Amish Culture
The Amish culture is one of great interest, with many having researched their way of life.
The characteristics of Amish lifestyle, such as the attributes of religion, family, work, and
health are quite different from typical western culture. Although the Amish live in western
society and interact with westerners, there culture is quite different from the typical
western culture. They have been around for ages, adapting to the ever-changing modern
world, yet remaining steadfast in their religion and beliefs. This report will discuss the
primary mode of subsistence for the Amish culture, and how it affects the way this culture
behaves, in comparison to the English culture; in their political organization and how they
do not affiliate themselves with the Government, how they adjust to social change and the
social organization within their own society.
“The roots of the Amish begin in 1525 with a group of religious dissenters near the city of
Zurich, Switzerland who believed the Protestant Reformation had not gone far enough”
(Donnermeyer & Friedrich, 2006, p. 37). The disagreement was about infant baptism; they
believed that baptism is only for free-will adults and that infant baptism would be
unacceptable. These nonconformists were called Anabaptist. This disagreement may seem
rather minimal now; however, during that time the kings and other leaders of Europe
insisted that all born in the country would obey their religious affiliation. According to
Donnermeyer & Friedrich (2006), “The Anabaptists were persecuted and put to death by
various governments aligned with the Roman Catholics, Lutherans and other Protestant
groups. They hid in caves, woods, and by other means, devised ways to worship secretly
and to avoid the authorities” (p. 37). Just a few years after the movement started, all
original founders were put to death; however, the movement continued to grow attracting
new believers. This became known as the Anabaptist movement, which spread to other
countries and later became either the Swiss Brethren or the Mennonites. As they grew in
size they diversified even further becoming the Amish. During the 18th century, religious
freedoms and the possibility of purchasing land attracted both the Mennonites and the
Amish to the United States. (Donnermeyer & Friedrich, 2006).
Although the 20th century began with new technologies, the Amish did not include these
new technologies, due to their religious beliefs. They remained agricultural and did not
include anything requiring the use of electricity. In their homes, the Amish do not use
