The Amish are known the world over for their simple way of life. Horse-drawn buggies, basic clothing, and the rejection of nearly all things associated with electronics and modern technology, have come to define what many outsiders (or English, as the German/English speaking Amish refer to them) believe this devoutly religious group is all about.

However, a tragic event on October 2, 2006 may have revealed much more about the Amish as a people than any “English” ever thought possible. On that fateful day in the Old Order Amish community of Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, a deranged gunman stepped into the one-room schoolhouse, The West Nickel Mines School, took several girls hostages, and shot them. Five girls died (between the ages of 6 and 13) while another five were seriously injured. Afterward, the gunman, Charles Carl Roberts IV, took his own life.

As devastating as this event can be to any community, the Amish of  Nickel Mines did something that astounded a nation; they – including family members of the victims – forgave Roberts for his crimes and consoled his grieving widow, parents and parent-in-laws.

In fact, the Amish extended this reconciliation by attending Robert’s funeral, setting up a charitable fund for the shooter’s family, and allowing the widow, Marie Roberts, to be one of the few outsiders to attend the funeral of one of the victims.

Such actions may seem inconceivable, especially to those outside this community. However, the concept of forgiveness and reconciliation are simply part of the Amish’s belief system.

The “Ordung”

The Amish community is built around a strict observance of the Christian Bible. They believe that the Bible is the word of God (Lancaster County, 2011). As a result, much of the rules and regulations that govern the Amish are based the “Ordung” – the rules of the church.

Much of the rules cover aspects of day-to-day living and must be observed by every member. Much of these rules are reflected in their rejection or limitations of power-line electricity, telephones, and automobiles, as well as regulations on clothing (Wikipedia, 2011).

The adherence to Ordung also leads to a certain way of living life: rejection of individuality and the practice of separating from most of the rules and regulation of the rest of the country.  To them, the word of God trumps any governmental rule of the land.

They hold these beliefs so strongly that they rarely accept charity or government assistance. Also, they are not permitted to buy insurance or to accept Social Security. Instead, each member within these communities will look after one another.

“Demut” and “Gelassenheit”

There are several words that best describe the Amish’s belief system. Two of them are held in high esteem and has shaped their approach to life. “Demut” (humility) and “Gelassenheit” (calmness, composure, and placidity) reflect the ideal Amish. Demut and Gelassenheit is a reluctance to be forward, to be self-promoting, or to assert oneself.

In many respects, their calm demeanor and low-key style of clothing and personality is a reflection of these two concepts.

Another example of Demut and Gelassenheit in practice can be observed from the 2006 event. It was reported that the grandfather of one of the victims told the younger members of the community not to seek revenge or to have anger and hate toward the shooter. He even pointed that he had a family, as well.

“Hochmut”

In an Amish community, “Hochmut” is a nasty word. It refers to pride, arrogance, haughtiness and anything else that has to do with individualism; something this community rejects.

In this community, nobody is better than their neighbor. Everyone works for a common cause. In this case, the cause is to submit to the “will of Jesus.”

This rejection of individualism is part of the reason the Amish shun most electrical devices. To them, having such things can spark competition for status. They also reject photographs, for they believe it cultivates personal vanity (Wikipedia, 2011).

Anabaptists with a Conservative Belief

The foundation of the Amish tradition and religious beliefs can be traced to establishment of the Anabaptist tradition. According to the website, “Welcome to Lancaster County”, Anabaptists were “against corrupt practices in the Protestant and Catholic religions of the 1500s. They believed that formal theological training was not necessary since the lay members of the congregation were just as capable of interpreting the Scriptures as the priests.”

Also, Anabaptists and the group upon which the Amish came from, the Mennonites (a group under the Anabaptist umbrella), believe the use of religious icons and formal rituals are distractions to true worship (Lancaster, 2011).

In other words, the Amish, as well as the Anabaptists, believe that genuine or real worship of God is based on how the community cooperates, works together and handles adversity.

Another part of the Amish/Anabaptist belief:

1. Reject military service.

2. Remaining quite separate from the rest of the world, physically and socially.

3. Each congregation or “district” remains autonomous.

4. It’s not their role to go out into a larger community and try to convert others.

5. Forbidding the swearing of oaths in court; they make affirmations of truth instead (Robinson, 1996).

While the Amish have unique beliefs and customs - compared to other Christian groups - there are some similarities. According to an article by Ontario Consultant of Religious Tolerance’s B.A. Robinson, the Amish are a very conservative Christian faith group that has much in common with many Fundamentalists and other Evangelical churches. These include:

1. Adult baptism (usually between 18-25 years of age)

2. Belief in the Trinity, virgin birth, incarnation, sinless life, crucifixion, resurrection ascension, and atonement of Jesus Christ.

3. The existence of Satan (Robinson, 1996).

Rumspringa

The Amish don’t believe one should be “born into the religion,” although most, if not all, members were born and raised within the community. Often, the Amish youth are given a choice to either join the community or join the “English”. This important decision is made during a time called rumspringa.

Much of the youth’s actions are tolerated before officially joining the Amish congregation. However, for those who don’t conform or don’t repent for their actions will be excommunicated. Also, they will be shunned, limiting social contact with the community until they make the decision to return to the church and community.

Despite their seemingly simplistic existence, the Amish belief system is one based on devotion and the rejection of materialistic items and individuality. And, as the tragedy of 2006 demonstrated, it’s also based on humility, forgiveness, and charity to all.

Work Cited

Robinson (2006): “Beliefs of the Amish”: Religious Tolerance. Org: http://www.religioustolerance.org/amish.htm

“Amish (retrieved, 2011)”: Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish

“Amish Religion (retrieved 2011)”: Welcome to Lancaster County: http://www.welcome-to-lancaster-county.com/amish-religion.html