The Amish In Northern Indiana
Goshen College lies between two of the most prominent Amish settlements
in the mid-west:
Skirted on the east by the third largest Amish settlement in America,
Goshen students rub shoulders with this unique otherworldly community with
relative ease and comfort. Highlighted by the newly-completed Shipshewana
visitor center, Menno Hof, the community attracts more than a million
visitors each year.
Smaller in numbers and territorial size is the Amish community southwest
of the college. It is equally rich in Amish life and culture and includes
the converted farmstead, Amish Acres, sporting a new red round barn-theatre
that gives daily performances of "Plain & Fancy," and features
a popular restaurant along with entertainment.
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. Forty years later, 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.
Searching for general characteristics that encompass all Old Order Amish
groups even in their cultural and religious variations, the following seem
dominent:
- Separatism. Otherworldliness, non-conformity based on Biblical
teachings in Romans 12:1-2 and II Cor. 6:14. This pervades the entire lifestyle
of the Amish (dress, language, work, travel and education).
- Simple Life. Simplicity and humility (demut) are stressed
in Amish community. Education and training is limited to elementary levels.
Amish warn of the "pagan" philosophy and the intellectual enterprise
of "fallen man." Historically, they avoid all training associated
with self exaltation, pride of position, enjoyment of power and the art
of war and violence.
- Family Life. Amish marry Amish. No intermarriage is allowed.
Divorce is not permitted and separation is very rare. They are strictly
monogamous and generally patriarchal. Sex roles are clearly defined. The
average family size is 7-8 children. Homosexuality is not recognized as
an acceptable lifestyle.
- Harmony with the soil and nature. Manual labor is good (Amish
have little regard for labor-saving devices). Hard work and thriftiness
are virtues. Amish believe that God is pleased when people work in harmony
with nature, the soil, the weather and care of animals and plants. Amish
always live in rural community. By contrast, the city is viewed as a center
of leisure, non-productive spending, and often as the stage for evil and
wickedness.
- Mutual Assistance. Amish do not survive outside of community.
There is much neighboring in the community, and helping each other is the
most common way of socializing. They carry no life or property insurance;
the church assists in cases of major loss. Large families generally give
assurance of care for the elderly. Only rarely do Amish retire to places
other than the dawdyhaus, a small house built next to the main
farm house. Retired Amish farmers do not receive Social Security.
- Disciplined Church Community. Discipline in the Amish community
can be sometimes harsh and uncompromising. Baptized members are morally
committed to church rules. Erring members are generally excommunicated
and shunned until there is forgiveness and restoration to full fellowship.
The Mennonite Historical Library located on the campus of Goshen College
contains approximately 45,000 volumes, an unrivaled collection of Anabaptistica
and Mennonitica that includes substantial source materials on
the Amish, on family genealogies, local history, and Pennsylvania Dutch
culture.
Essay by Samuel L. Yoder, Ed.D.
Pen drawings from Amishland Studios, c.1958
Additional articles and web sites about various aspects of Amish life:
- The Amish & CBS
The Amish are again at the center of attention. This time it is none
other than a major broadcasting network, CBS and one of its affiliates,
which hopes to find some willing 16-year-old Amish and transport them
to Hollywood." They are to be subjected to various and sundry
enticements of modern society, including non-Amish girls, simply to see
how they wil react. This reality show, tentatively named, "Amish in
the City"is being promoted by CBS executive Leslie Moonves. Follow the
link for more information and a sample letter of protest of this sad
exploitation of our Amish friends.
- Background Dynamics of the Amish Movement by Leonard Gross, Director of the Mennonite Archives (retired)
- The Old Order Amish: To Remain in the Faith or to Leave by Thomas J. Meyers, Professor of Sociology at Goshen College
- The Amish: Technology Practice and Technological Change by Jamie Sharp, Department of Philosophy, Loyola University
- The Amish by Lee J. Zook, Associate Professor of Social Work,
Luther College, Decorah, Iowa.
Seniors for Peace, a site offering concepts of peace and justice as they apply to contemporary times. Seniors for Peace projects a perspective of people of mature years and is an international and inter-faith organization.
html editing by Lon Sherer, lonhs@goshen.edu
Updated: 9/01