What Do The Amish Call Themselves

The Amish are a fascinating community known for their simple living, plain dress, and commitment to their faith and traditions. Many people wonder what the Amish call themselves and how they identify within their own community. Unlike outsiders who often refer to them as "Amish," members of this group have their own terms and ways of describing their identity rooted in their religious beliefs and cultural practices. In this article, we will explore what the Amish call themselves, the significance behind their terminology, and how they see their place within the broader Christian and cultural landscape.

Understanding the Amish Identity

The Amish are an Anabaptist Christian group that originated in the late 17th century in Switzerland and the Netherlands. Their name comes from Jakob Ammann, a Swiss Anabaptist leader who advocated for stricter church discipline and a return to traditional practices. Despite being widely known as "the Amish," the community has its own internal terms and self-identifications that reflect their beliefs and way of life.

What Do the Amish Call Themselves?

Unlike many groups that adopt official titles or labels, the Amish primarily refer to themselves in ways that emphasize their faith, community, and way of life. The most common self-identification among the Amish is simply:

• “Amish” – This is the term most members use to describe themselves, especially within the broader community and in interactions with outsiders. However, within their own communities, they often prefer to use more specific terms that reflect their religious identity.

Internal Terms Used by the Amish

The Amish do not typically have a single self-designation, but they often refer to themselves using terms that highlight their faith and community bonds. Some of these include:

• “The Plain People” – A common term used by outsiders, but also embraced by some Amish to describe their plain dress, simple lifestyle, and separation from the modern world.
• “The Ordnung” – While not a term for themselves, the Ordnung is the set of unwritten rules that govern Amish life, and members often refer to their adherence to it as a core part of their identity.
• “Children of the Ordnung” – Some Amish refer to themselves collectively as children or followers of the Ordnung, emphasizing their obedience and community discipline.

The Role of Religious Identity

The Amish’s primary self-identification revolves around their religious faith. They see themselves as a community called by God to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the New Testament. Their faith is central to their identity, and they often describe themselves in terms of their relationship with God and their commitment to biblical principles.

Exploring the Bible

The Amish base their identity on biblical teachings, which influence how they see themselves and their community. Here are some relevant Bible verses:

• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

This verse reflects the Amish’s deliberate separation from worldly influences, emphasizing their distinct way of life rooted in biblical obedience.

• Matthew 7:13-14 – “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

The narrow path is often used symbolically to describe the Amish lifestyle—focused, disciplined, and committed to following Christ closely.

• John 15:19 – “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”

This verse underscores the Amish's sense of separation from mainstream society, affirming their calling to live apart from worldly values.

Historical and Cultural Terms

Over the centuries, the Amish have also been identified by various terms that reflect their history and cultural practices:

• “The Swiss Amish” – Referring to Amish groups that originated in Switzerland.
• “The Old Order Amish” – Describes conservative Amish groups that adhere strictly to traditional dress, technology restrictions, and Ordnung.
• “The New Order Amish” – A more progressive subgroup that allows some modern technology and different practices while maintaining core beliefs.

Within their communities, members do not typically refer to themselves using these labels but rather identify through their church district or Ordnung affiliation.

Community and Self-Identification

The Amish primarily see themselves as a community of believers called by God to live faithfully according to Scripture. Their self-identity is rooted in:

• Obedience to the Ordnung and church leadership
• Living a life of humility, plainness, and separation from worldly influences
• Faithfulness to biblical teachings and community discipline

This inward focus fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose, which is often more important than external labels or titles.

Conclusion

In summary, the Amish do not have a single, official term they use to call themselves; rather, their identity is deeply rooted in their faith, community, and adherence to biblical principles. While "Amish" remains the most common term used by outsiders, within their community, they often see themselves as followers of the Ordnung or as members of the Plain People, emphasizing their commitment to a life of simplicity, obedience, and separation from the modern world. Understanding how the Amish view themselves helps us appreciate the profound spiritual and cultural values that shape their way of life.

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