A Amish Life - the History of Amish Practices and Beliefs!

There are many different beliefs to where the Amish reside in Christianity. That is a question that will probably never be answered, but the true story of the Amish heritage lies within the Mennonite religion. However, the Amish are in no way consider Mennonites.

The Amish church was originally founded by Jakob Ammann In 1693. Ammann and his followers would then became Amish when Jakob Ammann began the Amish Church to restore the old Mennonites practices. However, the Amish soon felt the Mennonites lacked discipline, so they separated from them in the late 17th century.

A century later, the Amish would migrate to America. Because the Amish had strong beliefs and practices, they isolated themselves from modern society in hopes of preserving the European rural culture. Unlike modern society, the Amish hold dearly to their beliefs and practices. It is these beliefs and practices that have allowed the Amish to retain a peaceful life, in a not so peaceful world.

Many of the Amish beliefs are shared with the Evangelicals. They both believe in baptism after one commits to the church. They also believe in life after death, either in hell or heaven. The Amish do not believe in oaths, sex roles and salvation. For their practices in the church, the Amish have church offices. These offices include a Bischop, minister, Deacon and Full Deacon. The Amish community elects individuals into this position through votes. However, these positions are for men only. Woman, inside the Amish community, are forbidden to hold a position of power. Many of their practices still carry over from the old Amish order. Weddings are always done in November or early December, and the Amish will only celebrate Christian Holy Days and Fast day on October 11th. Photography is forbidden amongst the Amish. It is believed, in the Amish community, to take a picture of yourself is a sign of vanity. These are just a few things the Amish believe and practice, but for centuries, the Amish church have held on strongly to those beliefs and practices. Unlike many other religions, the Amish do not stray from their beliefs or practices. For the Amish, their beliefs and practices are apart of their day to day living.

Unlike the traditional Amish that still practice the old Amish ways, the Swartzentruber Amish is more strict in their religion. In 1913, the Swarzentruber broke away from the old ways, nor do they see themselves as true Christians. Unlike the traditional Amish, the Swartzentruber controls every aspect of their lives from clothing all the way down to shaving. Life for a woman is more strict than for a male.

A woman's life, who lives in the Swarzentruber Amish, is not allowed to cut her hair, shave any part of her body, wear cosmetics or perfume. A man's life is limited to building and having the right size measurements. Another part of the Swarzentruber Amish's life is a man and woman can only have sexual relations in order to produce a child. Life in the Amish world is dictated. However, it is their beliefs and practices that have made the Amish communities strong. Forgiveness and understanding are two practices Amish share that have aided them in good times and bad times. For many, the Amish life appears to be barbaric, but the truth is the Amish believe in living a peaceful, honest life.

Sources:

http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations/amish.htm http://www.umanitoba.ca/Law/Courses/esau/lr/lr_amish.html http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2002/may/amish/