The Amish are a people group living in and farming the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, an area also known as Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA. In a society that is constantly changing and moving forward, the Amish are simple, hardworking, family-centered, and faithful people that have not allowed society to influence their uncommon way of life. They believe in a literal interpretation and application of scripture. The Amish follow Biblical commands to separate themselves from the things of the world (Romans 12:2), and the most traditional Amish groups, or “Old-Order”, do this by choosing not to use many modern machines, drive automobiles, or use electricity, as a few examples. Being close to God and following his commands is their highest priority, while they strive to maintain a strong family and be good stewards of their farms.

The Amish trace their history back to the Protestant Reformation in Europe, where there was an emphasis on returning back to the pure, Biblical lifestyle. The Amish were part of the Anabaptist movement, whose people were later persecuted for their beliefs about baptism. Because of persecution throughout Europe, the Amish moved to America in the 1720's and 30's with the hope of religious freedom. The first group settled in Lancaster County, and today it is still the home to the second largest Amish community. Because very few children leave their Amish heritage and then start their own large families, the population is growing. It may be up to about 277,000 total in the U.S. and Canada in 2008.

The rules of the church are called the Ordnung, and must be observed strictly by every member. The Ordnung is a known way of behavior and its rules give limitations on the use of electricity, phones, automobiles, and clothing. If a member of the Amish community breaks the baptism vows, they may be shunned by even their own family in order to make them see the error of their ways and hope that they will return back to the community (1 Cor. 5:11). In most cases, the member is brought back in. In the most severe of cases, the person may be excommunicated by the community. The youth age is called the “rumspringa”, or “running around” in Amish culture. During this time, some non-conforming behavior that would bring shunning to an adult may be tolerated.

The Amish practice non-resistance, meaning that they will not join the military. They prefer to keep a peaceful, non-violent lifestyle. They are not opposed to modern medical care, but believe that good mental and physical health is a gift from God and requires good stewardship of their bodies. If medical care is needed, they rely on their community for their finances, and do not use insurance. Instead, an appointed member is in charge of collecting mutual aid when another member is in need. This is reminiscent of the apostles, taking care of each other and giving to anyone as they have need (Acts 2: 45). Since they reject Social Security benefits, they do not have to pay this tax. Other than Social Security, the Amish are expected to pay all other taxes.

The Amish dress is very plain men wear dark colored pants with a solid colored shirt and black or straw brimmed hats. The women wear solid colored, long-sleeved dresses with long skirts. They do not cut their hair, and wear it pulled back under a prayer covering. Men grow a beard after marriage, but will not keep a mustache because of the traditional association of mustaches with the military. Their clothing and appearance is meant to be an expression of their faith, showing their humility.

At home and in conversations with each other, the Old Order Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch, which is a dialect of German. Their churches meet in homes, and the sermon is given in German. The Amish run their own one-room schoolhouses that require children to be taught up to the eighth grade level. Basics like reading, writing, and math are taught in English by an Amish teacher, who also has an eighth grade education level. The Amish choose to teach their children in these small schools to again combat worldly outside influences and promote community within themselves. Their hope is that they will “train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6).” For the most part, educational authorities allow Amish to teach their children in their own way without much conflict.

Because family is the most important earthly value to the Amish, they take choosing a mate very seriously. They begin courting at the age of sixteen, and must marry another member of the Amish church. The young man and woman keep their marriage plans secret until the day of “publishing,” when all the upcoming marriages are announced in the church. Wedding dates are always in November or December, after the busy harvest time. Wedding ceremonies involve a long sermon and last around three hours, and then the festivities begin a meal for 200-400 guests, playing games, and visiting with each other. The new couple spends the weekends after the ceremony visiting up to 6 six families a weekend to meet their new relatives. They live together with the bride's parents until they can set up a home the next spring.

Amish men and women have no set time for retirement, and usually keep working on their farms at a slower pace. Because they once took care of their children, their children take care of them in their old age. Amish funerals are somber but hopeful and encouraging to the living. An Amish person's grave only has a marker for the spot, but no ornate tombstone, because they believe even in death all are equal and shouldn't be elevated over others.

The Amish way of living is very different from the rest of the American culture that surrounds it. They have done all they can to remain separated from worldly influences and remain a close-knit community that cares for each other and pleases God. The Amish way is the opposite of a quickly changing, always progressing attitude toward work and life that seeks selfish gain. They would rather be left alone than have attention on their lifestyle, and this sense of humility also causes them to be a peace-loving people. Their community is growing, and they could still have a valuable influence on anyone willing to learn from their Christ and Family first mindset.