Amish History

The Amish broke away from the Mennonites nearly 300 years ago when differences arose among Anabaptist leaders in Switzerland and Alsace. Seeking a stricter lifestyle including the Streng Meidung, or shunning, which includes the social avoidance of erring church members. Tensions ran high and eventually in 1693, a complete split occurred. Many Amish responded to William Penn's invitation to come to America and settle the land. No Amish now remain in Europe. Currently there are approximately 145,000 Amish men, women and children living in 22 states in the United States and in Ontario, Canada. There are 220 Amish settlements accommodating over 900 geographically determined church districts. Persistence of tradition and slowness to modernize have characterized the Amish as they have steadily sought to carve out their lifestyle which is a culture apart from the world. Even at the dawn of the 21st century, Amish are characterized as humble folk--hard working, neighborly, otherwordly, agrarian, God-fearing, ethnically homogenous--who live the simple life and live it well.  The Amish have maintained their simple lifestyle amidst existing within a technologically advacing culture. They have maintained a peaceful presence independant of the every changing outside world.

The Amish are renowned for their avoidance of modern technologies and advancements. The avoidance of items such as automobiles and electricity is largely misunderstood. They do not view all technology as evil,but rather choose to avoid it. Technologies can be petitioned for acceptance into the Amish lifestyle. In some communities, the church leaders meet to review items for admittance. In others, it is done whenever necessary. Because the Amish, like other Mennonites, and unlike the Catholic or Anglican Churches, do not have a top-down governing structure, differing communities often have different ideas as to which technological items are acceptable. Some may allow the use of computers, and phones while others rely on snailmail and typewriters.  The use of electricity also could lead to the use of household appliances that would complicate the Amish tradition of a simple life. However, in certain Amish groups, electricity can be used in very specific situations. In some groups, for example, it has to be produced without access to outside power lines. Twelve-volt batteries are acceptable to these groups.

Electric generators can only be used for welding, recharging batteries, and powering milk stirrers. The reasoning behind the twelve-volt system is that it limits what an individual can do with the electricity and acts as a preventive measure against potential abuses. Most twelve-volt power sources can't generate enough current to power what is viewed as worldly, modern appliances such as televisions, light bulbs, and hair dryers. In certain situations, outdoor electrical appliances may be used: lawn mowers (riding and hand-pushed) and string trimmers, for example. With new advacements in business and production, the Amish have been forced to make some acceptions to their practices regarding electricity and technology. Many Amish people are carpenters, and wood workers. These trades require electricity to run the tools, and a connection with the outside world to market these products.

Amish communities often adopt compromise solutions involving technology which may seem strange to outsiders. For example, many communities will allow gas powered farm equipment such as tillers or mowers, but only if they are pushed by a human or pulled by a horse. The reasoning is that Amish farmers will not be tempted to purchase more land and outcompete other farmers in their community if they still have to move the equipment manually. They do not have inherient reservations with technology, and its usefulness, but rather only oppose its use when it negativly affects the community. The Amish epmasize community and simplicity. Any aspect of the outside world that detracts from that ideology is forbidden and shunned from Amish society.