What People Believe: The Amish
20th July 2012
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Horse-drawn carts, isolation and rejection of technology are the first things that spring to mind. But who really are the Amish? TNS looks at the facts behind the secretive religion.
Who?

The Amish community are an American Christian group descended from European Anabaptists who fled to the USA in the 1730s to escape persecution. The Amish speak three languages: Pennsylvania Dutch at home, High German in worship and English to outsiders. The complete Amish community is thought to have around 200,000 members but this is formed from many groups, each with around 40 households.
What do they believe?
Community is at the heart of Amish life and as such, individualism is not encouraged. Although the Amish value self-help, it is expected that the community will always come to the aid of anyone who is in need. A simple life and a humble self are of prime importance; they do not believe that power should be chased or enjoyed.
Due to the value of God’s creation, the Amish advocate living harmoniously with nature and in peace with all fellow humans. Harsh words and violence are viewed as wholly detrimental; any issues are resolved by the community as a whole.
The community does have a limited relationship with the world outside but this is not due to any hatred of external communities. Instead, Amish believe that salvation only comes from living separately from the wider world and its influence. They take their inspiration from Romans 12:2 which says: “be not conformed to this world”.
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