Amish Ways

8 Great Books About the Amish

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016

Screen Shot 2016-02-03 at 7.35.31 PMThose wanting to know more about the Amish are in luck. Many authors have tackled the topic of the Amish and have looked at Amish life from a variety of perspectives. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best books on the market. There are books that deal with Amish history as well as what it is like to be Amish and live in an Amish world.

 

Whether you want to learn more about Amish history, get a feel for what it is like to be Amish or both, this is the Amish book guide for you.

 

 

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What are Old Order Amish?

Monday, January 18th, 2016

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You may have heard the term “Old Order Amish,” but had not known what it is. In this article, we are going to explore Old Order Amish in greater detail. You’ll find that this is an interesting topic not just for those interested in the Amish way of life, but also for those with an appreciation of history.

 

The Amish people are complex people with a diverse history and unique belief system and tradition that continues to this day. The notion that there is “one kind of Amish” is a wrong notion. The complexities of the Amish community are well represented by the Old Order Amish.

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Overview of Reality TV Shows Featuring the Amish

Friday, January 23rd, 2015

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At one time the Amish were not widely discussed or portrayed on television or in the media. However, the invention of reality television changed all of that. As reality television producers sought out more and more original content and looked for ways to stand out from an increasingly packed field of competitors a few savvy reality television producers turned their attention to Amish country and the Amish. The end results have been mixed to say the least.

 

For years, the Amish were not addressed on reality television. Let’s face it, everything that reality television touches is, at its very best, a mixed bag.

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A Guide to Visiting Pennsylvania Amish Country

Wednesday, December 10th, 2014

a trip to Lancaster County in Pennsylvania is certainly the way to go

 

If you’ve ever been curious about life in Amish country, then a trip to Lancaster County in Pennsylvania is certainly the way to go. In addition to a slower pace of life, peaceful surroundings and natural beauty, you will have the opportunity to meet Amish people and gain a deeper understanding for how they live. In fact, you can literally expect to see windmills on the horizon and horse drawn buggies.

 

 

While the pace of life you’ll experience on your trip most likely will be much slower than what you are used to, that is not to state that there is nothing to do in PA Dutch country. The food is fantastic, thanks to authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Your shopping experience will be nothing short of fascinating.

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How ‘Hochmut’ and ‘Demut’ Help To Guide Amish Lifestyle

Monday, September 2nd, 2013

 

By Tobin Dimmitt

 

amish-family-1The Amish way of life is based around two key principles: hochmut and demut. Outsiders oftentimes question why those in the Amish community choose such a simple lifestyle that prohibits modern technology and conveniences. Even after several hundred years, very little has changes in the Amish culture regarding their lifestyle and religious practices. This is undoubtedly difficult for some people to understand, but the truth is that Amish culture is defined through hochmut and demut. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at these two keys and reveal the significance they have in the Amish lifestyle.

 

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Comparing The Old Order vs New Order Amish

Monday, August 26th, 2013

 

By Tobin Dimmitt

 

 Comparing The Old Order vs New Order Amish - Amish Furniture FactoryIf you’ve done any research into the Amish culture and lifestyle, you may have come across two different subgroups: the old order and new order. Both of these ‘factions’ have their own unique beliefs regarding religion and ultimately life. Although some settlements have both new order and old order families living in them, they are usually separated for the most part. So, what differences separate the new order and old order Amish? In this post, we’re going to go over a quick comparison of these two factions, revealing why they separated in the first place.

 

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Do The Amish Celebrate Independence Day?

Monday, July 8th, 2013

 

By Tobin Dimmitt

 

 

 Do The Amish Celebrate Independence Day? - Amish Furniture FactorySome of you might be wondering how or even if the Amish celebrate this national holiday. Because of their strict religious beliefs and devotion towards the Ordnung, Amish communities have a different view on holidays. For instance, they do not celebrate Halloween because of its connection with sin. But what about Independence Day on July 4th?

 

 

The short answer is that some Amish communities celebrate Independence Day while others don’t. It’s all up to the families and how they wish to spend their Fourth of July. With that said, most communities will celebrate this national holiday in a similar manner as the rest of the country. They’ll gather with friends and families in a communal area to enjoy good home-cooked food along with some fireworks. It’s a time to kick back, relax and enjoy yourself without stressing about typical daily worries.

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The Ordnung and Its Importance To The Amish

Tuesday, June 25th, 2013

 

By Tobin Dimmitt

 

The Amish, (or to give them their full name: The Amish Mennonites), were formed as an off-shoot of the Mennonite Church, which was itself a radical faction of the Christian Church created during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. The Mennonites took their name from their founder, a Dutch Priest called Menno Simons.

 

 

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Mennonites were Anabaptists, the name given to the category of religions that practice adult baptism. In 1693 an Anabaptist leader called Jakob Ammann, (a native Swiss man), founded a new breakaway religion, which, named after his surname, became known as the Amish. The Amish are renowned for their simple code of life and lifestyle, and are known for their plain clothing, and for their resistance to adopt/accept many of the modern day trends and conveniences of latter day life. The Ordnung is in essence their behavioral guide.

 

 

The origins of the word “Ordnung” hail from the German language, the meaning being: “it’s all good”. It is in no way a religious document. In terms of their Protestant Christian roots, they use the Bible to worship from. But the Ordnung is their behavioral code. It has been passed down by word of mouth since the Amish community first formed way back in the late 17th century.

 

 

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How Bishops Are Chosen In The Amish Community

Monday, June 24th, 2013

 

By Tobin Dimmitt

 

How Bishops Are Chosen In The Amish CommunityThe bishop is considered the leader and head of the Amish church ministry. Some of their responsibilities include sermon creations, reading scriptures, counseling residents in the community, baptizing and even handing out disciplinary actions to those who stray from the ordnung. It’s certainly not a glamorous role by any means, but the bishop is an integral piece in the Amish community. Using their leadership and wisdom, the bishop will guide the community towards the most appropriate path. But how is someone chosen for such an overwhelmingly huge responsibility?

 

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Do The Amish Use Air Conditioners?

Saturday, April 13th, 2013

 

By Tobin Dimmitt

 

 Do The Amish Communities Use Air Conditioners?Now that we’re getting further into the spring season, temperatures are rising throughout the country. For most of us, a basic central air conditioning unit is all it takes to ward off the heat and stay cool. It’s a luxury that families take for granted until it stops working and you’re forced to endure the blistering heat inside your home. Since the Amish avoid modern-day appliances and electricity (for the most part), you might be wondering whether or not they use air conditioners. Here we’ll take a closer look at their belief towards air conditioners and reveal how Amish communities keep cool during the hot spring and summer months.

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