What Do Amish Believe About the End of Life?

Thinking about the end of life can be difficult for anyone, but for the Amish, their beliefs around this deeply personal topic are shaped by faith, community, and a profound sense of simplicity. Rooted in their Christian values, the Amish approach death and dying with a calm acceptance and a focus on humility, hope, and the promise of eternal life. Understanding how the Amish view the end of life offers a glimpse into a way of living—and dying—that’s peaceful, grounded, and centered on family and faith.

Key Takeaways:

• The Amish believe that the end of life is a natural part of God’s plan, representing a transition from earthly life to eternal life in the spiritual realm.
• The Amish prioritize peaceful, natural deaths and emphasize the importance of family and community support during illness and approaching death, with the ultimate hope of attaining salvation and eternity in the heavenly realm.

Core Amish Beliefs About Death

For the Amish, death is a sacred passage from earthly life to eternal peace with God. Rooted in Christian faith, it is not feared but embraced as part of God’s greater plan, offering comfort that loved ones now rest in His presence.

Death as Part of God’s Plan

The Amish see death as natural and aligned with God’s will. Illness and suffering are opportunities for humility, patience, and faith, rather than obstacles to avoid. While they value compassionate care, they favor peaceful, natural deaths at home, balancing medical treatment with trust in God’s timing.

Faith, Humility, and Community Support

Prayer, faith, and humility guide the Amish in facing death with acceptance. Their close-knit communities provide care, comfort, and encouragement to the dying and their families. Funerals remain simple, focused on eternal hope, humility, and the bonds of faith that unite the community.

The Amish View of the Afterlife 

The Amish believe the afterlife is a sacred continuation of faith, shaped by their Christian values of humility, simplicity, and obedience to God. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and surrender to His redemptive work, with end-of-life preparation centered on prayer, reconciliation, and the support of family and community.

They view heaven as a real place of eternal joy and peace, free from pain and sin, where believers reunite with loved ones in God’s presence. Hell, though less emphasized, is accepted as separation from God for those who reject His teachings. These beliefs guide the Amish to live faithfully, finding comfort in the hope of eternal fellowship with God and assurance that death is not an end, but a transition to everlasting peace.

Do the Amish Believe in Reincarnation?

Reincarnation is the idea that a person’s soul is reborn into a different form or body after passing. Like any other Christian religious group, the Amish do not believe in reincarnation as they hold a different belief regarding the afterlife.

The Amish firmly hold the concept of a single earthly existence followed by a transition to an eternal realm. No Amish person believes in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth central to reincarnation. Instead, the Amish trust that after death, the soul undergoes judgment by God, which determines its eternal destiny. 

Dive deeper into Amish ways by exploring our complete archive of articles on their customs, beliefs, and traditions.

Conclusion

The Amish view death as a natural part of the earthly journey and approach it with acceptance and peace. They believe in the hope of salvation and the concept of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

With a focus on reconciliation, forgiveness, and spiritual preparation, the Amish strive to ensure a peaceful transition into the afterlife. Their beliefs provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of purpose as they navigate the inevitable passage from this earthly existence to the eternal realm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Amish view on cremation? 

The Amish do not practice cremation. Their belief in the resurrection of the body leads them to favor burial as the respectful way to lay a body to rest, in anticipation of the Second Coming.

Do the Amish use headstones? 

Yes, they do. However, their headstones are typically very simple and uniform, reflecting their belief in humility and equality. They often contain just the person’s name, birth and death dates, and sometimes a simple scripture.

How long does the mourning period last for the Amish? 

The formal mourning period can vary, but the community supports the grieving family for an extended time. Following a death, the community often brings meals to the family for several weeks or even months, and the funeral service itself often involves a large gathering of friends and family. The close-knit community structure ensures that no one grieves alone.