The Amish feel strongly about Amish Beliefs and Faith. In the Amish religion, their is no central church. Several men serve on each Amish congregation. These men include a bishop, two ministers and a deacon. Members of the community take turns hosting the worship services in their home or barn. They typically use the German Martin Luther Bible in church. Their Amish belief is that separating themselves from the rest of the world, helps them avoid temptation. Traditionally, this belief comes from bible verses in the New Testament such as “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” (1 John 2:15) in addition “Be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2).
Amish Ceremonies
Marriage and baptism are two different types of ceremonies performed in the Amish church. Amish marry other Amish. They are not allowed to intermarry. Their Amish faith does not permitted divorce and separation is rare. Baptism is a ceremony where members confess their sins and renew their vows to God.
Amish Holidays
The Amish do celebrate holidays. One holiday is called Second Christmas which is a day of family visiting. In addition, the Amish celebrate Ascension Day. Most importantly, it marks Jesus’ bodily ascension into heaven.
Amish and Mennonites
Amish children are not taught the bible in the Amish schoolhouse. Bible lessons are for home learning. Bible verses, though, are read in school. Amish and Mennonites have many different and similar beliefs. For instance, Amish have very little association with the outside world. The Mennonites have embraced the outside world.
Amish Ordnung
The Amish have strong beliefs and faith. In the Amish religion they strongly believe in the bible teachings, on loving everyone, even their enemies, pacifism, no divorce and many others. The Ordnung, meaning order in German, are rules the Amish must follow. It is expectations for daily living. these rules are usually unwritten and passed on by practice and oral tradition. Twice a year they affirm the Ordnung. It happens at the fall and spring communion service.
Amish Shunning
The practice of shunning is very different in various Amish affiliations. Amish shunning is a temporary probation. In the Old Order Amish, the Amish suffer an almost total ban from the Amish community. Other affiliations are not as strict. They may not sit at the same table, do business with other members of the community or visit socially. This practice of Amish shunning is based on numerous passages from scripture including, “If any one refuses to obey what we say in this epistle, note that man, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.(2 Thessalonians 3:14)
Amish Orders
There are as many as eight different orders in the Amish population. Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, Beachy Amish, Andy Weaver Amish and the Swartzentruber are several of the different types of Amish orders.
