Amish Page

I thought it would be nice to have a page dedicated to and saluting the Amish. After all, just because they are morally opposed to technology shouldn't mean technology should shun them. This page includes some items about the Amish, all of which have been taken from various reference sources, including other pages on the World Wide Web. For more information on the Amish, please check the links page. By the way, if you are an Amish person that is offended by this page, keep in mind that you shouldn't be on the Internet, or even using a computer anyway. So there!

The denomination of Amish Mennonites was founded in Switzerland in the 1500's after secession from the Zurich state church; the followers of Jakob Ammann broke from the other Mennonites in Switzerland and Alsace in 1693; most Amish Mennonites emigrated to Pennsylvania in the eighteenth century when others rejoined the main Mennonite group.

There are approximately 40,000 Amish Mennonites. The Bible is the sole rule of faith. Beliefs are outlined in the Dordrecht Confession of Faith (1632). They shun worldly ways and modern innovation (education and technology). The sacraments are adult baptism and communion.

The Amish celebrate church every Sunday. They are split into districts which are governed by Bishops, much like the catholic church. When they celebrate their masses, the women sit on one side of the room, while the men are on the other. The Amish take turns having masses at their houses. They only take communion twice a year; in the spring to honor planting, and in the fall to honor the harvest. They also have a foot cleansing ceremony. Only women can wash other women's feet, and so with the men. They do this twice a year as well, to wash away their sin and humility.

Back to Menu