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TITLE PAGE

Mrs. Evans

December 2001

Period 1 – Honors English 10

OUTLINE

Another Way of Life

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TEXT

Another Way of Life

The Amish have always attracted popular interest because of their different dress and manner of living. Their mysterious lifestyle is often questioned and their unique customs are often misunderstood. The Amish are viewed as a hardworking, thrifty people who have preserved some of the virtues of early American rural life.

Amish groups are devoted to the Christian faith and life. Their beliefs through the years have essentially paralleled those of other Christians. However, these people have their own distinctive doctrines and emphases. Creed and ritual are not important to the Amish; in fact, through the years, their leaders have warned against confessions of faith replacing the Bible (Good 14). People of the Amish community place special emphases on peace and simplicity and their faith focuses on daily practice (Kraybill 19). The Amish also emphasize the verbal expression of beliefs and strictly believe that those people who value Christian discipleship may find eternal happiness.

Most Amish and Mennonite groups have common historical roots. These groups sought a return to the simplicity of faith and practice as seen in the early Christian church (Good 7). However, there are many differences among the various Amish and Mennonite groups. These differences almost always have been ones of practice rather than basic Christian doctrine. Amish groups tend to be more cautious with technology and involvement with the larger world than are most Mennonites. For instance, the Amish generally drive horse - drawn carriages, dress "plain", refrain from the use of electricity, emphasize occupations close to the farm, and forbid higher education. On the other hand, Mennonites are considerably more acculturated. They embrace education and technology as opportunities for improvement of their society, accept reluctantly the stress

which modern life places on marriage and the family, and encourage an enlargement of the fellowship through worldwide missionary activities (Good 9). Today, most Amish groups consider themselves conservative cousins of the Mennonites

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Amish habits of dress, which are noticeably different, distinguish between their own society and the rest of the world. The Amish dress and look different because they believe "God's people" should be distinctly separate from the surrounding world. In fact, they are convinced that a true follower of God will be recognized not only by conduct and speech but also by appearance (Scott 6). In addition the Amish believe that their simple clothing allows the inner virtue of the heart to shine through (Scott 7). Their practice of wearing plain clothing is based on a number of scriptures and scriptural principles (Scott 12). The most important value of distinctive dress to the Amish is its, usefulness in identifying the community of believers (Kraybill 12).

Education for the Amish involves giving children the instruction they need to earn an honest living and to lead a Christian life. The goal of Amish schools is to prepare children for usefulness by preparing them for eternity (Fisher 4). For the Amish children, a typical day begins with a Scripture reading followed by the Lords prayer and a brief period of group singing. Amish children attend school on about the same schedule as those who attend public schools. They start each school year in the fall and continue through the spring. Between 8:30 A.M. and 3:30 P.M. the children study arithmetic, reading, geography, history, English, and spelling. Textbook content for Amish schools is. restricted to that which is both morally wholesome and does not teach about God. Such teaching is considered sacred and is reserved for home and church (Fisher 41). Instruction takes place in a one room school house. A teacher is often responsible for eight grades, grade eight being the final school year. Therefore, a good head for organization and a great deal of patience are required- Parents are highly involved with education since Amish schools are owned and supervised by the families of the children. However, not all education happens in the classroom. The farm and home are seen by the Amish as viable places for learning. (Fisher 89).

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An Amish home stands visibly apart from the outside world. There are no power lines, telephone lines, or television antennas. The Amish people value simplicity and self-denial over comfort, convenience, and leisure (Pellman 4). Early in the century, a large majority of Amish leaders agreed that connecting to power lines may not be in the best interest of their communities. They agreed that easy access to electricity could lead to many temptations and the deterioration of church and family life. Although television and through-the-wires power is rejected by the Amish, most Amish communities have accepted some use of battery-powered devises (Peflman 5). Most Amish believe that the number of devices that can be operated by a battery or generator is limited, and that careful use of such items poses minimal risk to community values (Pellman 6). Moreover, these devices do not require a link to the outside world.

Speaking of simplicity, the Amish means of transportation is a very simple one. The Amish are not disturbed by the dangers of horse and buggy travel. This was the mode of travel years ago. The Amish have retained it, like many other things, on the principle that "old is best" (Hostetler 32). The limitations on horse and buggy travel keep the social life of the family in bounds. To accept the automobile would lead to a breakdown of their community life and would open the floodgates of social and cultural change (Hostetler 34). Amish will travel in trains, buses, and automobiles, but to own or operate them is a different matter.

For nearly three centuries farming has been the core of Amish life. However, in recent years, the Amish have entered a host of new occupations - cabinetry, mechanics, manufacturing, retailing, and crafts. On the other hand, hundreds of occupations are still unacceptable. Naturally, owning a bar or a gambling establishment are two of the hundreds of occupations the Amish consider taboo. Older Amish groups tend to adopt craft-related occupations as they leave the farm, primarily because their caution on education prevents them from entering the professions (Good 4 1).

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Whenever a society's life and future are built on the family, a wedding is an occasion of the greatest joy - and solemnity. Marriage is sacred to the Amish. Divorce and remarriage are not considered options. Weddings are held in the brides home. Food and space must be made for two to four hundred guests (Good 52). Most Amish weddings take place in November when field work is not demanding. The bride and groom wear new clothes, but they are made from the same pattern as their usual Sunday clothes (Hostetler 25). The day following the wedding the couple begins their honeymoon by spending several weeks visiting relatives.

As expected in a close community, grief is often shared by everyone. Death is a time for embrace; family, friends, and neighbors gather quietly without hysteria (Good 66). Funeral and burial usually take place three days after death. During those days the community visits the family to offer sympathy and help. In death, as in life, simplicity is the order (Good 68). A plain wooden coffin is built and a local funeral director assists in a minimal way which usually includes embalming. The tone of an Amish funeral is hopeful yet Rffl of admonition for the living (Good 67). Burial usually takes place in a hand - dug grave in a church cemetery. No flowers are placed there, only a simple tombstone to mark the spot (Good 68)

Many temptations are exerted on the Amish way of life. The Amish teach separation from the world. However, they are not ignorant of world events and advancements. Therefore, they are forced to accept change in small amounts. They

resist the tendency toward unlimited growth, as taken for granted in modem society, and the trend to be ruled by "worldly efficiency and convenience" (Hostetler 35). The Amish are a deterrninedcommunity of people who live well, love their religion, and love their families.

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