and healthy way to travel short distances.
Carpooling
When traveling long distances, the Amish often carpool with community members, sharing a ride to lessen motor vehicles on the road and minimize their carbon footprint.
Walking
For short trips within their community, the Amish often choose to walk, a sustainable and healthy way to travel.
Minimal Use of Motor Vehicles
While some Amish communities allow motor vehicles, they are typically used only for essential tasks such as medical emergencies, transporting goods, or even important field trips.
They avoid using motor vehicles for everyday transportation as much as possible.
Every Amish Community on Waste Reduction
The Amish value frugality and avoid waste by repairing and reusing items rather than throwing them away.
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They reduce their environmental impact and promote a sustainable way of life by composting, recycling, minimizing packaging waste, reusing and repurposing items, and setting up community recycling centers.
Many Amish people also practice recycling, separating materials like glass, metal, and paper to be recycled rather than thrown away.
They are known for resourcefulness and often find creative ways to reuse and repurpose items. For example, they may turn old clothing into rags or quilts or use scrap wood to build furniture or structures.
Some Amish settlements, especially those in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, have set up recycling centers where they can bring their recyclable materials and sort them for proper disposal.
The Amish Way of Sharing Resources Within the Community
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The Amish embrace community and work together to support each other.
As an essential aspect of their sustainable lifestyle, people within each Amish community regularly share resources such as tools and equipment, reducing the need to buy and own individual items.
Here are some samples of them sharing resources among the community members that have already become a regular part of the Amish life and traditional practices:
1. One of the most well-known customs of the Amish community sharing is the tradition of barn raising.
When a community member needs a new barn or other structure, everyone comes together to help build it. This Amish tradition not only saves money and resources but also strengthens the bonds of the group.
2. The Amish often share tools and equipment among community members. For example, if someone needs to borrow a tractor, they can ask a neighbor rather than purchasing their own.
It reduces the number of items that need to be bought and maintained and promotes a culture of sharing and cooperation.
3. The Amish often share food within the community. For instance, if one Amish family has a surplus of vegetables from their garden, they may share them with their neighbors rather than letting them go to waste.
This practice reduces food waste and helps ensure that every Amish home has access to fresh and healthy food.
4. The Amish often share childcare responsibilities among Amish children. For example, if one family needs to go out of town, they may ask a neighbor to watch their children.
Aside from reducing the need to pay for childcare services, it also helps Amish children bond with their neighbors and expose them to the rest of the community.
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The Amish life provides a fascinating example of sustainability in action. Their commitment to simplicity, community, and resourcefulness within their respective Amish community has allowed them to thrive for centuries without degrading the natural world or compromising their values..
From their approach to waste reduction and resource sharing to their reliance on horse-drawn transportation, the Amish offer valuable lessons for anyone, even a non-Amish man, seeking a more sustainable and fulfilling life.
The Amish demonstrate that a more straightforward, more connected way of life can be rewarding and sustainable for individuals, communities, and the planet Earth.
The Amish community is known for its pacifist beliefs and commitment to nonviolence. As a result, many people may wonder whether the Amish ever serve in the military. This question raises complex issues about Amish beliefs, values, and relationships with the modern society.
Most Amish men do not serve in the military, and the community has a long-standing exemption from conscription. However, there have been some exceptions to this general rule, and the issue of Amish military service continues to be debated and discussed.
While there is no simple answer, exploring the Amish stance on military service can illuminate this fascinating community’s unique cultural and religious traditions. Read on to learn more.
The Amish community’s stance on military service is rooted in their religious beliefs and commitment to nonviolence. They believe taking arms against others or engaging in warfare, even serving a more significant cause or a country, is wrong.
The Amish generally follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Amish church, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, which calls for a rejection of violence and a commitment to mercy, forgiveness, and nonresistance.
The Amish culture and Amish belief in nonviolence is closely tied to the religious group’s emphasis on community and peacemaking. The Amish people seek to live in harmony with one another and resolve conflicts peacefully without resorting to force or brutality.
They believe that war and military service undermine these values and lead to more violence, division, and destruction.
What Does the Amish Church Say About Non-Resistance?
No matter which Amish community an Amish person belongs to, the Amish way of life is generally known as the living interpretation of every word of the Bible since this is what the Amish church has taught them since the beginning.
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The Amish, among other Christian groups, base their commitment to non-resistance on these teachings from the Bible.
“Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:39, NIV).
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9, NIV).
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, NIV).
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18, NIV).
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14, NIV).
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21, NIV).
Are the Amish Conscientious Objectors?
All men, Amish or not, were legally required to register for the draft during the war, but they may request a “conscientious objector status” that would exempt them from combat duty.
World War I
During the late spring of 1917, The U.S. began a national conscription service as they entered World War I. Some Amish men acquired exemptions for farm deferments as Conscientious Objectors, but others were required to report to camps.
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Most drafted Amish men who refused to enter the service were still required to perform an alternative service to fulfill their obligation to the country.
Many Amish men served in Civilian Public Service (CPS) camps, which the government established to provide non-combatant service opportunities for conscientious objectors.
Amish men and other Conscientious Objectors in CPS camps performed various tasks, such as working in hospitals, conducting scientific research, and fighting forest fires.
The work was often physically demanding and required long hours. Still, the Amish and other Conscientious Objectors saw it as a way to contribute to the war effort without compromising their beliefs.
World War II
After the Japanese launched a surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, the U.S. began military conscription when they joined World War II on December 7, 1941.
Seven hundred and seventy-two Old Order Amish men were drafted. Again, they declared themselves Conscientious Objectors and didn’t join the second world war.
Korean War and Vietnam War
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During the beginning of the Korean War in 1950, the U.S. draft system no longer exempted COs. Each Amish person drafted was required to enter some alternative service as part of the I-W program —the same situation when the U.S. entered the Vietnam War in 1954.
Amish people declared Conscientious Objectors had spent years working in government or NGOs, where most existed outside Amish settlements.
In 1969, the Steering Committee and the Selective Service System completed an agreement that allowed young men in the Amish faith to serve their I-W alternative service on Amish farms instead of outside world’s NGOs when chosen.
Amish COs could now spend years on farms contracted by the Amish church, keeping them within their church’s reach and avoiding the temptations of the modern world.
The Aftermath of War for Amish Communities
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War can change people’s views, whether they’re Amish or non-Amish. Memories from these events don’t fade quickly. Many Amish children, for instance, grow up with war stories told by their parents or grandparents.
These are not fairy tales; instead, these are actual accounts of their relatives being victims of harassment and attacks during World Wars I and II, Korea, and Vietnam.
The Amish who declared themselves conscientious objectors faced challenges and discrimination during these periods, such as being viewed as unpatriotic or neglecting their duty to their country even if they were working in an alternative service.
There were stories that COs, including the Amish, were beaten in military training camps because they refused to join the combat during the first world war.
Howard Plank, a member of the Amish community in Arthur, Illinois, told Chicago Tribune his own story during the Vietnam War when someone threw a brick at his buggy and the time when his brother was shot while visiting his girlfriend.
Stories about Amish families being charged with substitution fees and heavy war taxes and forced to give their possessions like wagons, farms, and even homes to armies were also told.
The religious persecution that happened in Europe that led them to leave in the first place, the pressure caused by the war in the new land they thought would be their new home.
The Amish communities’ commitment to non-resistance reportedly caused the first Amish families in Berks County, Pennsylvania to look for a better and more peaceful place to live in.
Three Documented Amish People Who Joined the Military
While the Amish refuse to join the military service in general, like in any other collectives, there’ll always be a few people who would think differently.
However, this doesn’t always mean they’re defying the rules they grew up to. For these people who were proudly raised Amish, serving their country is just as important as their Amish beliefs.
Floyd Helmuth
Floyd Helmuth was a member of one of the Amish groups in Illinois. At the start of World War II, 18-year-old Helmuth enlisted in the United States Navy.
Helmuth spent three months in a Michigan boot camp before training in Florida as an engineer for approximately four months. In mid-1945, Helmuth was sent to the South Pacific as a helmsperson for LCSL 104, a landing craft support boat holding a unit of 70 Navy sailors.
He joined the most significant amphibious assaults in the Pacific during World War II – the Battle of Okinawa or the “Operation Iceberg.”
After the war, Helmuth settled in Tyler, where he worked as a rancher for Southland Distribution and Tyler Foam Co. He was 88 years old when he died on June 25, 2013.
Malinda Dennison
Malinda Dennison grew up in one of the small Amish settlements in Spartansburg, Pennsylvania. Due to her drive to gain new knowledge and try new things beyond the 8th-grade education she received from one of the Amish private schools in her Amish community, she left and started a new chapter of her life that eventually led her to graduate from Fort Leonard Wood as a military police Soldier with Company E, 795th Military Police Battalion.
That’s also where Dennison met her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Ross Dennison, during college days. According to her, he inspired her to join the Army.
Dennison’s Amish upbringing played a vital role in making her transition to Army life more manageable than expected. First, all Amish children are trained to wake up early and do chores. As part of the military training, everyone should wake up at 5 in the morning daily.
The Amish population is known to have strong work ethics. Dennison grew up with a naturally excellent disposition in work and life and a powerful desire to always succeed.
Dennison’s integrity and duty are the Army values she’s proud of the most. As of 2019, she decided to join the Army Reserves so she could work and continue her education while serving her country.
Andrew Stoltzfus
Andrew K. Stoltzfus, born in 1924 on a farm in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, grew up in a large Amish family. However, unlike Floyd Helmuth and Malinda Dennison’s stories, this one has a different ending.
Stoltzfus’s mother died when he was still young. He left his Amish family, the church, and the entire community to enlist in the U.S. Army in the early 1940s.
Being part of the Old Order Amish group, Stoltzfus’ decision to join the Army was met with mixed reactions from his family.
By the time Stoltzfus enlisted, the war suddenly caused a need to fill the depleted ranks of foot soldiers. Because of this, he was suddenly reassigned from the air force to become a member of L Company, 121st Regiment, 8th Division.
Before Stoltzfus got deployed overseas in 1943, he visited his family back at Intercourse. One year later, he became one of the “unusually heavy causalities” during an attack on the German town of Hurtgen. He fell on November 23, 1944.
Today, Stoltzfus lies in Grave 40, Row 1, Plot D of the 57-acre Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial in Belgium, together with 7,991 other American soldiers who fell fighting along the German border.
According to his brother, Reuben, he didn’t exactly like the Army due to his Amish beliefs. But despite all that, Stoltzfus left everything behind at a young age to defend freedom alongside millions of Americans during World War II.
Conclusion
The Amish community believes in non-resistance and conscientious objection to military service. While there have been exceptions to this rule, most Amish choose to serve their communities in other ways, such as through farming and other trades.
The Amish have faced harassment and persecution during the war but remain steadfast in their convictions.
The stories of Amish veterans who struggled with the conflict between their faith and their duty to serve their country serve as a testament to the challenges faced by those who follow the Amish way of life.
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The Amish are known for their slowness in adapting to the modern world due to religious reasons, simplicity, and isolation from the rest. They don’t own most of the stuff non-Amish people do, and they do things differently. One example is their concept of time. Even though most Amish have clocks, their relationship with timepieces is limited because the Amish life rotates daily in a specific rhythm that is not dependent on clock time.
The Amish concept of time is closely tied to their religious beliefs and traditional way of life, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment and prioritizing the needs of the family and the entire Amish community over individual desires.
The traditional Amish people view time as cyclical rather than linear. One example of cyclical time is the changing of the seasons, which happens in a predictable cycle each year. Similarly, day and night cycles, the moon’s phases, and the planets’ movements all demonstrate natural cyclical patterns.
The Amish see the repetition of the seasons and the cycles of nature as evidence of God’s plan and order for the world. They believe in the idea of “Steadfastness.”
In practical terms, “steadfastness” for the Amish culture means being committed to their religious beliefs and practices, including regular church attendance, praying, and following the rules of their church community.
It also means being committed to their family and community, supporting one another in need, and upholding traditional Amish values.
The Amish also believe that the cyclical nature of time helps to reinforce their sense of community and interdependence. By living in close-knit communities and relying on each other for support, they can beat every life’s ups and downs and adapt to the changing seasons and circumstances.
The Amish religious beliefs dictate that focusing on the present moment rather than the future or past and living in harmony with nature is essential to leading a fulfilling life.
By prioritizing the immediate needs of their land, animals, and families, they can live more sustainably and mindfully, which the Amish church believes aligns with God’s plan for the world.
Do Amish People Use Clocks?
Although the world’s giant cuckoo clock is built in the largest Amish population in Amish Country, Northeast Ohio, most of the general Amish population use clocks and other time-keeping devices for practical purposes only. It includes coordinating Amish community events or keeping track of appointments with non-Amish people.
As we all know, people from traditional Amish communities do not use modern conveniences like mobile phones or computers. Therefore, they are not as closely tied to clock time as other non-Amish people.
What Timepieces Do the Amish Use?
The Amish generally do not use modern timepieces such as digital watches or smartphones, as these are considered worldly and disruptive to their traditional way of life. Instead, they rely on more conventional timekeeping methods that align with their simple, self-sufficient lifestyle.
Some Amish communities may use mechanical clocks, such as grandfather clocks or wall clocks, which are powered by weights or springs and do not require electricity.
These clocks are often handcrafted and passed down through generations, and they can serve as both practical timekeepers and decorative objects in the home.
In addition, the Amish may also use natural cues to keep track of time, such as the position of the sun or the sounds of the natural environment.
For example, they may know it’s time to start their workday when the rooster crows or it’s time to rest when the sun sets.
Do the Amish Observe Daylight Saving Time?
While some Amish communities may choose to observe Daylight Saving Time for practical reasons, such as to avoid conflicts with the schedules of non-Amish neighbors, many Amish communities opt out of the time change altogether.
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The Amish communities’ decision to not observe Daylight Saving Time is due to some reasons. They believe living a life in harmony with nature and the seasons and adjusting the clocks twice a year can disrupt this natural rhythm.
Additionally, many Amish people work in agriculture, which is heavily influenced by the seasons and natural daylight. Changing the clocks can significantly impact their work schedules and productivity.
The Amish have a strong sense of community, and they often prioritize consistency and unity within their communities over conformity to external social norms, such as Daylight Saving Time.
Does following Daylight Saving Time violate any law by the Amish culture?
Daylight Saving Time is not directly addressed in Amish religious laws or beliefs, as it is a relatively modern concept.
However, some Amish communities may choose not to observe Daylight Saving Time for various reasons, including their traditional way of life and rejection of modern technology.
What Time Do the Amish Go to Sleep?
While Amish families do not necessarily follow a rigid schedule or adhere strictly to clock time, they typically go to bed early and wake up early, often before sunrise.
While the exact time may vary depending on individual preferences and the specific demands of their work or community, it is common for the Amish to go to bed between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Because the Amish lifestyle emphasizes physical labor and hard work, getting enough rest is an essential part of maintaining good health and being able to carry out their daily tasks.
Since the Amish community and their families are on top of the Amish values, like what their church services teach them, retiring early at night also gives them more time to engage with those around them.
How Do the Amish Wake Up On Time?
The Amish generally wake up early in the morning, often before sunrise, and their waking time is often dictated by the natural rhythms of the seasons and the demands of their farm work.
However, in cases where they need to wake up at a specific time, such as for a community event or appointment with a non-Amish person, they may use an alarm clock or rely on other Amish community members to wake them up.
In some homes, one of the older Amish children may be responsible for waking up the rest of the family. This person may use a simple alarm clock, but they may also rely on other cues, such as the rooster’s crowing or the behavior of animals, to determine when it is time to wake up.
In addition, many Amish settlement areas have a bell or a loud instrument to signal the start of the day or the beginning of a community event. It coordinates the activities of the entire Amish community and ensures everyone is on the same schedule.
How Many Hours a Day Do the Amish Work?
The amount of time the Amish work each day can vary depending on the season, the specific demands of their work, and the customs of their particular community.
However, the Amish are generally known for their strong work ethic and often work long hours, especially during the busy farming seasons.
During the spring and summer, when the seasons are favorable for outdoor work and the crops need tending, the Amish may work up to 12 hours a day or more.
This work may involve planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops, caring for livestock, and performing other tasks related to their farming lifestyle.
When the weather is colder and the days are shorter during the fall and winter, the Amish may work fewer hours daily but still engage in various activities such as woodworking, quilting, and other crafts.
What Do the Amish Do In Their Free Time?
The Amish people’s free time is often spent engaged in activities that reflect the centuries-old Amish tradition. Some everyday leisure activities in the Amish culture include:
Spending time with family
The Amish place a high value on family life and often spend their free time with loved ones, including participating in family dinners and outings.
Engaging in manual crafts
Many Amish enjoy working with their hands and creating handmade items such as quilts, woodworking, basket weaving, and other crafts.
Playing games and sports
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The Amish enjoy playing games and sports such as softball, volleyball, horseshoes, board games, and card games.
Attending church services and social events
The Amish attend church services and other religious events to connect with their faith and community.
Reading and storytelling
Many Amish enjoy reading books, particularly those related to their faith, and telling and listening to stories.
Visiting neighbors and friends
The Amish value strong community relationships and often spend time visiting with neighbors and friends, particularly during social events such as weddings and church services.
Conclusion
The Amish concept of time is grounded in their religious beliefs and values, their close relationship with nature, and the natural world’s rhythms.
The Amish believe that time is a gift from God and should be used wisely to serve God and the community. They believe in the importance of living in the current moment and making the most of each day rather than being preoccupied with the past or future.
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While Amish children may differ from non-Amish children in some ways, they are often well-prepared for life within the Amish community. Any parent’s goal is to prepare their children to become valuable members of their respective society. Because of this, many leave us wondering how most Amish families raise their children. What is the Amish parenting style?
A focus on responsibility, discipline, and community values characterizes the Amish parenting style. Amish parents prioritize instilling traditional values and customs in Amish children, such as hard work, respect for elders, and obedience to authority.
To know more about how Amish are as parents, read on.
When the world doesn’t understand something, misconceptions are born. It is often the case for Amish people. Many untruths have been voiced from one mouth to another, since they live under a big cloud of mystery.
Many consider the Amish people unique and different, but we sometimes forget they’re like us in some ways. For one, they’re also parents. Their style in raising kids? Maybe.
Responsibility
Teaching responsibility is an aspect of Amish culture rooted in their values of community, self-sufficiency, character development, and tradition.
Amish families place a high value on responsibility and independence and teach all their family members these values from a very young age. Here are some ways how Amish parents teach their children responsibility:
Assigning chores
Many children in Amish families are typically assigned chores from a very early age, around 4 or 5. These chores usually include feeding animals, washing dishes, or helping with farm work.
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Generally, Amish boys help their fathers with the outside chores, while Amish girls stay home with their mothers doing the household tasks.
In addition, Amish children being involved with chores helps them develop one of the central values of the Amish life, which is a strong work ethic.
This value is taught early, which allows younger kids to understand that work is a necessary and valuable part of Amish life and that everyone must do their part to ensure the well-being of their family and all the Amish families in their community as well.
Teaching practical skills
If you live in areas with many Amish families and settlements nearby, you’ll commonly see many Amish parents with their children working in the fields and shops.
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They teach their children practical skills such as farming, gardening, sewing, and cooking, which are necessary for a self-sufficient Amish lifestyle.
Encouraging independence
The Amish people raise their children to be independent and self-reliant, which helps them develop responsibility and decision-making skills.
The Amish youth are often encouraged to take on tasks and solve problems independently, with their parents’ guidance as needed.
Expecting accountability
In a typical Amish home, each Amish child is often held accountable for his action, and his parents expect him to take responsibility for his mistakes, even at an early age. He must apologize and make amends every time.
Discipline
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Discipline is an essential value within the Amish community, and Amish families use various methods to teach their children discipline and self-control. Here are some ways that Amish parents teach discipline:
Setting clear expectations
Parents set clear expectations for their children’s behavior and work, and they communicate these expectations clearly and consistently.
Children are expected to follow the rules, complete chores, and help all their Amish family members and neighbors in various ways.
Using natural consequences
Parents often allow natural consequences when children misbehave or fail to follow expectations. For example, if a child fails to complete a chore, they may be unable to participate in a family activity until it is finished.
Providing consistent consequences
When discipline is necessary, Amish parents provide consistent consequences. It may involve withholding privileges or assigning extra chores. These are clear and are consistently applied across all children.
Emphasizing repentance and forgiveness
Within the Amish community, repentance and forgiveness are emphasized as essential Amish values. When a child misbehaves, they are encouraged to recognize their mistake, seek forgiveness, and make amends.
Using physical discipline
While physical discipline is not the first choice for Amish parents, it is occasionally used in cases of serious misbehavior.
The use of physical discipline in raising children is guided by the belief that it should be done in a controlled and loving manner, and never in anger or frustration.
Community Values
Amish parents play an essential role in teaching these values to Amish children, as these values help to create a strong sense of community and shared identity within the Amish community.
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They are passed down from generation to generation through Amish families and across different Amish communities.
Modeling behavior
Parents model good behavior to children while carefully reflecting the values of the community. Amish children learn by observing the actions of their parents and other adults in the community.
Involving children in community activities
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Amish children are engaged in various community activities, such as church services, social events, and volunteer work. These activities provide opportunities for children to learn and practice community values.
Encouraging service and volunteerism
The Amish strongly emphasize service and volunteerism, and children are encouraged to participate in community service projects.
It helps children learn the importance of helping others and working together for the benefit of the community.
Teaching respect for authority
Within all Amish communities, respect for authority is a significant value. The Amish teach all Amish children to respect their parents, Amish church leaders, and other authority figures in the community.
Emphasizing humility and simplicity
The Amish value humility and simplicity, and children are taught to live modestly and avoid pride and arrogance. Amish children are also trained to value hard work and self-sufficiency, the fundamental aspects of the Amish culture.
Why Are Amish Children So Well-Behaved?
Amish children are often known for their excellent behavior due to their upbringing and the cultural values of Amish communities.
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The Amish parents’ consistency in their parenting style, which includes enforcing consequences for misbehavior, plays a considerable part.
In addition, the Amish communities’ limited exposure to the modern world also limits Amish teenagers’ exposure to negative influences such as drugs, violence, and other unhealthy behaviors.
Are Amish Parents Strict?
The Amish are typically considered to be strict in their parenting style. Since the Amish daily life is usually dependent on the bible, their parenting might have come from the famous bible verse, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24).
This biblical proverb is reportedly invoked in Amish homes and even Amish schools. While non-Amish parents may see this differently, the Amish families’ belief that spanking and their other parenting styles are vital for their children’s healthy development is stronger.
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However, Amish parents are also known for their love and devotion to their children. They consider them their greatest earthly treasure and their biggest blessing from God.
Conclusion
Each Amish family is highly valued in the Amish community, and parents strive to provide each Amish child with a stable and nurturing home environment.
Despite Amish people’s strict parenting style, it is often balanced by prioritizing their family as they love spending time with them and creating a strong family bond.
Amish families often participate in activities and treat their work in the fields or inside their homes as fun family time.
Amish parents, like most parents, love their children because they are their flesh and blood and have a solid emotional attachment to them.
Their only difference from many non-Amish families is that they strive to raise children consistent with Amish beliefs and values.
