3 Reasons Why I'd Never Join the Amish
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- Опубликовано: 4 сен 2024
- Though I love visiting Amish communities and spending time with Amish friends...I could never become Amish myself. Here's why.
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My name is Erik Wesner and I'm not Amish. Back in 2004, I met the Amish while selling books. Since then, I've visited 5,000+ Amish homes & dozens of Amish communities. My book on Amish business, Success Made Simple: An Inside Look at Why Amish Businesses Thrive, was published in 2010. I run the Amish America website: amishamerica.com/
An Amish gentleman from Ephrata once answered this question for me by saying "You may be able to live the lifestyle, but could you live the faith."
It's not just a simple life but a religion and mindset as well.
Thanks, Eric. Karen Yoder
Thank you Karen! You noted mindset and that is something I probably could have spoken about as well here
@@AmishAmerica I imagine lowkey a few Amish might be like some Mormons and Mary like Alabama song
I am more than a half century old. And live my Christian life style. Simple, modestly clothed abstaining from all appearances of evil to the best I am able. I have often been asked "are you Amish" . To anyone who knows Amish, i don't look anything like them, but I'm asked. So as a Christian, it is important (to me) to live my life for Gods glory. Whether on grid or off grid. Horse and buggy or vehicles live your life as taught from His word and glorify God.
That's all!! Have a great day.
I'm 100% with you on the me shutting down after so much social interaction.
The grass is always greener ...
We all occasionally look at other lifestyles somewhat idealistically. I am a flaming introvert too, but looking in from the outside I see the Amish seem close-knit and work very hard. I admire what I see as a collective, community spirit to the Amish you have shown us via your videos.
I admire it as well...and though I'll never be a member of the community am grateful I have been able to experience it with friends there. They allow me to walk on the greener grass for a little while at least
I’d miss Air Conditioning..
I love the idea of a simple life, but after seeing videos about the Amish, I can see that it takes a lot of work, dedication, and commitment. It isn't just "simple living," after all.
Good point and sometimes the "simple life" isn't actually so simple. The example that comes first to mind is how many Amish get electricity or substitute for it, like in their shops
"Simple living" is a bit of an oxymoron, while you don't have a lot of things that complicate your life, you also don't have things that make your life easier, eg. You can't microwave a burrito, you gotta cook it, and maybe even make it from scratch.
@Christian Constitutionalist There are some of us who definitely can't do Christianity, even if we wanted to. I know I couldn't.
@@nancyaustin9516 everyone can do Christianity. It's Christ in your heart, a personal thing.
It is constant hard physical work from dawn till dusk
I think what you do is important. You bring first had knowledge about the Amish. You’ve spent a lot of time with them. You demystify them.
I’ll admit when I was a kid I wanted to be Amish. My family spent about 4 days visiting out River Brethren relatives in Lancaster County PA. We drove around the area saw the farms and watched the very colorfully dressed people walking around and seeing buggies driving around. For a kid of 10 it was very intriguing. I would check books out of the library on the Amish. Watch any show or movie about the Amish. As an almost 50 year old adult I know that lifestyle is not for me, thought I still love learning about them.
Thanks for the videos.
I know I could never 'do' the Amish world, but nevertheless - I know the world is blessed by having the Amish. They show us many things we can consider and fit as way opens into our lives.
Well having a great interest in something being it a hobby, or a group of people, traveling and getting to know about a region or it's people does not to me mean that someone is obsessed with that, and certainly doesn't mean you want to join. I love learning about religions and their differences, with that being said I don't intend on joining any of them, I'm just a person who likes knowing how things work, and what makes people tick. I love hearing more about the Amish, and while I appreciate their hard lives and dedication to following and upholding their beliefs, I would not want to join them on that path. I appreciate all the information you bring to us and look forward to your new videos, thank you.
I've found it can be eye-opening and cause you to reflect on your own ways, which can be a good thing. Thanks for your thoughtful comment and happy to hear you're still liking these vids👍I have ideas for a ton more, they just take me a little while to produce:)
I certainly understand your position. I am introverted as well. At the same time, I love diving deep into new areas. But t some point I must have my alone time. Please keep the vids coming. I love them!
Absolutely. One thing I didn't go into here is that what I experience might be partially a factor of being a visitor. However I do think Amish society is a much more face-to-face culture. If I'm being frank that has its upsides and downsides for me. But if I was born into Amish culture and grew up in it, chances are I'd be a bit different about it:)
I really have a profound respect for them and their way of life. There is so much we can learn from them. But to join the Amish church I'd have to discard some of my core spiritual beliefs - not going to happen.
Yep I’m right there with you. I could never get past the discernment from the Holy Spirit concerning the things that don’t jive according to scripture like some of their man made rules. ( The Ordnung )
You don’t have to abandon anything to live a plain, simple life.
@@40billwaugh amen!
I agree..I have lived alongside a large Amish community all of my 61yrs..i admire and respect the Amish ways and have some great Amish friends..but there is no way I'd become Amish for 2 of the same reasons as you Erik..I could do the wood working furniture thing..but I do like my electricity and some tech..when we loose our electricity due to a storm etc I'm good with the kerosene lamps candles a good book and a shortwave radio for one evening..and that's it ! Lol the Amish way is not simple at all more down to Earth basic and faith in God..it can be quite difficult to be Amish and be surrounded by the English world full of fancy whirly gigs and electronic gizmos and fast paced life loaded with temptations..I am Orthodox Christian and have an utmost respect for the Amish faith in God..it's the core of their way of life.. excellent video I really enjoyed the fact you presented your personal side of your relationship and interaction with the Amish..I was just to the local Amish flea market bake sale today ..time to eat my fill of homemade elderberry pie chocolate chip cookies and donuts !! 🤗 Lol
You mentioned not being able to fly. That must have a lot to with which sect they belong to. I live in the Cleveland, Ohio area and have often seen Amish getting on flights at Hopkins Airport. One time there was a very large extended family all traveling together.
I’m just like you Eric, too much interaction with people is draining.
You could be a teacher. Or do leatherwork. Or raise chickens and sell eggs. We lived with the Mennonites (Old Order) when my Dad left the Hutterites. I remember going to a one-room school with all 8 grades and one teacher. I loved that part, as I got to listen to the lessons for the other grades while doing my assignments. Found your channel a few months ago and constantly compare what you experienced with what I remember and much of it is very similar.
That’s amazing @Blue Lady
Don't worry brother, some people are nasty or jealous. Keep doing your thing.
A lot of Amish work in manufacturing especially at Wayne Dalton in Mt Hope.
Thanks for your insights into the Amish community. Many years ago, some of my ancestors moved from Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania to Kansas. From the photos you have to me it appears these are hard-working, resourceful people. I'm inclined to admire them for that. No doubt their faith, guides them in the ways they care to go.
Thanks Rich, and you are right their faith is very important for most Amish.
Interesting perspective. Thank you.
As another introvert, I know your feeling of being burned out around too many people. I don't think I would miss cars or flying. I try to ride my bike around everywhere anyway, and I would love to ride around in a horse and buggy(or sometimes just a horse). I have often thought I would like to be LIKE the Amish, but not Amish. Having a horse, buggy, living without a bunch of technology(or at least ones hooked up to a grid. I would rather have self-sustaining for technology, like solar panels, wind power, etc) I could be content living like that and just having Amish friends and neighbors. That would be nice.
same here
I share your attitude and admiration for the amish. I have studied and admired them for over a decade now and although I borrow some aspects of their way of life I could never embrace it fully. I hope that they continue to exist because they are very inspirational to me. I lived in Colorado part-time for a few years in farming areas and enjoyed many interactions with them.
Ahhh the charm of using an outhouse in winter...or a wash board to do the laundry in February..baking your own bread, by hand(I bake my own bread, the mixing and kneading can be difficult) or as a lot of the old order Amish still do make their own soap, ready to sign up?
The faith is the roots of the lifestyle, one should never join without faith being the driving factor firstly. Do you have any recommendations for books/resources on the Amish/Anabaptist theology? Thanks!
Look up “Breaking the Silence: My Amish Story” really great docu series about a family who left the Amish solely because of theological differences. There’s one episode that goes over the entire Anabaptist history and also takes you through their theological beliefs. Blessings to you!
@@Emily-321 I've watched the series myself right after I discovered Eric's blogs and I recommend them also.
I use Amish curriculum but I could never become Amish because at a younger age I was divorced and now married. But I love their lifestyle and commitment to the faith.
Hi Erik. Thank you so much for another great video. 😊
Thank you Nilda!
Erik, love your videos. Keep’em coming.
When’s your next trip to Holmes county? You should do a video next time you come!
Hopefully soon! I will do one (probably more) for sure👍
I'm Jewish and feel the same about ultra Orthodox Jews. There are levels of tradition that I like, but never to the extent of rejecting the outside world.
Electricity, technology and HVAC! I could be Mennonite but not Amish.
While I personally don't want to become Amish, I absolutely love visiting our Amish community near where I live in Missouri. They have the most wonderful stores filled with amazing things, plus the best restaurant food anywhere in the area. They are so friendly and helpful to us every time we go, and I really look forward to our trips there.
Have fun learning Pennsylvanian Dutch as an adult. Lol
I know the Amish speak English, but in everyday life, it's the German dialect. Bonus round is the Hoch Deutsch used in church services. You are jumping into the deep in of the pool having to learn both. And both languages are extremely important. I don't think you could truly fit in not having a really good command of both.
Regular German is extremely close to regular English, especially the simple parts of our languages and I imagine that their dialect is the same. English speakers can read a few paragraphs of something in German and understand at least the basic premise.
I don’t think you need to join the Amish to creative your life in a similar way.
Made me wonder...because you are so good at this channel, and are a naturally charismatic and talented communicator...how do you make a living? Is youtube and your Amish publications your only source of income?
I live near one of the largest Amish communities in Ohio. We travel to that area frequently and really enjoy it. We buy our produce from a roadside stand close to home that is on an Amish farm. We really like these folks and have been invited into their home. With that being said, I have entertained the thought of becoming Amish. It would definitely be a major culture shock that wouldn’t be easy for me. I admire their values and emphasis on community. I like being around them and enjoy conversations with them. I’ve also seen them be a little harsh on their animals and children. But, it’s not my place to judge them. That’s their lifestyle and I respect it.
Not a lot of Englischers could adjust to the Amish life, and the Amish realize that an essential part of the survival of their communities and way of life is not allowing too many people from the outside world to become part of their culture, as it's considered a risk of corruption because although many new order Amish have heard of and use many modern conveniences, old order Amish are very much against these things, and would NOT want outsiders bringing these ideas and technology into their world.
Your first reason is mine as well - I’m too much of an introvert. I love to spend time alone reading, and I don’t think that would be appreciated in the Amish world.
Well you would do okay with reading -many Amish are avid readers. I was just in an Amish bookstore a few days ago and they stock quite a range of titles (though mostly wholesome and Christian or Amish/Anabaptist-themed).
yep I'm an introvert too!
I think that your interest in the Amish and their lifestyles is no different than your curious subscribers, and millions more who love to read Amish novels (romance and mysteries), and the visitors to Amish bed and breakfasts and villages, etc. Just human nature to be interested in the unusual.
I recently followed another channel where the husband and wife are from two different countries and they share their experiences and do a comparison of different topics. And it is sad that they have to make a disclaimer at the beginning that it is their experiences and for fun and it does not mean one is better than the other. I don't understand why some must make fun of other's lifestyles. For example, they 'make fun' of Amish/Mennonite because they wear the same clothing....Hello -- check out a group of teens, a group of people at the ball game, etc. they also dress like each other!!
I could imagine he's more religious too..
Hey Erik, interesting video. I love the family values, faith, the work ethic and how they care for the elderly but having said all of that the work alone seems overwhelming and it's never ending. Plus learning german. Yikes. I think it would be awesome to be bilingual tho. Also ,I would miss being able to drive and watching videos on You Tube lol
Amish life keeps you busy especially in a community like Lancaster County. They have to work hard to make their mortgage payments :) A big topic at our grill out last Saturday was the price of homes in the area. I was with a family where all the boys are pretty much in the young homeowner age range or about to be
German isn't that hard for s.o. who speaks english already. They're quite close. Closer than french or spanish for example. You can see that very nicely in old english.
Another good one, Erik. What about the Amish and sports? What do the kids play? Do the adults play any sports?
Good video topic - quick answer is it varies - in Lancaster County on this past Monday (Pentecost Monday, a family/visiting day for Amish) I saw Amish playing volleyball, baseball/softball, and croquet (popular in that community). In winter hockey is popular there. Basketball is popular in some communities (especially midwest - Indiana). That is more for the kids and opportunities for older adults are more limited but you might see a softball game.
@@AmishAmerica Also, you've covered the Amish way of birth. What about the opposite end of things? How the Amish handle death/dying? What are their funeral customs? Do they use hospices? Do they use palliative care? Extraordinary measures for life support?
I'll probably do a video, but until then this is probably the best piece I have on it on the site: amishamerica.com/amish-funeral-traditions-viewing-service-burial/
As usual it varies but generally they tend to pass on extraordinary life support. As far as end-of-life care, they would favor having home care rather than spending final days in a hospice.
You have the best of both worlds.
The easiest way to ' Live Like the Amish ' is to purchase 10 acres to 640 acres of land and then to ' Homestead ' that raw land purchase yourself . If you've actually looked into ' Off Grid Lifestyles ' here on RUclips you will notice some folks like it but most of the others seem to ' Hate it ' . Many of these Modern Folks give up on ' Off Grid ' . The current Generations of Americans aren't the only Generations that considered ' Returning to Simplicity ' . During the 1960's and into the 1970's there was a huge ' Naturalistic Movement ' that embraced ' Homestead Farming ' and many of them gave up shortly after that as well and ' Modernized ' with Tractors , Vehicles and Electricity .
I recognized much of the scenery in this video!
When we see people with different lifestyle we tend to curious about them, but we can’t change our lifestyle to their lifestyle. Why? Because we were raised in different environments.
I picked up some wood from a Amish farm in Michigan. Would like to have been able to investigate more but sure don’ like to be a intruder.🇺🇸🐻
Were you up at the big auction in Wilmington? I missed.it this year.
The 3 things u pointed actually appeals to me to join. Although Im not sure if they'll let a 49yo man join them
I came across this channel because my curiosity was piqued by my reading a couple of Amish romances written by Kelly Irvin. They are enjoyable and the stories are poignant.
I love the clothing, close-knit community spirit, nonviolent attitudes and simple, self-sustaining lifestyle, but I think, "not me". Since I was little, I never could take authority, following strict rules and conformity too well. In other words, I'm a maverick.
same here. Mine was author Wanda Brunstetter. Although the amish way of life she described appeals to me and it's something i think i can do
Learning German and Pennsylvania-Dutch would stop me from joining..."IF" I wanted too. LincNebr
Auctioneer is an acceptable Amish career...
One of my friend's sons is a bid-spotter in addition to this roofing job. I saw him in action last weekend, I think he really enjoys it
There is a golden thread in all beliefs!
You can't put a square peg in a round hole !
Is it more expensive to be Amish than to be English? It seems to me, a lot of the things they do to stay simple are quite expensive (keeping a horse, etc.).
Really good question, if I recall I think I've seen a horse-and-buggy vs. car comparison but haven't seen a full Amish lifestyle budget vs. an English one done. Of course that can really vary widely across groups. Some of the plainest Amish households might earn $10K in currency or less per year (but they also grow a ton of the food they eat). The community I just came from on the other hand (Lancaster County) is one of the most expensive places for Amish to live.
I belief EVERY culture has something we can learn something from. Also, Erik would your wife be willing to join as well IF you wanted to? But yeah, technology would be impossible to give up I would think anyway.
An Amish paramedic?! Wow, that's a surprise!
I could see you becoming Amish! But I get how it won’t be for most people.
👍
I know I asked this before. When you were doing the traveling sales person among the Amish were there any women doing that also? How did the Amish deal with women doing the traveling sales jobs?
There were some women who did it - I don't think Amish generally had any problems with it. They're accepting of English doing jobs that their women might not typically do
I'm in total agreement with just about everything you said. Nothing against the Amish, but I couldn't live that kind of life. I must have total freedom. I'm am very free spirited and a city gal. I must shop. I must drive a car. I need a nice home. And I certainly agree with what you say about technology. It isn't totally great. It's how it's used that can at times be beneficial.
Say, I have a question. What do the Amish think of other religions? Not any weird cult that is trying to convert people, but just normal Jews and Muslims living in the U.S. just like everybody else?
Good question - generally respectful of other religions overall, though probably with a natural bias favoring Christian denominations in general. You may also encounter some bias against Catholicism to some degree, at least when speaking of the past, based on their history and past persecution hundreds of years ago (but not really anything that I've noticed as active dislike for Catholics now). And some of this is rooted in a natural humility found among Amish. I actually wrote on this about 10+ years ago and I think this still holds up pretty well: amishamerica.com/what-do-amish-think-about-other-religions/
I'd have difficulty learning their German language.
I had to tell my online friend I couldn't become Catholic. So now we're not friends?
so sad your online friend ended the friendship because you are not Catholic :-(
In many ways I could probably cope with the technology and having a trade side of it but I know I couldn't cope with the religious side of things.
in 1000 years amish will rule the world
and they deserve it
Firstly, the Amish are not looking for recruits, they grow their adherents. They would resist outsiders pushing their way in.
What would keep me from joining the Amish:
1. Genderroles/-restrictions
2. Technology
3. .. that's basically it, I think.. 😄
I'd love to be a woodworker. ♡
The Amish actually can fly. It depends on the order. And some also have electricity and a cell phone. Watch, "we spent 50 hours with the Amish" video on here. You'll learn about the stereotypes about the Amish. Your more into the First Amish Orders rules its not like that anymore for some orders.
Sure, check out my vid "Can Amish Fly?" where I cover the uncommon situations where Amish do fly (in short, New Order Amish do, and all Amish do so in emergency situations like life flights after an accident). Sometimes in these vids generalizations must be made for the sake of time. But the vast majority of Amish do *not* fly for typical travel or business purposes like we non-Amish do. And yes you are right there is a wide range of differences depending on the group ruclips.net/video/e__RFTnoVr4/видео.html
While I strongly respect the Amish and love the idea of a simple life in a tight-knit Christian community, here's why I personally wouldn't join them:
1. I find it's still possible to follow the principle of in the world but not of the world even as an "English" fully converted Christian. No pornography, a non-materialistic lifestyle (where it's rare for me to buy something for myself that isn't a necessity...I keep the perspective of anything I have other than memories not going with me after I pass), no drinking alcohol, no smoking, I read my scriptures at least one chapter a day and go to Church every week unless either something's seriously wrong or there's something going on like a holiday. No cable in my home and hardly any streaming services (just RUclips Premium and Paramount+, Paramount+ being because of my Walmart+ I pay for due to not driving because of being on the autism spectrum). My video game collection and movie collection is small, to say the least.
2. I live physically very far away from them. I live in Utah. It would be near impossible for me to travel that far on my own.
3. I feel far more comfortable wearing feminine "English" clothes (jeans, sweatpants, basically any sort of pants, and shirt) than a dress. I would be wearing a dress all the time were I to join the Amish.
4. It would mean leaving my family and current faith permanently. I could never bring myself to do that in current circumstances.
I could not do Amish because I am not a very religious person, I am Catholic and find mass boring. I don't know any of the Bible. I would also miss the shower, the washing machine and the dishwasher.
I appreciate a lot of the values of the Amish, but I would never want to be one of them. I respect that they live how they do. I would imagine it's quiet and peaceful generally, but I just don't think it's something I would like.
Too bad that it's possible to join. My buddy said there's a bunch of Tai Mennonites in Missouri. That's weird right?
I didn't know people could.... "Join"... the Amish. 🤔
I'm Amish have Amish ancestry in my family I'll join them one day ❤😂😂😂😂😂
I have the perfect job for you if you where Amish. Newspaper writer. It would be a perfect position for you. You would still reach hundreds of people with your information.
Very understandable, re work. Carpentry, woodworking, building construction & RV manufacturing are top careers for Amish men. Amish boys are fortunate in that they learn these skills very young & by age 16-18 they're total builder pros & earning good incomes. (Interesting & eye-opening perspective you have. The Amish appear reclusive to the rest of the world but within their own communities they're surprisingly gregarious party animals. 🥨😉)
Just keep doing what you’re doing for us and don’t join but be our window please!
Do you know German?
Aren't Amish church services in GERMAN?
Trying to adopt other people's cultures never works. As the ex-pats who go to Panama, for instance. They are always outsiders no matter what they do.
Eric you could be a RUclipsr if you were New Order or New, New Order Amish.
Once you Repent and become born again the holy spirit will live in you and those 3 you would not even worry about they would be the last on your mind.
But that doesn't translate exclusively to joining the Amish. Many have done what you describe and are not Amish church members
I’m not American but considering the huge amounts of homelessness and financial struggles so many appear to be dealing with in America, I wouldn’t be surprised if millions flock to their communities for aid when the SHTF.
Puppymills and working their horses to death, then dumping them at kill pens definitely sours any attraction for me to the Amish.
In some ways, they're no better than us Englischers.
They don't treat the animals well. They sell tobacco n smoke. Lots of abuse incest and drunkenness.
Also it's a cult. Not a relationship with Christ. Of course they can do what they want.
@J Hemphill Arleen is right on base you should see how the animals are kept in pens their entire life and are bread every six months till they Die. They hide the pens behind their buildings The SPCA is overwhelmed in keeping up and the animals are sold through brokers for the Amish on the internet they are not well bred in fact most of the children are given the responsibility of caring for them that is why a lot have joint issues and are sick. I live among them and have to turn a blind eye or be shunned.
1. Religion
2. Social restrictions, gender roles, etc
3. Prohibition on technology.
I'm sure I could find more. There's a lot to admire about their way of life, but at the same time, it is fundamentally incompatible with my own.
I could never join the Amish, because first and foremost I could not join a cult.
Blessedly, the Amish don't want you, either. They are in a struggle to preserve their successful and humane lifestyle.
Yes, it is nice having Amish friends, but....
The only reason I wouldn't join the amish is the religious stuff(and ways they tend to treat women).
I like 🐎horses, I prefer, Horsepower.
2:27
What is that?
a bird house ...apartment style :-)
Yes those are purple martin houses - you'll see them often at Amish places. It's a bird they like having around b/c they eat pesky insects
Aren't there secret Amish nuclear silos out there that can launch any time?
To be honest, your reasons for not joining are mildly sad...
You wouldn’t make t Amish anyhow there hard workers clean living people,And you need to be born into it.It’s not a club it’s a lifestyle.
I love the simple life. Being gay can not find it.
Im too liberal to live among backwards, ultra conservative, not so great smelling people .
Every Religion teches the people to live with peace , love , harmony and having respect for each other and if you are doing this and living with these blessings, then it is not really important , which Religion you practice.
Amish is not a religion. They follow Jesus, who taught us there is only one way to the Father, which is through Him, because Jesus was and still is God. There is only one creator. He backed his words by dying for all of us in a gruesome and undeserved way. Be careful by comparing Him to the Jews who crucified Him, or the Muslims who put a man with child brides as a higher prophet. Jesus is God, He lives, and is still calling His people. Yes, Jesus said the most important virtues were to "love God, and love each other", but if we don't get God's name right, we miss out on the highest virtue. I will pray for you.
Jesus..... There is no other name where by we must be saved.. Book of .Acts.... Jesus is only one that gave up his life...on the CROSS at Golgotha
Eryk nie wiedzialem ze jestes polakiem! Twoje nazwisko nie brzmi zbyt polsko.
Absolutely jak najbardziej :) My last name sounds German but Dad's side of family is Polish, came from Lviv area, pre-war Poland. Mom's last name sounds a lot more Polish though
Just become an anarcho primitivist
1st hello👋