Amish Culture Essay

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Amish Culture ANT 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Introduction The Amish, who are mainly based in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, are an agriculturally based society isolated and insulated from most of modern society. Many Americans are intrigued by the Amish culture; there is a fascination with them as many sense the broader themes that reflect past and religious aspirations. There are no people who have tried to avoid publicity as much as the Amish, and no people who have gotten as much publicity as a group. (Posten, 2012). This paper will examine the Amish beliefs and values and their interactions within and outside of their culture. Although the Amish have isolated themselves from modern society, this has contributed to their strength. Today’s society is searching for a return to "family values.” Because of this, much can be learned from the Amish's simple way of life. Society can learn from their devotion to their community family and even about their self-sufficiency, the Amish believe that outside influences actually destroy their way of living and that their seclusion from modern society is one of the key reasons behind the strength of their community. Their unique practices make the Amish one of the more interesting cultures to examine. History of the Amish The Amish society was originally born in Europe from a group of people dissatisfied with the Catholic Church in the 1500s in the period known as the Protestant Revolution. Two main groups, Anabaptists and Mennonites, settled throughout Europe during this period. The Anabaptists, which means re-baptiser, typically held services at someone’s home rather than a church. Many of the Anabaptist principles are practiced by the Amish today. The Mennonites, on the other hand, were more formal, with practices such as foot washing, communion and observing the Lord’s Supper. The
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