Amish History
What year was the Amish community originated?
1693
True or False: Tobacco and Alcohol are forbidden for men to use.
True
Is riding in a car against Amish rules?
The Amish community may ride in a car as long as they do not own or drive the car, and it is used in case of emergencies, doctors appointments, or business purposes, etc. based on the community. The main mode of transportation is a horse and buggy.
True or False: Sexual relations before marriage is prohibited in all circumstances.
True, the premarital couple should refrain from all sexual relations.
How many members are in the largest Amish community today?
About 45,000 members
Who are considered the elders of the community?
Older men
What happens if a member of the Amish community breaks the rules?
They will be given a first warning by having a talk with an elder. Failure to comply will result in shunning.
What must an outsider do if they want to marry an Amish community member?
Join the Amish community and be baptized.
Where is the largest Amish community located today?
Lancaster, PA
True or False: Women must work a job and also be the head of the household.
False, men should be the main providers by working to support their families, while the women stays home and cares for the children and house chores.
True or False: A member of the Amish community can be banned after failure to comply with the rules.
True. The member is first given a verbal warning by an elder, and is then shunned. If the member continues to disobey the rules, they will be banned. In some communities this can be reversed. But in others, it is a permanent decision.
How should men alter their appearance after proceeding in marriage?
Refrain from shaving their beard. Married man should grow their beards to show maturity and faithfulness to their wives.
What is Ordnung?
It is an unwritten set of rules that the Amish must abide by. German word for "rule" or "discipline"
What is the dress code for women?
Plain dresses, bonnets to cover their hair, no makeup or jewelry. Body must be covered completely.
True or False: Amish people are allowed to use a work phone.
True, Amish are prohibited use of cell phones, TV, and other technology unless used for work and emergency purposes.
True or False: Unmarried couples are allowed to lay in bed together
True, but they must be fully clothed. They are able to talk but have no physical contact.
Why did Jakob Ammann abandon the Mennonite church?
He felt like they needed more strict rules and created the Amish religion
True or False: All unmarried men should grow their beards, but keep them trimmed to signified youth and singlehood.
False: Unmarried men in the Amish community should remain clean shaven to signify singlehood and youth.
True or false: Amish people will pay outsiders to impregnate their wives.
True. In some cases, the Amish community will need to bring in more diversity (blonde hair, blue eyes) and will pay an outsider to impregnate their wives. The wife will be covered with a sheet and the husband will be there to monitor the act.
True or False: Amish people are allowed to divorce.
False, people of the Amish community should not divorce as Ordnung prohibits this.