What are the core beliefs of the Amish community?

Historical and Theological Background

The Amish trace their origins to the Anabaptist movement of the 16th century. Early Anabaptists, including leaders such as Menno Simons, disagreed with mainstream Reformers over issues like infant baptism and the relationship between church and state. In 1693, Jakob Ammann led a group of Swiss and Alsatian Anabaptists who embraced a stricter interpretation of communal living, modesty, and discipline. This movement became known as the Amish. They eventually migrated to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries, seeking religious freedom. A key doctrinal standard for many Amish communities remains the Dordrecht Confession of Faith (1632), emphasizing baptizing adult believers, church discipline, and living a life set apart.

Belief in Adult Baptism

Central to Amish teaching is that baptism should be reserved for professing believers who willingly choose a life of discipleship. Infant baptism is rejected because they believe in personal faith as the proper basis for baptism, grounded in passages like:

• “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins...” (Acts 2:38).

This practice underscores the necessity of conscious commitment to follow Christ and uphold the teachings of the church community.

Commitment to a Simple Life and Community

The Amish strive to exhibit humility, modesty, and separation from what they see as worldly influences. This includes a distinctive dress code, use of horse-drawn transportation in many communities, avoidance of electricity from public utility lines, and separation from many modern technologies. Their emphasis on community extends to communal support systems, such as barn raisings, mutual aid, and shared resources when difficulties arise.

They cite passages such as Romans 12:2 for their separation from certain aspects of society:

• “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Their community structures often reflect an intention to live a quiet and peaceable life (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12), depending on God and each other rather than outside sources.

Nonresistance and Peacemaking

Many Amish interpret Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) as a call to nonresistance, refusing violence in personal, political, or interpersonal conflicts. This involves objection to military service, lawsuits, or other acts of aggression. They uphold the words of Matthew 5:39:

• “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

For the Amish, genuine discipleship demands consistently practicing peace and gentleness toward all.

Church Discipline and Mutual Accountability

Amish communities practice a form of discipline known as the “Ban” or “Meidung,” following principles in Matthew 18:15–17 regarding church correction. Should a member violate church standards or moral teachings, repeated private correction occurs before public censure. If the individual fails to repent, they can be shunned or excommunicated from various communal activities until they demonstrate repentance.

This discipline reaffirms the Amish view of communal accountability, impressing on believers the gravity of living in harmony with their confession and one another.

Salvation and Relationship with Christ

Amish teaching holds that salvation is ultimately through faith in Christ’s redemptive work. They emphasize James 2:17:

• “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.”

The Amish underscore obedience to Jesus and the church as a sign of genuine faith. While grace is foundational, the Amish also stress moral responsibility and separation from sin, cultivating a lifestyle aimed at honoring God in all daily activities.

Use of Scripture

Amish communities derive their Tenets from Scripture, reading primarily in German during worship services—especially Martin Luther’s German Bible—or in English in more modern settings. They regard the Bible as infallible and authoritative and often gather for daily devotions in family settings. Their approach can be conservative and literal, with a strong emphasis on living out Scripture’s teachings in daily practice.

Distinctive Practices

1. Ordnung: This set of unwritten rules and expectations varies among different Amish groups. It dictates dress style, technology usage, and social behaviors.

2. Shunning: Members who violate communal ethics without repentance may experience shunning until they return in humility and repentance, reflecting 1 Corinthians 5:11:

• “But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy…”

3. Worship and Singing: Amish worship often occurs in homes or barns, accompanied by unaccompanied singing from hymnals such as the Ausbund, one of the oldest Protestant hymnals still in continuous use, dating back to the 16th century.

4. Family and Marriage: Amish place a high value on marriage and large families. Children learn traditional roles early, and the community helps with mutual support, schooling, and vocational training.

Comparison with Broader Christian Traditions

Amish beliefs share roots with other Anabaptist traditions, including a focus on believer’s baptism, church discipline, and discipleship. Unlike many modern evangelical communities, they resist certain technological developments and remain close-knit, prioritizing collective well-being over individualism. Their insistence on nonresistance and shunning practices sets them apart from other Christian denominations that either allow broader cultural engagement or practice different forms of church discipline.

Key Scriptural Passages

• Matthew 18:15–17 – The foundation for church discipline.

• Romans 12:2 – A call not to conform to worldly standards.

• 1 Corinthians 5:11 – Teaching on avoiding fellowship with unrepentant believers.

• Acts 2:38 – The emphasis on repentance and believer’s baptism.

• Matthew 5:39 – The command to practice nonresistance.

The Amish community’s core beliefs center on living a disciplined, separate life that they believe honors God’s commands and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Their commitment to community, consistent application of church discipline, and simple lifestyle distinguish them within the Christian landscape, underscoring their understanding of belonging wholly to the Lord in every aspect of life.