Amish way of life

The Amish are a group of traditional Christian communities known for their simple lifestyle, strong faith, and separation from modern society. Their way of life is guided by religious beliefs and community rules.

 Core beliefs and values 
The Amish live by four main values:
 Faith: Their daily lives reflect their religious beliefs, emphasizing humility, discipline, and devotion to God. 
 The Amish Village
 Family: Families are central to Amish life. They often have many children, and multiple generations live together, supporting each other. 
 Community: Amish communities are close-knit. Members help each other, especially during events like barn raisings or times of need. 
 Simplicity: They avoid modern conveniences to live humbly and focus on spiritual matters.

 Daily life 
 Language: At home, they speak Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect, and use English for interactions outside their community. 
 Clothing: Amish dress plainly. Men wear dark suits and hats; women wear long dresses and head coverings. 
 Education: Children attend school up to the 8th grade, focusing on practical skills for community life. 
 Work: Many Amish are farmers or craftsmen, producing goods like furniture and quilts. They value hard work and self-sufficiency.
 Technology: They limit the use of modern technology, avoiding electricity and cars to maintain community bonds and simplicity. 
 Transportation: Travel is typically by horse-drawn buggy. Some communities allow bicycles or scooters.

 Religious practices 
 Worship: Services are held every other Sunday in homes, featuring hymns, Bible readings, and sermons in German. 
 Leadership: Church leaders are chosen by the community and serve for life. They have no formal theological training. 
 Baptism: Young adults choose to be baptized, usually between ages 18 and 22, committing to the church and its rules.

 Community rules and discipline 
 Ordnung: An unwritten set of rules guiding daily life, including dress, technology use, and behavior. 
 Shunning: Members who break church rules and don't repent may be socially avoided until they return to the community's ways. 
 Rumspringa: A period during adolescence when youth explore the outside world before deciding to join the church. 

 Interaction with the outside world 
While the Amish separate themselves from mainstream society, they do engage in business with non-Amish people, selling goods and services. However, they avoid activities like voting, military service, and accepting government aid, relying instead on community support.

Category:Amish