In today’s hustle and bustle, we sometimes forget the power of small gestures. Take, for example, acknowledging Amish buggy drivers when we pass them on the road. It’s totally fine to acknowledge an Amish buggy driver. Just like when you pass other drivers on the road, giving them a wave or a nod is a … Read more
The Amish’s use of running water depends on their group and how open they are to modern conveniences. Some Amish groups, like the New Order Amish, have modern comforts like indoor plumbing and running water. They heat their water using solar, gas, wood, or oil furnaces. This lets them shower or bathe daily or every … Read more
According to US law, the Amish are eligible to be drafted into the military if the draft is ever reinstated. However, it’s unlikely that they would actually be drafted. This is because the Amish typically file for conscientious objector status, which means they request exemption from military service due to their religious beliefs that oppose … Read more
The Amish avoid photography due to their religious beliefs, specifically their interpretation of the biblical prohibition against creating graven images. They see photographs as a form of graven image because they believe that capturing a person’s likeness can lead to vanity and pride, which goes against their values of humility and simplicity. As a result, … Read more
Amish people are eligible for passports and can theoretically have them, as they are US citizens. However, due to their beliefs which generally prohibit photographs, they don’t apply for passports as they typically do not need to travel internationally. Since they refuse to provide a photo for a passport, they cannot obtain one, limiting their … Read more
The Amish community does engage with the government and has identification, though with some unique considerations due to their religious beliefs. Contrary to a common misconception, they are not entirely exempt from having identification. However, they don’t have any photo IDs. Each state may have its own set of identification regulations and standards for the … Read more
Befriending Amish people is about respect, understanding, and patience. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate this process thoughtfully. Understand the Basics Respect Their Values The Amish culture is built on simplicity, humility, and community. This means valuing modesty and avoiding extravagance or excessiveness in all aspects of life. From clothing to technology, simplicity … Read more
Amish communities place a high value on modesty and respecting personal space. This means they’re likely to be more cautious about physical contact, especially with people who aren’t part of their immediate family or community. Amish communities often keep a distance from mainstream society due to their religious beliefs. “Be in the world, but not … Read more