Curious about Amish life? One burning question often pops up: Can the Amish enjoy a drink? Let’s dive in and explore whether alcohol is part of the Amish way of life.
Are the Amish Allowed to Drink Alcohol?
Some Amish groups prohibit alcohol entirely, while others may allow moderate consumption of beer or wine.
Old Order Amish: Moderate Consumption
Old Order Amish do not forbid alcohol. They see it as okay to drink in moderation, often having beer or wine at events like weddings or private gatherings.
Drinking alcohol isn’t as frowned upon, but they don’t approve of getting drunk, even though it does happen sometimes.
Their stance is influenced by cultural and religious beliefs, considering alcohol part of their Germanic heritage and Biblical references.
Some Old Order Amish even brew their beer or make wine.
Sometimes, they buy alcohol from the nearby big stores or have their wives get it during grocery trips.
Some Amish have been caught driving their buggies drunk.
Even though there’s a chance of accidents with cars, a lot of buggy drivers trust their horses to lead them home.
New Order Amish: Stricter Approach
The New Order Amish are stricter about alcohol. They ban it because they think it’s bad for health and spirituality.
This difference in opinion about alcohol played a part in why they split from the Old Order Amish.
Here are some Bible verses that say drinking alcohol is wrong.
Ephesians 5:18:
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Isaiah 5:11:
Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. They have harps and lyres at their banquets, tambourines and flutes and wine, but they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD, no respect for the work of his hands.
Proverbs 20:1:
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Proverbs 23:29-35:
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!
32 In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange sights,
and your mind will imagine confusing things.
34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.
35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?
1 Peter 5:8:
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
Romans 14:21:
It is a noble thing not to eat meat, drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother stumble.
Rumspringa: Experimenting with Alcohol
For Amish youth, the period of Rumspringa (around age 16) often involves greater freedom to explore life outside Amish norms.
This includes experimenting with alcohol, though it’s not a universal or officially endorsed practice.
After this period, many youths return to the Amish community and adhere to its rules, including those concerning alcohol.
Despite a generally conservative approach, alcohol abuse is not unheard of in Amish communities, particularly among the youth during Rumspringa.
Do the Amish Drink Beer?
Some Amish do drink beer. Some even brew their beer, which is a reflection of their German heritage. In such cases, they might use a barn to brew their beer.
In communities where beer is consumed, there is an emphasis on moderation.
The Amish culture values self-control and discipline, and this extends to their approach to alcohol consumption.
Can the Amish Drink Liquor?
In the Amish community, beer and wine are typically consumed during special events such as weddings and community gatherings.
These beverages are chosen more frequently than hard liquor, which is less common among the Amish but not entirely unheard of.
Can the Amish Drink Wine?
Yes, the Amish can drink wine. Wine is typically associated with celebrations and social gatherings within the Amish community. It is consumed in moderation during these events.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, alcohol consumption among the Amish varies significantly between communities. While some Amish groups, especially the Old Order Amish, consume beer and wine in moderation during special occasions, others, like the New Order Amish, prohibit alcohol.