The Old Order Amish of Lancaster County

Bachman, Calvin George

Book

The Old Order Amish of Lancaster County

Pennsylvania German Society • Lancaster, Penn. • Published In 1961 • Pages: 8, 297

By: Bachman, Calvin George.

Abstract
This document is a systematic overview of the customs and traditions of daily living observed among the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The author first describes Amish origins in the Anabaptist Movement occurring during the Reformation in the 16th century, including the leaders and the significant controversy surrounding 'shunning' or 'avoidance' (the Meidung) that arose between the various sects. The author then details how practical aspects of daily life are managed in accordance with religious ideals. This includes the Amish desire to maintain an agricultural lifestyle despite their rejection of motor vehicles, and their retention of 'plain' demeanor in dress, housing, burials and education. The author observed that the Amish ideal of totally providing for members of their congregations is part of a religious ethic based on their interpretations of biblical passages and which emphasizes a shared social, economic and spiritual community. The Old Order Amish remain committed to the home as the locus of their church services, and for the care of the sick, the orphaned, the indigent, and the elderly. While this commitment distinguishes them from other Amish groups in the area, it cannot be determined from this document what concessions have been made to modernization (other than in agriculture) since the 1940s. Bibliographic references will be found at the bottom of pages in the text.

Religious denominations

Congregations

Priesthood

Organized ceremonial

General character of religion

Religious offenses

History

Burial practices and funerals

Amish

HRAF PubDate

2009

Region