What Do The Amish Avoid

The Amish are a unique Christian community known for their simple living, plain dress, and strong adherence to traditional values. Their lifestyle is deeply rooted in their religious beliefs and commitment to community. One of the most notable aspects of Amish life is their deliberate avoidance of certain modern technologies, practices, and behaviors that they believe could harm their spiritual health, community cohesion, or way of life. In this article, we will explore what the Amish avoid, the reasons behind these choices, and how their faith influences their daily living.

Technologies and Modern Conveniences

One of the most prominent aspects of Amish life is their avoidance of many modern technologies. They believe that certain innovations can lead to individualism, temptation, and distractions from their spiritual and community commitments. Here are some key technologies that the Amish typically avoid:

• Electricity – Most Amish communities do not use electricity from public utility companies. They often avoid it because it can lead to dependence on the outside world and encourage the adoption of other modern devices.
• Automobiles and Motor Vehicles – Instead of personal cars, many Amish communities rely on horse-drawn buggies for transportation, viewing this as a way to maintain modesty and avoid the temptations associated with driving.
• Television and Radio – These are generally seen as sources of immoral content and unnecessary distraction from spiritual life.
• Computers and the Internet – Most Amish avoid using computers and the internet, fearing they can expose community members to harmful influences and diminish face-to-face relationships.
• Mobile Phones – While some Amish communities are beginning to adopt limited use of cell phones, many still choose to avoid them entirely to preserve their community bonds and focus on personal interactions.

Fashion and Personal Appearance

The Amish maintain a strict dress code that reflects humility and simplicity. They avoid fashion trends and styles that are popular in the outside world. Their clothing choices are deliberate and serve as a reflection of their religious values:

• Modern Clothing Trends – Amish clothing is plain, often handmade, and devoid of bright colors or flashy patterns.
• Jewelry and Accessories – Typically, Amish women avoid jewelry, and men avoid accessories like watches or fashionable hats that could draw attention.
• Hairstyles and Grooming – Amish women often wear their hair covered with bonnets, while men keep their hair and beards simple, avoiding styles that reflect current fashion.

Entertainment and Leisure Activities

The Amish are selective about their forms of entertainment, choosing activities that promote community bonding and spiritual growth rather than individual amusement or worldly pleasures:

• Music – While singing and hymns are common, many Amish avoid popular secular music, preferring traditional and religious songs.
• Movies and Theaters – Watching movies or visiting theaters is typically avoided due to content considered inappropriate or worldly.
• Sports and Recreation – Some physical activities are accepted if they promote community and family, but competitive sports with high levels of commercialization are often avoided.
• Social Media – Most Amish communities do not partake in social media platforms, viewing them as distractions and sources of temptation.

Educational Practices

The Amish prioritize practical, community-oriented education over formal, modern schooling. Their educational practices reflect their desire to avoid exposure to outside influences:

• Limited Formal Education – Amish children typically receive education only through the eighth grade, focusing on practical skills needed for farming and homesteading.
• Separation from Public Schools – They avoid government-run schools that incorporate secular or worldly curriculum, preferring their own community schools.

Business and Economic Activities

The Amish maintain a simple, community-based approach to business that aligns with their values:

• Modern Banking and Credit – Many avoid using credit cards or complex banking systems, preferring cash transactions and simple bookkeeping.
• Global Commerce – While they may sell handcrafted goods and produce, they generally avoid engaging in large-scale or high-tech industries that could compromise their community values.

Religious Practices and Community Life

The Amish focus on living out their faith through their actions and community involvement. They avoid behaviors that could threaten their spiritual discipline:

• Public Worship in Secular Settings – Amish worship takes place in their own plain church buildings, avoiding religious gatherings that might involve external influences.
• Interfaith Activities – They generally avoid participating in interfaith events or organizations that could dilute their religious convictions.

Exploring the Bible

The Amish base their lifestyle choices on biblical principles. Several verses guide their avoidance of worldly influences:

• Romans 12:2 – "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This verse encourages the Amish to avoid adopting worldly customs that could distract from their spiritual calling.
• 2 Corinthians 6:17 – "Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." The Amish interpret this as a call to maintain separation from secular influences.
• 1 John 2:15-17 – "Do not love the world or anything in the world... for everything in the world—desires of the flesh and desires of the eyes and pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world." This verse underscores their avoidance of materialism and worldly pursuits.
• Colossians 3:2 – "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." The Amish focus on spiritual values over material possessions or worldly attractions.

Conclusion

The Amish community's deliberate avoidance of certain modern technologies, entertainment, and worldly behaviors is rooted in their desire to live a life of humility, simplicity, and spiritual integrity. Their choices are guided by biblical principles and a commitment to preserving their community and faith. While these practices may seem restrictive to outsiders, they are central to the Amish identity and way of life. Understanding what the Amish avoid helps us appreciate their values and the strength of their community bonds in a rapidly changing world.

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