Amish Beliefs

The Amish have a different way of life than any other people around them. The

Amish have always lived by their religious beliefs and followed the teachings of the

Bible. The Amish aquired their name from Joseph Amman. Amman and his followers stressed a simple life. He stressed strict Church discipline. They believes in kicking out excommunicated members.

The Amish group in the seventeenth century origintated in Switzerland. William

Penn invited them to the New World to settle in Pennsylvania. They welcomed the opportunity to escape religious persecution and go to a place in order to live in peace

From 1710 to the end of the eighteenth century, the Amish settled along the streams and fertile valleys in Southeastern Pennsylvania. At present,

We toured a village where the homes were not like the homes of most

Americans. In an Amish home they do not have electricity. In an Amish home there are no radios, televisions, or any other modern appliances. Coal, gas, or oii powered heaters are their only sources of heat. The Amish also have gas-powered refrigerators.

Kerosene lamps or lamps are their main sources of light that burn naphtha. The

Amish don't have no running water other than a small water pump that is used in the kitchen. Other sources of water must be pumped from an outdoor pump and carried into the house.

Meals are prepared and eaten in the kitchen, the largest and most commonly used room in the house. The kitchen is also used for playing games, reading, sewing, and doing schoolwork. All rooms, especaily the kitchen, are kept in spotless condition.

The Amish hold their worship services on Sunday. They are a very Christian group. Their services, sometimes held in members' homes or in a barn, begins at eight in the morning and last until noon. Men and Women are seated on wooden benches on different sides of the room. There worship services are usually attended by twenty-five to thirty families. The host family serves lunch to the congregation.