What Do The Amish Call The Outside World

The Amish are a fascinating Christian community known for their simple living, plain dress, and reluctance to adopt many conveniences of modern technology. Central to understanding the Amish way of life is knowing how they perceive and refer to the outside world. This perspective shapes their interactions, beliefs, and cultural identity. In this blog post, we will explore what the Amish call the outside world, the reasons behind these terms, and how this outlook influences their daily lives.

Understanding the Amish Perspective on the Outside World

The Amish view the outside world as a place that is often morally corrupt, materialistic, and disconnected from their religious values. As a result, they have developed specific terminology and attitudes toward the broader society that surrounds them. To grasp their worldview, it’s essential to comprehend both the linguistic choices and the cultural implications behind how they refer to the outside world.

The Terms the Amish Use for the Outside World

The Amish generally refer to the outside world using terms that convey their perception of it as separate, often problematic, and to be avoided in certain aspects. Some common terms and expressions include:

• The English World: A prevalent term among the Amish, especially in Lancaster County and other Amish communities, to denote non-Amish society. The word "English" is used broadly to describe all non-Amish people, regardless of nationality or language.
• The World: Sometimes simply called "the world," emphasizing its worldly, secular nature contrasted with their spiritual community.
• The Outside: Refers to the external society beyond their community boundaries.
• The Modern World: Used to describe contemporary society characterized by technology, secularism, and changing social norms, which the Amish often view as corrupt or harmful.

Why Do the Amish Use These Terms?

The language the Amish employ reflects their religious beliefs and cultural boundaries. They see the outside world as a place of temptation, moral decline, and distraction from spiritual pursuits. Using specific terms helps reinforce their separation and maintain their distinct identity. Some reasons for their terminology include:

• Religious Separation: The Amish strive to live according to their interpretation of biblical principles, which often means distancing themselves from worldly influences.
• Cultural Identity: Calling non-Amish society "the world" or "the English" helps reinforce their community’s uniqueness and shared values.
• Protection from Temptation: Language acts as a barrier, reminding community members to avoid the temptations associated with modern, secular life.

How the Amish Interact with the Outside World

Despite their language and attitude of separation, the Amish do not completely isolate themselves from society. They often engage in economic activities, such as farming, woodworking, and small businesses, that require interaction with non-Amish individuals. Their approach is typically pragmatic, balancing separation with necessary contact, but always with a focus on maintaining their spiritual and cultural integrity.

Ways the Amish Maintain Their Separation

• Technology Restrictions: They avoid modern inventions like electricity and the internet, which they believe can lead to unnecessary worldly influence.
• Dress Code: Plain clothing serves as a visual marker of their community and helps prevent envy or pride.
• Community Life: Their social activities and church services are held within the community, minimizing outside influence.
• Language Use: They primarily speak Pennsylvania Dutch (a dialect of German) within their community, reserving English for interactions with outsiders, often with specific terms that reflect their worldview.

Exploring the Bible

The Amish’s perspective on the outside world is rooted deeply in their interpretation of Scripture. Several Bible verses highlight their attitudes and reinforce their boundaries:

• 2 Corinthians 6:17: "Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." This verse underscores their commitment to spiritual separation from worldly influences.
• Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The Amish interpret this as a call to avoid adopting secular customs and values.
• John 15:19: "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own." The community sees their separation as part of following Christ’s teachings.

These verses guide their practices and reinforce the language they use to describe the outside world, emphasizing their desire to live apart from secular influences while remaining faithful to their religious principles.

Conclusion

In summary, the Amish refer to the outside world using terms like "the English," "the world," or "the outside," reflecting their view of it as a place of temptation and secular influence that they seek to avoid. Their language and attitudes serve to reinforce their cultural identity, spiritual commitments, and desire for separation from mainstream society. While they do engage with the outside world on practical levels, their community strives to maintain a distinct way of life that aligns with their interpretation of biblical teachings. Understanding these terms and the reasons behind them offers valuable insight into the Amish worldview, highlighting the importance of faith, community, and cultural preservation in their daily lives.

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