So while they could technically be drafted, they would likely be exempted from serving in combat roles due to their conscientious objection to warfare.

When there’s been a draft, like during World War II, Amish men of fighting age didn’t have to go to war.

They were still required to serve, but in different ways. They worked in hospitals or forestry, which didn’t clash with their beliefs. The Amish are not opposed to serving their country.

The Amish believe strongly in non-violence. They refuse to participate in activities that involve using weapons or harming others.

This includes being part of any system, like the military, where they might be required to take someone’s life or cause injury.

In the past, the military often rejected requests for exemption from service if they thought the person was just trying to avoid combat.

However, if someone has grown up in a peaceful Amish community and sincerely opposes violence, it’s hard for the military to argue against their beliefs.

If the US Congress decides to bring back the military draft, your birthday and registration number determine if you get drafted. It doesn’t matter if you’re Amish. If your number is called, you have to report to the induction center.

There, they’ll assess if you’re fit for military service. You can request an exemption during this process.

⇒ Did You Know?

• In the United States, there hasn’t been a military draft since 1973. However, all males between 18 and 26 are still required by law to register for Selective Service, regardless of whether there’s an active draft or not.

More Reasons Why the Amish Won’t Get Drafted

Certain aspects of the Amish faith clash with military requirements, like their Sunday observance and the practice of growing facial hair after marriage.

The military would struggle to accommodate these unique needs without opening the door for similar requests from other religious groups. To avoid complications, they might opt not to exclude the Amish from drafting.

Moreover, the Amish population in the US is around 370,000, which is relatively small.

This means that even if they were eligible for the draft, excluding them would not pose significant logistical challenges.

⇒ Did You Know:?

• The Amish don’t get involved in politics, legal battles, or working in law enforcement.

 Wrapping It Up

The U.S. government offers alternative service options for people who refuse to fight for religious or moral reasons, like the Amish. This ensures they can still do their part without going against their beliefs.

These arrangements show how the U.S. tries to respect people’s religious beliefs while still meeting national duties. It’s a way to include pacifist groups like the Amish in national defense efforts without making them do things against their faith.

The Amish community does not observe Lent. However, they do give special emphasis to Easter, minus the commercial and secular aspects commonly seen in the broader society.

Their observance of Easter is more focused on religious and community aspects, including fasting and prayer on Good Friday and a communion service of significant spiritual importance.

Lent in Different Christian Denominations

The tradition of Lent has evolved over time. Historically, the fasting rules have varied. Some early practices included abstaining from all animal products, while others allowed fish or poultry.

Today, the approach to Lent varies, with some Christians focusing on giving up specific vices or habits.

While Lent is particularly associated with the Catholic Church, various Protestant denominations also observe it.

Each tradition may have its unique way of observing Lent, but the central themes of prayer, fasting, and charity remain consistent.

Lent is a time for prayer and reading of the Scriptures. This helps believers to focus on their spiritual growth and relationship with God.

Traditionally, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence. Fasting typically involves eating less – one main meal and two smaller meals.

This practice helps in practicing self-discipline and remembering the sacrifices of Jesus Christ.

Almsgiving, or charity, is also emphasized during Lent. It’s about helping those in need, whether through financial donations or acts of service.

Modern Lent Practices

In the 21st century, Lent has taken on additional dimensions. Many people choose to give up different things like social media, certain luxuries, or habits.

The idea is to free oneself from distractions and focus more on spiritual matters.

The Amish deeply respect the importance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which they believe was for everyone’s sins.

They believe Jesus Christ is God’s only son who died on the cross to save people from their sins. They also believe in heaven and hell after death.

These beliefs are central to their religion and align with the Christian doctrine.

The Amish believe that faith in Jesus’ sacrifice brings people closer to God. This concept is a key part of their religious teachings.

However, in their community, the symbol of the cross is not often used or highlighted.

The Amish focus on living a life that reflects their beliefs rather than on religious symbols. They emphasize humility, simplicity, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The Amish prefer to express their faith through actions and lifestyle choices rather than through physical symbols.

Their worship services, community structure, and daily practices are reflections of their religious convictions.

While some Amish people wear crosses and use them to display their faith, the Christian cross isn’t used as an Amish symbol.

Their focus is more on living their beliefs rather than showing them through symbols.

For Spanish speakers:

Para pronunciar “Amish” en español, sigue estos pasos:

1. Comienza con el sonido “ah”, similar al de la palabra “carro”.
2. Continúa con el sonido de la letra “m”, como en “mano”.
3. Finaliza con el sonido “ish”, que es parecido al final de la palabra “English” (inglés).

Entonces, en conjunto, pronunciarías “Amish” como “ah-mish”, con el énfasis en la primera sílaba.

En español puedes decir “los Amish” para referirte al grupo o a las personas pertenecientes a la comunidad Amish.

There are many Amish millionaire but you won’t see them flaunting their wealth.

They’re not about showing off fancy cars or big houses. Instead, they might invest their money in practical things like land for farming, or they might use it to help their kids get started in life.

Some even put their money into stocks or mutual funds, but again, they keep it low-key.

These wealthy Amish folks also help out in their community, especially when there’s a need, like covering medical bills since they don’t usually use regular health insurance.

So, their wealth isn’t just for them, they use it to support their community too.

Even with some Amish being millionaires, their community still values spiritual and communal wealth more than material stuff.

It’s going to be interesting to see how this new wave of wealth, especially from businesses other than farming, will affect the Amish lifestyle and their views on wealth over time​.

Who’s the Richest Amish Person in the World?

No one really knows who the richest Amish person in the world is. The Amish community isn’t big on flaunting wealth or keeping track of who’s got the most money.

Some Amish do get pretty rich, especially those who’ve nailed it in businesses like construction or furniture making. But they don’t go around showing off their wealth.

They keep it all pretty low-key and in line with their belief in modesty and simplicity.

So, when it comes to pinpointing who the wealthiest Amish person is, there’s no clear answer.

If you want to tell if an Amish person is wealthy, check out the properties and farmland they own. It’s one way to see if they have money, besides their donations to charity, which they also value.

Expectations for Wealthy Amish to Contribute to the Community

Imagine you’re an Amish person who has become really wealthy. In the Amish community, people would expect you to share your wealth with others in the community, or at least use your money in ways that benefit everyone.

This is because being rich isn’t considered a good or admirable thing among the Amish.

Instead, rich people in the Amish community are often looked at with sympathy.

Why?

Because they’re exposed to a lot of temptations that come with having a lot of money, and that can be challenging to resist.

Plus, in many Amish communities, there’s not much you can do with extra money. The Amish prefer a simple lifestyle with plain clothes, homes, and horse-drawn buggies.

So, they wouldn’t really buy fancy or special things even if they had lots of money because their culture values plainness and simplicity.

iI some strict Amish communities, they actually tell their members not to get very rich. They do this because they think having too much money can lead to problems, taking them away from what they value most – their family and community.

What Is the Success Rate of an Amish Business?

In the U.S., when people start new businesses, only about half of them are still going strong after 5 years. That means the other half either had to close down or didn’t do so well.

But here’s the interesting part: among the Amish, it’s a whole different story. When they start businesses, a whopping 95% of them are still successful after 5 years.

Even though the Amish don’t use things like public electricity, cars, computers, or attend high school, their success in the business world has been seriously impressive.

The number of Amish businesses that fail is less than five percent.

That’s pretty impressive!

What Is the Average Income of an Amish Family?

The average Amish household typically consists of a husband, a wife who typically does not work outside the home, and 7-8 children.

1986

Back in 1986, the net income for Amish farms typically ranged from $25,000 to $40,000.

A farm finance expert shared with The New York Times that an Amish farm with 80 acres of land, 40 cows, five acres dedicated to growing tobacco, vegetables, and fruit could earn an impressive gross income of $125,000 or even more in a year.

2018

In 2018, the average household income of an Amish family was $64,500. For non-farmers, the average household income was higher, at $87,200.

Farming households had a slightly lower average income of $48,300.

2023

In 2023, the average household income of an Amish family was approximately $71,000. For non-farmers, the average household income was around $94,000.

Farming households had an average income of approximately $52,000.

The Amish live a pretty different lifestyle compared to many of us. They don’t use things like electricity (so, no electric bills), they don’t own cars (so no car payments or car insurance), they’re not into fancy gadgets, and they don’t have internet or cable bills.

Because they skip all these modern expenses, they can live comfortably with a lot less money than most people.

Even with an income of $50,000, they manage just fine because they keep things simple and focus on what they truly need.

What Do the Amish Think of Trains?

Amish people have been using public transportation like trains and boats since the late 1800s. However, when cars were invented in the early 1900s, the Amish didn’t like them because they meant each person would own their own vehicle, and the Amish prefer to share and work together.

So, they turned to vans, buses, and trains for traveling long distances.

The Amish do use trains for long-distance travel when necessary and conveniently, but it’s not a common practice.

Many Amish people prefer to use buses or vans that they rent, and these vehicles are driven by non-Amish individuals. This choice is because the Amish avoid owning or driving cars themselves, as it goes against their traditional beliefs.

So, they hire others to drive them in these rented vehicles when they need to travel longer distances.

The Amish would pick renting a van or bus over taking a train because they like to travel with their family and community members, and they feel more comfortable doing so.

They want to stay together as a group instead of being with non-Amish people on public trains.

Why Are There So Many Amish on Amtrak?

The Amish use Amtrak for long-distance travel when Amtrak stations amore are acessible than other modes of transportation, making it a practical choice for them.

Rail travel aligns more closely with Amish beliefs than air that’s why you’ll see Amish people traveling by train more often than on airplanes.

Amish people are friendly and polite because they care about their community and being respectful to others. You’ll have a positive experience traveling with them on the same train.

Why Do the Amish Travel to Chicago?

Many Amish communities are located in the Northeast and the Midwest, which are areas well-served by Amtrak trains. Chicago, with its West Loop and Union Station, has become a central hub for Amtrak routes, making it a convenient and accessible railway network for the Amish.

The Amish typically travel to Chicago for business, or family visits.

Some Amish communities engage in trade and commerce, and Chicago is a major economic hub with markets and opportunities for selling their goods like handmade furniture, quilts, and farm produce.

Amish families may have relatives or friends living in or around Chicago, and they travel to visit and spend time with them.

Why Are There So Many Amish People in Union Station?

Union Station in Chicago, like other major transportation hubs, might see a significant number of Amish individuals because it serves as a central point for various train routes. Amish communities often prefer train travel for its simplicity and ability to accommodate group travel.

So, Union Station’s accessibility to train services makes it a practical choice for them when they need to travel to or from Chicago or other destinations served by the station.

Their faith centers on following Christ’s peaceful and nonviolent example and the national anthem’s language doesn’t match Amish values. Some even say it reflects a history of violence that shaped the nation.

Historically, the US national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. It became the official national anthem of the United States in 1931.

The Anabaptist people generally see the anthem and flag as symbols of American military actions.

However, this doesn’t make them anti-American. They appreciate living in a country that respects religious freedom and don’t judge those who display flags or stand for the anthem.

The Amish and other Anabaptist groups have always valued Jesus’ teachings of nonviolence, love, and peace. Their opposition to military violence is nothing new. Their patriotism focuses on liberty and justice, not militarism or violence.

Not embracing patriotic symbols like the flag and anthem makes the Amish different from most Americans. It can lead to them feeling isolated and misunderstood because people might think they’re not patriotic.

However, their choice also shows their commitment to a peaceful way of life and their religious freedom, which is a core value in the United States.

The fact that the Amish are allowed to follow their religious convictions and abstain from patriotic displays reflects the country’s commitment to respecting diverse beliefs.

Why Do the Amish Avoid Horseback Riding?

The Amish don’t ride horses because it’s seen as approaching a worldly form of sport or leisure riding, as noted by Donald Kraybill. Another reason they avoid horseback riding is because they see it as too prideful.

It’s part of their commitment to a simpler life.

With big families and group travel, riding horses isn’t very practical for them either.

You might spot a child on a pony or a young man riding, but you won’t see any adult Amish riding their horses to church service.

People have observed young Amish women riding horses, sometimes bareback, but it’s not common.

The only times the Amish ride horses are for work-related activities or horse training.

Do the Amish Have Flush Toilets?

Many Amish communities use indoor flush toilets and plumbing.  Some communities have flush toilets, but they’re usually located in a smaller building next to the house.

Even if there’s a regular toilet around, you’ll often find an outhouse on the farm. The Amish use it when they’re working outside for convenience.

The more traditional Amish, like the Old Order Amish, often use outhouses, which are a hole in the ground with a seat in a small room.

Keep in mind that Amish rules vary a lot. Different communities have different practices when it comes to indoor plumbing and flush toilets.

Some allow modern indoor plumbing, while others permit plumbing but only outside the home.
In some, running water is okay, but not a modern septic system. Others don’t allow any modern plumbing.

Do the Amish People Use Toilet Paper?

Many Amish people do use toilet paper. They believe in keeping their bodies clean and germ-free. However, more conservative communities may opt for alternatives like crumbled-up pieces of newspapers or catalogs.

Many Amish considered toilet paper a luxury item during and after the Great Depression, prioritizing essentials like food and clothing. Now, with improved finances, toilet paper has become a daily essential item for them.

Legal Fights Over Waste Disposal

The Amish have had many legal fights over waste disposal over the years. The core issue is the Amish use of outhouses and spreading treated waste on farms, which they argue is protected by their religious beliefs.

They argue that these practices, rooted in their religious beliefs, should be protected. Outhouses reflect their commitment to a simple life, and spreading treated waste aligns with their belief in stewardship of the land.

The Amish assert that attempts to regulate these practices infringe on their religious freedom, highlighting the challenge of balancing traditional practices with modern regulations.

Leviticus 19:28 reads as follows:

Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you.

For the Amish, this scriptural guidance serves as a cornerstone for their rejection of tattoos.

Tattoos as a Symbol of Rebellion Against God

The Amish view tattoos not merely as body art but as a symbol of rebellion against God. The belief that the body is a sacred temple further reinforces their stand against any form of permanent markings on the skin.

People who were once part of the Amish community and chose to leave, getting tattoos in the process, cannot return and reintegrate into the Amish way of life.

Returning with visible tattoos is often considered incompatible with the values of simplicity and humility that the Amish prioritize.

Eli Yoder, an ex-Amish, confirmed this on TikTok:

I can never go back because I have tattoos and they told me I am condemned to hell for the rest of my life because of the tattoos.

Additionally, piercings and earrings are also forbidden among the Amish, as they are perceived as expressions of worldliness and vanity. The Amish prioritize simplicity and humility, and body art is viewed as contrary to these values.

Amish communities value conformity, and visible tattoos are perceived as unconventional.

If an Amish individual were to undergo tattooing, it would probably result in their exclusion from the community.

To maintain community cohesion, the Amish practice shunning, which may involve excluding individuals who deviate from established norms.

Considering Joining the Amish? Removing Tattoos Might be a Step

If you have tattoos and are considering joining the Amish, getting your tattoo permanently removed may be a practical step to align with their cultural emphasis on simplicity and humility.