The Amish, a Christian group known for their simple living, have often been misunderstood by mainstream society. There are many myths about them, such as the false notion that they don’t pay taxes and the idea that they don’t use technology. However, these myths are not true.
The Amish Don’t Pay Taxes
The Amish are responsible and pay their taxes like other Americans. They pay federal and state income taxes on their income from businesses, farms, and employment. While the Amish are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes due to their religious beliefs, they still pay into a community-based fund.
The Amish Don’t Believe in Modern Medicine
This is purely an oversimplification of their beliefs and practices. The Amish are cautious about embracing certain technologies that could impact their traditional way of life, but they do accept and utilize many forms of modern medicine.
The Amish are A Single, Unified Group
Some Amish groups are more restrictive, while others are more progressive and open to certain technologies or practices. Different orders exist, such as the Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, and Beachy Amish. Even with the same affiliation, each community has different guidelines.
The Amish Don’t use any Technology
Many Amish communities use technologies like telephones, but they’re often located in shared phone shanties rather than in individual homes. They also have modern farming equipment like tractors but with modifications like steel wheels instead of rubber tires.
The Amish only Speak Pennsylvania Dutch
While Pennsylvania Dutch is the primary language spoken in many Amish homes, it is not their only language. Many Amish people are bilingual, speaking both Pennsylvania Dutch and English.
The Amish Don’t Vote or Participate in Government
While the Amish do prefer to separate themselves from the outside world, they do not completely abstain from civic engagement. Their participation in voting varies from each community, however, they may be more inclined to vote on local issues like zoning regulations.
Amish Women are Oppressed and Have No Rights
While Amish gender roles may appear traditional to outsiders, Amish women are not oppressed. In their culture, men and women have different roles but both are respected. Women play the role of managing the household and raising children. They have the right to choose their husbands and divorce.
The Amish Don’t Believe in Education
Amish believe in education, but it does end at eighth grade. This is not because they don’t believe in learning but rather because they prioritize practical skills and believe that higher education could lead to worldliness and a departure from their way of life. After eighth grade, Amish children continue to learn through apprenticeships and experience in farming, craftsmanship, and homemaking.
The Amish Don’t Work and Just Rely on Others
The Amish are known for their strong work ethic and engage in various crafts and trades, such as woodworking, quilting, and blacksmithing. They believe in the importance of hard work and contributing to their community. They rely on their labor and community rather than government assistance.
The Amish Marry their Cousins
The Amish take the generic risks of inbreeding very seriously and have guidelines in place to avoid it. Couples must be at least five generations apart to be considered for marriage, which means that even second cousins are not allowed to marry within most Amish communities.
The Amish Don’t Believe in Birth Control
While the Amish are opposed to artificial birth control methods due to their religious beliefs, this does not mean that they reject all forms of it. Many Amish communities practice natural methods to space and manage pregnancies. Some communities have progressive views, allowing for certain contraceptive methods in some circumstances, such as health risks to the mother.
The Amish Don’t Celebrate Christmas or Holidays
The Amish celebrate Christmas but without the commercialism that is common in mainstream society. Their celebrations include church services, family gatherings, and simple gift exchanges. The Amish also have unique holidays like “Old Christmas,” celebrated on January 6th, marking Epiphany, the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.
The Amish Don’t Allow Any Modern Conveniences
While it’s true that many Amish communities avoid technologies that could disrupt their lifestyle, they use some that align with their values. For example, the Amish often use battery-powered tools, propane-powered refrigerators, and gas lamps. They also use solar panels for some needs and accept rides in cars for emergencies or business purposes.
The Amish Don’t Believe in Insurance
Amish communities maintain mutual aid funds, where members contribute regularly to a communal pool used to cover large medical bills, property damage, or any other expenses. While this isn’t a traditional type of insurance, it is their way of doing it.
The Amish Don’t Believe in Bank Accounts or Money
Particularly for business purposes, the Amish use bank accounts for saving and managing money. They often have checking accounts and will take out loans for land or business investments, using local banks that understand their lifestyle and values.
The Amish Don’t Allow Music or Singing
While the Amish do not use musical instruments because of their values of simplicity, they highly value singing, especially in cappella form. Hymns are also a central part of Amish worship services, with singing being a collective, spiritual activity that encourages community bonds and religious devotion. The Amish maintain a cautious approach to finances but they do use bank accounts and money in ways that support their community needs.
The Amish Don’t Wear Colors or Patterns
Amish clothing is typically plain and modest to reflect their value of simplicity, however, it can include a range of colors and some patterns. Amish clothing typically avoids bright, flashy hues and crazy patterns, opting instead for solid, muted colors like blues, greens, browns, and purples. However, the specific colors and styles vary among different Amish communities. For example, Amish women often wear dresses in solid colors with aprons and bonnets, while men wear dark-colored trousers, suspenders, and broad-brimmed hats.
17 Things Amish Women Can’t Do That We Can
The unique customs and traditions of the Amish community differ from those of the average American woman. Surprising aspects of daily life for Amish women include their distinctive approach to education and marriage, their deliberate choices in attire and technology use, and the values that shape their existence.
17 Things Amish Women Can’t Do That We Can
Controversial Bible Verses That Spark Passionate Debates
Several Bible verses might enrage some readers today. Here are a few examples of verses that are often cited as being offensive, insensitive, or even harmful:
Faith vs. Fury: 10 Bible Verses That Ignite Passionate Debates Today!
