P O Box 352 Wooster Ohio 44691 3304657444 The Amish and Christianity There is no consensus on exactly where the Amish fit within Christianity Some consider them conservative Protestants Most Amish consider themselves to be Anabaptists ID: 932368
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Slide1
The Amish in Ohio
Beverly V. Theil
P O Box 352
Wooster, Ohio 44691
330-465-7444
Slide2Slide3The Amish and Christianity
There is no consensus on exactly where the Amish fit within Christianity.
Some consider them conservative Protestants
Most Amish consider themselves to be Anabaptists
The
Institute for the Study of American Religion
classifies them as part of the
European Free-Church Family
that includes Mennonites,
Bretheren
Quakers and other denominations.
Slide4History
The Amish movement was founded in Europe by Jacob Amman (1644-1720 CE) from whom the name Amish is derived.
It was a reform group within the Mennonite movement that wanted to return to some of the early practices of the Mennonites
Beliefs and practices of the Amish are based on the writings of the founder of the Mennonite faith, Menno Simons (1496-1561 CE) and the 1632 Mennonite
Dordrect
Confession of Faith.
Slide5The Amish who split from the Mennonites generally lived in Switzerland and in the southern Rhine river area
In the late 17
th
century they separated because of a perception that there was a lack of discipline in the Mennonites.
Amish starting emigrating to the United States in the 18
th
century.
Slide6Today in the United States the Amish can be found in Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Ohio.
Holmes and Wayne Counties, Ohio have the largest Amish population in the world.
Slide7Origins of the Mennonite and Amish Faiths
Slide8Amish Groups
Just as there are other various groups within mainstream Christian denominations there various Amish groups.
While there are many smaller Amish groups there are four basic Amish groups.
The four majority groups are:
Swartzentruber
Amish; Old Order Amish; Andy Weaver Amish; and New Order Amish
Slide9Old Order Amish is the most common.
All the groups operate independently from each other with variations in how they practice their religion and conduct their daily lives.
Swartzentruber
Amish are the most conservative followed by the Old Order Amish. The Andy Weaver Amish are more progressive, with the New Order Amish being the most progressive.
Slide10Membership
Membership in any of the Amish faith groups is not freely given. Almost all members are born into and raised in the faith. Converts are rare. Adoptions are becoming more common as they try to enlarge their genetic pool.
There are about 180,000 adults spread over 22 states; 45,000 are in Ohio.
About 1,500 live in south-western Ontario, Canada; and unknown number in Central and South America
Slide11A Brief Look at Amish Life
Church Services are usually held every other week in various members homes. A fellowship meal follows the service. Usually there are about 25 families to a group.
Afternoon visitations to homes is common.
About one-fourth of their young people leave the Amish faith. Most become Mennonite; some join other conservative Christian churches.
Young men of draft age serve as conscientious objectors instead of in the military.
Slide12Local churches decide upon specific rules such as should buggy tires be rubber or metal and whether a slow-moving vehicle triangle can be used.
Bird watching is a major hobby.
The Amish vacation throughout North America and take cruises in the Caribbean.
Slide13Like any other church there are sometimes problems.
Instances of drug abuse, unwed pregnancy, crime, alcoholism, theft, and other anti-social behavior, while low, do exist.
The work ethic is strong and the common purpose of helping others through work is ever present.
Slide14Medical Use
The Amish believe that since God created the human body, it is God who heals.
Many use herbal remedies, however nothing in the Bible forbids the use of modern medical methods.
The Amish use modern medical services including hospitals, surgery, dental work, anesthesia, blood transfusions, immunizations*, and organ transplants**.
Slide15* Immunizations –immunization is not used by all Amish.
In some groups the Bishop gives permission; in others it is left up to the individual to make the decision.
**Organ Transplants – Amish will consent to organ transplants if they are certain that it is for the health and welfare of the recipient. They are reluctant if the outcome is questionable.
Slide16Health Issues
The Amish have a higher than average number of genetic problems due to their limited gene pool. All of those born Amish in the United States are descended from 200 individuals.
Bartter’s Syndrome – often mistaken for Failure to Thrive (FTT).
Caused by a recessive gene; children grow slowly and appear malnourished; the kidneys excrete excessive amounts of sodium, chloride, and potassium; the loss of sodium and chloride leads to mild dehydration which causes the body to produce more renin and aldosterone; leading to hypokalemia (low potassium) and metabolic alkalosis (Acid-Base Balance; excess
alkalai
).
Slide17Maple Syrup Urine Disease – so named because the urine appears like maple syrup.
Deficiency or absence of the enzyme necessary to break down the branched chain amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine resulting in increased serum levels of these amino acids and ketoacid intermediates.
If untreated it will lead to mental and physical retardation and in some cases death.
Slide18Glutaric Acidemia (Glutaric Acid; GA) – causes brain damage in infants and young children.
There are both Type I and Type II comprised of some 45 variations.
GAI is often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy.
GAI causes subdural hematomas and caregivers are often accused of child abuse when a hematoma is found.
Slide19Many of the children affected by genetic issues can be helped through early intervention, unfortunately not all hospitals have the equipment necessary for these tests.
Neo Gen Screening, Inc. in Pittsburg, PA (412-341-8658) can do these unusual screenings. Dr. Edwin Naylor of Neo Gen screens about 62% of all Pennsylvania newborns.
Slide20Other common genetic issues are:
Troyers
Syndrome
Angelman’s syndrome
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (a type of dwarfism)
Crigler
-Najjar syndrome
Troyer Syndrome
Amish lethal microcephaly
Seen at a higher than average rate are cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and deafness.
Slide21For more information on genetic condition in the Amish go to:
http://www.biochemgenetics.ca/plainpeople/view.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3077314/
https://www.etown.edu/centers/young-center/files/hmorton-references/Pediatric%20Medicine%20and%20Genetics%202003.pdf
Slide22Values
The Amish follow
Gelassenheit
.
Gelassenheit
orders the entire social structure; it forbids the use of force in human relations.
Gelassenheit
discovers fulfillment in community; there is an ordered sense of doing things “right” and well; God watches all we do; if it is worth doing it is worth doing right.
Slide23The individual is not the supreme reality.
Communal goals transcend personal goals.
Tradition is valued as much as change.
Personal sacrifice is esteemed over pleasure.
Slide24Work is more satisfying than consumption.
Obeying, waiting and yielding are embraced.
Newer, bigger and faster are not better.
Staying together is the supreme value.
Slide25Phrases to know
English – Non-Amish
Jumped over Amish – Those who “jumped over the fence” and left the Amish faith
Jerked over Amish – Those who met and married an “English” and were “jerked over the fence” and left the Amish faith
Speed Mare – retired racehorse bought for buggy use
Slide26Ringing up Eli and other adaptations
Slide27Slide28Slide29Slide30Not an electric outhouse, a charging station
Slide31Amish School
Slide32Modern and Traditional
Slide33A variety of vehicles
Slide34Slide35Slide36Slide37Slide38Combining Cultures
Slide39Slide40Gas for my horse????
Slide41Hauling Amish
Slide42Reference Book
OUR AMISH NEIGHBORS BY WILLIAM I. SCHREIBER
Publisher:
The University of Chicago Press
The late Dr. Schreiber of the College of Wooster is considered the foremost authority on the Amish in America in the world.
Slide43Thank You!