Research and Reference
- Amish: Credo ReferenceA Credo Reference landing page on the Amish. This page includes articles, reference works, images, and a concept map.
- Amish: BritannicaAmish, member of a Christian group in North America, primarily the Old Order Amish Mennonite Church. The church originated in the late 17th century among followers of Jakob Ammann.
Internet Resources
- Amish History and BeliefsArriving in Lancaster County in the 1720s, the oldest and largest Amish community in the country is the Amish of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The story of the Pennsylvania Amish community dates back to the 16th century Reformation in Europe, when the Anabaptist movement spurred the creation of three "plain" communities: the Amish, Mennonites and Brethren.
- Amish Religious TraditionsHow religion guides the traditions, lifestyle and beliefs of the Pennsylvania Amish.
- BehaltA website devoted to accurately inform visitors about the faith, culture and lifestyle of the Amish, Mennonite and Hutterite peoples.
- Who is Amish?: PBSIn America, there are several non-Amish groups who share the same basic Anabaptist religious beliefs regarding pacifism and adult baptism, and who follow the teachings of Jesus in how they practice their faith. But they apply their faith to their everyday lives in different ways that often manifest themselves through clothing, use of technology, education, and other various subtle details. Some of those cultural distinctions are highlighted below by Don Kraybill, author and professor at Elizabethtown College's Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies.
Streaming Media
- The America of the AmishThe Amish rarely allow themselves to be photographed or filmed, yet several members of the isolated religious community agreed to appear in this eye-opening documentary. Filmed on location in Pennsylvania and Ohio Amish country, the program goes beyond stereotypes and common misconceptions, presenting a fully human portrait of a misunderstood people. Interviews with Amish men and women—some born into the religion, some converts from other parts of the U.S.—reveal a range of opinions and sensibilities within the group’s traditional stance on technology, education, and worship. Highlighting the rapid growth of the Amish population and their changing attitudes toward electricity, cell phones, cars, and other modern conveniences, the program will expand viewers’ understanding of the Amish and the ways that American subcultures adapt to mainstream society. (54 minutes)
- The Amish: People of PreservationThe Amish continue to intrigue their technology-current neighbors by keeping alive ways and beliefs that many modern Americans regard as irretrievably lost to progress. In this colorful, award-winning documentary, newly revised and augmented, Mennonite historian John L. Ruth takes us sympathetically into the Amish mindset. Appreciative neighbors, a well-known physician, an artist, and respected scholar John A. Hostetler, author of Amish Society, provide insightful commentary on the survival of an alternative to the kind of world we have made. As the Amish increase exponentially in numbers, some migrate toward more open farmland. Those staying in centuries-old communities where the land is too crowded to farm have developed an amazing variety of cottage industries. But all changes are made very carefully, in order not to undermine the spiritual covenant and community.
- The Amish: Shunned: Ex-Members of the Amish CommunityWhat is it like to be cut off from your faith and your family? The Amish: Shunned follows seven people who have chosen to leave their closed and tightly-knit communities for the outside world, knowing they can never return. Each has paid deeply for their decision. Estranged from loved ones, these former Amish find themselves struggling to make their way in modern America.
- The Power of ForgivenessTo forgive someone can be simple. But this simple act can have powerful consequences – and may lead to a personal and spiritual transformation.
Perspectives
A History of the Amish
Authoritative, thorough, and interestingly written, A History of the Amish presents the deep and rich heritage of the Amish people with dozens of illustrations and updated statistics. The Amish, one of America's most intriguingly private, unique, and often misunderstood religious communities, have survived for three hundred years! How has that happened? While much has been written on the Amish, little has been revealed about their history. This book brings together in one volume a thorough history of the Amish people. From their beginnings in Europe through their settlement in North America, the Amish have struggled to maintain their beliefs and traditions in often hostile settings. Chapters include: Migration and Persistence: The Amish in Europe, 1693-1801 Settlement and Struggle in a New World: The Amish in Eighteenth Century Pennsylvania Merging Traditions: Amish Mennonites and Mennonites in North America and Europe, 1870-1937 Finding a Place in Modern America, 1900-1945 And more! Now updated, the book gives an in-depth look at how the modern Amish church continues to grow and change. It covers recent developments in new Amish settlements, the community's conflict and negotiation with government, the Nickel Mines school shooting, and the media's constant fascination with this religious people, from reality TV shows to romance novels.
The Amish Way: Patient Faith in a Perilous World
A sensitive and realistic look at the spiritual life and practices of the Amish This second book by the authors of the award-winning Amish Grace sheds further light on the Amish, this time on their faith, spirituality, and spiritual practices. They interpret the distinctive practices of the Amish way of life and spirituality in their cultural context and explore their applicability for the wider world. Using a holistic perspective, the book tells the story of Amish religious experience in the words of the Amish themselves. Due to their long-standing friendships and relationships with Amish people, this author team may be the only set of interpreters able to provide an outsider-insider perspective. Provides a behind-the-scenes examination of Amish spiritual life Shows how the Amish practices can be applied to the wider world Written by authors with unprecedented access to the Amish community Written in a lively and engaging style, The Amish Way holds appeal for anyone who has wanted to know more about the inner workings of the Amish way of life.
The Amish of Lancaster County
More than 8.5 million people visit Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, every year to experience the culture of the oldest Amish community in the world. This book by the leading scholar of the Amish explains the uncommon lifestyle of these simple-living people who intrigue so many visitors. Mini essays on all aspects of Amish life, from dress and spirituality to horse-and-buggy transport, are accompanied by beautiful full-color photographs. The author also discusses myths about the Amish, their selective use of technology, the current media attention to Rumspringa, and the tragedy at the Nickel Mines school.
Peace, Faith, Nation: Mennonites and Amish in nineteenth-century America
Peace, Faith, Nation tells the story of Mennonite and Amish life in nineteenth-century America--stories of families, of churches, of communities. It tells of work and play, of moving and settling, of struggling with citizenship, of various means (including the Old Order ways) of church renewal. It is Mennonite history but also American history. At its heart it tells of response to the nationalist, individualistic, aggressive, and progressive spirit of America.
The Amish: Shunned
The Amish intercuts historical analysis with contemporary footage to provide an unprecedented look at this highly private, little understood, and utterly unique community whose beliefs raise important questions about religious liberty in American life.
Who are the Anabaptists?: Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites
The Anabaptists of North America sport an amazing spectrum of religious and cultural diversity--from communal Hutterites to urban Mennonites, from low-tech Amish to acculturated Brethren. New members with Asian, African, and Hispanic cultural roots add spice and color to traditional Anabaptist ways. Counting more than 6,000 congregations and 100 different groups, the Anabaptists are known for their strong commitments to peacemaking, service, and community. In this concise text, a leading scholar of Anabaptist communities provides a sweeping overview of their beliefs and practices as well as their similarities and differences.
Statistics
- Anticipated increase in the Amish population and number of settlements in the United States from 2010 to 2050This statistic shows a forecast for the number of Amish people and Amish settlements in the United States from 2010 to 2050. By the year 2050 it is expected that the Amish population will have approximately tripled and the total number will reach 912,258 people.