The Amish are often seen as a mystery to the modern world. Known for their simple, old-fashioned way of life, they’ve created a lifestyle built around strict religious beliefs and traditions. While it may seem like they’re just avoiding modern conveniences, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Many of their rules stem from a desire to maintain a close-knit community and avoid outside influences. Let’s take a look at some surprising things the Amish can’t do and the reasons behind their choices.
Use Electricity from the Grid
The Amish avoid electricity because they believe it ties them too closely to the modern world. By using power from the grid, they could be tempted by television, computers, and other distractions that go against their values.
Instead, they use alternatives like gas-powered appliances or solar panels to keep their homes running. This choice isn’t just about avoiding technology; it’s about maintaining a way of life that prioritizes simplicity and hard work over convenience.
Own or Drive Cars
Owning a car is off-limits for the Amish, as they see it as a symbol of independence that could pull them away from their tight-knit communities. Cars make it easier to travel far from home, which could weaken family and community bonds. They prefer to rely on horse-drawn buggies for local travel. However, some Amish may ride in cars if absolutely necessary, like for emergencies, as long as they aren’t the ones driving.
Attend Traditional High School
Amish children typically stop formal schooling after the eighth grade. Higher education is seen as unnecessary for their way of life, which revolves around farming, craftsmanship, and homemaking. They believe too much education could introduce ideas that conflict with their values or lead to ambitions outside their community.
Instead, teenagers learn practical skills at home or through apprenticeships to prepare for their adult roles.
Use Televisions or Radios
Televisions and radios are considered a direct gateway to the outside world, bringing in ideas and entertainment that could conflict with Amish beliefs. They avoid these devices to protect their families from worldly influences and to encourage face-to-face interaction. For the Amish, spending time together as a family or community is far more valuable than tuning in to outside voices or distractions.
Take Photos of Themselves
The Amish avoid photography because they believe it promotes pride and vanity, which are seen as sins. Their interpretation of the Bible also discourages graven images, which they feel applies to photographs. While you might see Amish people in photos taken by outsiders, they typically won’t pose or participate.
Wear Modern Clothing
The Amish are known for their plain, modest clothing, which serves as a visual reminder of their values. Modern fashion is seen as a way to show off wealth or individuality, both of which conflict with their beliefs. Amish men and women dress uniformly, which helps promote equality within the community and keeps the focus on inner character rather than outward appearance.
Use Smartphones or Computers
Smartphones and computers are avoided because they provide easy access to the internet, which can introduce unfiltered ideas and temptations. The Amish see this as a risk to their moral and spiritual well-being.
While some Amish businesses may use technology for practical purposes, it’s done sparingly and often involves limited internet access to avoid unnecessary exposure.
Join the Military
Amish people are pacifists and believe in turning the other cheek, as taught in the Bible. Joining the military goes against their commitment to peace and their refusal to take up arms. Instead of participating in war, Amish communities often focus on helping others in need, living by their values of humility and non-violence.
Get Divorced
Divorce is not an option in Amish communities. Marriage is considered a sacred, lifelong commitment, and breaking that bond is seen as going against God’s will. Couples are expected to work through their differences with the support of their families and community. Because of this belief, the Amish have a very low divorce rate, prioritizing harmony and forgiveness in their relationships.
Hold Political Office
The Amish avoid holding political office because they believe in separating themselves from worldly matters. They see politics as a distraction from their religious duties and prefer to live under God’s guidance rather than man-made laws.
While they may vote on occasion, they rarely participate in government roles, focusing instead on their community and faith.
Sue in Court
Suing someone in court is rare for the Amish because they value forgiveness and reconciliation over legal action. They believe disputes should be resolved within the community or through mutual understanding. This approach aligns with their religious teachings, which emphasize turning the other cheek and avoiding conflict whenever possible.
Celebrate Secular Holidays
Holidays like Halloween and New Year’s Eve are not celebrated by the Amish, as they focus on religious observances and reject secular traditions. Their celebrations revolve around events like Christmas and Easter, but even those are marked with simplicity and prayer rather than elaborate festivities.
Use Birth Control
The Amish generally believe that family size should be left up to God. They avoid birth control because it interferes with this belief and goes against the natural order of life.
Large families are common in Amish communities, as children are seen as a blessing and an integral part of their way of life.
Use Makeup or Jewelry
Makeup and jewelry are avoided because they are seen as a form of vanity, which goes against Amish values of humility and modesty. Instead, Amish women embrace natural beauty and focus on inner qualities rather than outward appearances. The lack of adornment helps them maintain their distinct identity and keeps the focus on what truly matters to them.
Live Alone
Finally, the Amish place a strong emphasis on community and family, so living alone is extremely uncommon. They believe isolation goes against their values of togetherness and mutual support. From young adults to the elderly, Amish people typically live with or near family members, ensuring everyone has a support system and a sense of belonging.