When I think of Amish people I imagine farmers in awkward clothes cultivating their land or riding their buggies. Of course also the picture of colourful quilts comes into my mind. Apart from that Amish society is on the one hand fascinating and on the other hand very mysterious to me:
How could they accomplish to survive as a subculture which differs so much from the surrounding mainstream society? What are the keystones of their faith? Where do they come from? Will they manage to remain unchanged in such a – as they see it – sinful, seductive and dangerous world?
In this paper I will try to answer all these questions. Moreover, I want to give a comprehensive idea of Amish lifestyle and philosophy in order that we as non-Amish can understand their way of life, which feels so strange and disconcerting to us.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. A Short History of the Amish
3. Main Features of Amish life
3.1 Belief and Cultural Identity
3.2 Family Life
3.3 Education
3.4 Rumspringa and Mate-Finding
3.5 Excommunication and Shunning
4. Conflicts with Modernity
4.1 Attitude towards Technical Innovations
4.2 Current Business Problems
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Amish way of life, focusing on their historical roots, religious values, social structures, and their struggle to maintain their identity while navigating the challenges of a modern, secular world.
- Historical development of the Anabaptist movement and the migration to America.
- Religious foundations and the significance of the Ordnung in daily life.
- Social dynamics, including family structures, education, and the Rumspringa tradition.
- Methods of community enforcement: excommunication and shunning.
- Strategies for managing conflicts with modern technology and changing economic conditions.
Excerpt from the Book
3.5 Excommunication and Shunning
“In keeping with Anabaptist practice, to assure the purity and unblemished character of the church the wicked and obdurate members must be excluded from the group. According to Menno Simons [...] three classes of persons must be expelled from the believers’ church: those who live in open sin, those who cause divisions, and those who teach a false doctrine.”
Punishment for violation of the rules varies with the seriousness of the offense. For a minor and rather harmless infraction such as visiting a cinema the wrongdoer is rebuked informally by his relatives and neighbours, and eventually by the bishop. If the sinner promises improvement, the sin is forgiven and will not become public.
In case of a harder violation like owning a telephone in the house or doing business on Sundays the community is informed during services. Then the respective person has to confess in front of the whole community. Depending on the gravity of the matter the bishop suggests to confess in a seating or kneeling position. His choice needs to be confirmed by the community. Because the members must give their consent and vote in such disciplinary action, the conviction is often an emotionally exhausting event. If the offender does not agree with the rules anymore, it is possible for him to join a more liberal Amish community such as the Beachy Amish or even to abandon the Amish faith. A situation like this is of course very humiliating and painful for the accused member. However, from the Amish point of view this kind of punishment is absolutely legal and has an enormous preventive effect.
The ultimate and most extreme step of prosecution is total excommunication and shunning, which “is exercised after the offender has been properly warned and remains unwilling to desist from his transgression, divise teaching, or rebellion.”
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The author outlines the mysterious nature of the Amish subculture and establishes the research goal of understanding their survival strategies in a modern world.
2. A Short History of the Amish: This chapter traces the origins of the Amish back to the 1525 Anabaptist movement, their persecution in Europe, and their eventual migration to Pennsylvania.
3. Main Features of Amish life: This section details the religious beliefs, family roles, educational system, courtship practices, and disciplinary measures that define the Amish community.
4. Conflicts with Modernity: The author examines how the Amish negotiate the use of technology and adapt to economic shifts while attempting to protect their traditional values.
5. Conclusion: The author reflects on her personal findings, admiring the Amish self-determination and sense of community while offering a forecast regarding their future cultural changes.
Keywords
Amish, Anabaptism, Lancaster County, Ordnung, Rumspringa, Excommunication, Shunning, Modernity, Technical Innovations, Pennsylvania German, Religion, Community, Tradition, Social Control, Farming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper explores the cultural, social, and religious life of the Old Order Amish in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and how they persist as a distinct subculture.
What are the primary themes discussed in the document?
Central themes include the Amish faith, their historical background, the role of community and discipline, their educational system, and their approach to modern technology.
What is the ultimate research question of this paper?
The research seeks to understand how the Amish survive as a subculture while resisting the influence of the surrounding modern, secular society.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The paper utilizes a qualitative approach, relying on literature analysis of historical and sociological research regarding the Amish, combined with the author's synthesis and reflection.
What topics are covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section covers historical foundations, the structure of Amish daily life (family, education, rituals), and the conflicts they face regarding modern integration.
Which terms best characterize this work?
Keywords include Amish, Ordnung, Rumspringa, Shunning, Anabaptism, and cultural demarcation.
How do the Amish justify their rejection of modern technology?
The Amish scrutinize new technology carefully; if it threatens their values or their community cohesion, they condemn it. They seek compromises that allow them to function without adopting the lifestyle associated with the "sinful" world.
What is the purpose of the Rumspringa phase?
Rumspringa allows young Amish adults to experience the outside world before making a free, voluntary decision to be baptized and fully commit to the Amish community.
Why are women's roles changing in the Amish community?
Due to economic necessity, many women are now leading small businesses, which has provided them with more independence and confidence, though this shift also creates tensions regarding traditional gender roles.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anne Gotzen (Autor:in), 2011, The Old Order Amish of Lancaster County, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/195789
