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Amish Religion and Culture

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Amish Religion and Culture
Abstract

The focus of this research paper is to examine the religious beliefs of the Amish communities. From their humble beginnings of migration into the United States from Europe, to their present day living arrangements, they have been and will continue to be a prosperous community. By shunning modern conveniences and relying only on what nature has provided, society has referred to them as the “Plain People.” Being far from ordinary in their dress and way of life separates this community from that of the modern world. They have managed to integrate into modern life while holding on to their cultural values. It is with continued commitment from its members that this community will continue to thrive. I often drive to the city for routine errands and see many Amish traveling with their horse and buggies dressed in simple clothing while on their way the market.

Amish Religion and Culture

Amish people are a culture of people who pride themselves on their religious values, practices, and beliefs and strive to exemplify them in their everyday lives. It is important first of all to recognize their historic lineage. It is equally important to recognize their religious beliefs and to try and understand them. After analyzing their religious beliefs it will be much easier to understand why they choose to shun many of today’s modern conveniences and live a very humble lifestyle. Their historic linage begins with the Catholic Church and the Protestant Reformation which was commenced by Martin Luther in 1517. They later separated into small groups called the Anabaptist and migrated from Europe to North America. The first settlers arrived in Pennsylvania in 1681. “Anabaptist,” interpreted means “rebaptism,” because these individuals were first baptized within the Catholic faith but believed in adult baptism” (Byers, 2008, ¶ 4) “The Amish are a church, a community, a spiritual union, a conservative branch of Christianity, a



References: Bial, R. (1995). Visit to Amish Country. Urbana, Illinois: Phoenix Publishing. Byers, B. D. (2008). Amish Victimization and Offending: A Rural Subculture 's      Experinces and Responses to Crime and Justice      from Proquest database. (1579024331) Hostetler, J      Infant Mortlity Contributing to Growth. Retrieved March 19, 2010, from      Proquest database Microsoft Office Word. (2007) [Computer Software]. Shun. Microsoft Corporation. Miller, B. (2007). Cultural Anthropology (4th ed.). Boston, Massachusetts: Allyn       & Bacon Nolt, S. M. (1992). A Histoy of the Amish. Intercourse, Pennsylvania: Good      Books.

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