The Amish and Christians share some core beliefs, but there are also some key differences between the two groups. Here is a quick overview of how Amish beliefs compare to mainstream Christian beliefs:
Similarities
The Amish faith emerged from the Anabaptist movement of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. As such, the Amish share some core Christian beliefs:
- Belief in the Holy Trinity – God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit
- Belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Savior
- Belief in the divine inspiration of the Bible
- Practices of adult baptism, foot washing, and communion
The Amish take these common Christian beliefs and practices and interpret them in a more conservative way based on their values of simplicity, community, and separation from the world.
Key Differences
While the Amish share origins with mainstream Protestant Christianity, they diverged over time and have some notable differences in belief and practice:
- Church organization – The Amish organize themselves into local congregations. They have no formal church hierarchy, professional clergy, or church buildings.
- Technology – The Amish limit their use of modern technologies. They view technology as a threat to their values of family, community, and separation from the world.
- Dress – Amish clothing styles encourage plainness and uniformity. Amish women wear head coverings and modest dresses. Amish men wear plain suits and hats.
- Pacifism – The Amish embrace pacifism and forbid violence in any form. They refuse military service.
- Evangelism – The Amish do not actively evangelize or send out missionaries. They focus on their own communities.
In addition to these differences, the Amish also speak a German dialect known as Pennsylvania Dutch and lead a rural, agrarian lifestyle. Their beliefs shape their distinctive culture.
Conclusion
The Amish emerge from the same Christian roots as other Protestants but over centuries have developed their own set of beliefs and practices. Their culture reflects a very literal, conservative interpretation of the Bible. While the Amish share core Christian beliefs in God, Jesus, salvation, and the Bible, they have distinct beliefs about technology, dress, nonviolence, evangelism, and other issues that set them apart from mainstream Christianity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Amish believe in Jesus?
Yes, the Amish are firm believers in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior, just as mainstream Christians do. Amish beliefs about Jesus come from a literal interpretation of the Bible.
Do the Amish read the Bible?
Yes, the Bible is central to Amish faith. They believe it provides divine guidance for leading a moral, ethical Christian life. Amish people read and study the Bible both privately at home and in public worship services.
Are Amish Protestant?
Yes, the Amish trace their origins to the Protestant Reformation in Europe. Their Anabaptist forefathers broke from the Catholic Church over issues like adult baptism. The Amish share common roots with other Protestant groups but have their own distinct culture and beliefs.
Do Amish evangelize?
No, the Amish do not actively evangelize or seek converts outside of their community. They focus on maintaining their own societal purity and separation from the world rather than converting outsiders. However, Amish values can attract outsiders who choose to join them.
Do the Amish use electricity?
Most Amish groups do not use electricity from public utility grids. However, some allow limited use of battery power or electricity from diesel generators. The Amish avoid connecting to the electrical grid as it would link them too closely to the outside world.
Key Statistics
Here are some key statistics on Amish population and beliefs:
| Amish population in North America | 340,000 |
| Number of Amish settlements | 543 |
| Average district size | 22 families |
| Amish denominations | Several, including Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, and Beachy Amish |
| Largest Amish settlements | Holmes County, Ohio; Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; Elkhart and LaGrange counties, Indiana |
| Oldest Amish settlement | Berne, Indiana founded in 1852 |
| Percentage who speak Pennsylvania Dutch | Over 75% |
The Amish continue to grow in North America as they maintain traditions and embrace their Biblical way of life through these tightly-knit communities.