The Amish Mennonite Movement

868 Words4 Pages
The Amish, or also referred to Amish Mennonites, are a group of traditionalist Christian church fellowship that form a subgroup of churches. The Amish are known for their simple living life styles, plain dressing, and their reluctance to adhere to many conveniences of modern technology. The Amish Mennonite movement descends from the 16th century fellowship known as Swiss Brethren. The Swiss Brethren were Anabaptists and were often viewed has having been part of the Radical Reformation. The Mennonite movement takes its name from Jakob Ammann, a Swiss Mennonite leader. Ammann believed Mennonites believed Mennonites were drifting away from the teachings of Menno Simms and the Mennonite Dordrecht Confession of Faith. Ammann favored stronger…show more content…
It was a reaction to wars, religious views, and poverty. The first settlement of Amish in America was in Berks County, Pennsylvania but later moved. Due to land issues and security concerns, many Mennonites spread throughout the eastern seaboard. The Mennonites remaining in Europe slowly merged with their congregations. In 1937 the last lxheim congregation merged with a neighboring Mennonite church foreclosing the last reformation. Most Amish communities that were established in North America did not retain their Amish Identity. The major split occurred that resulted in identity loss in 1860. Ministerial conferences were held in Wayne County, Ohio. The conferences were progressive ideas on how to deal with the everyday pressures of modern society. By the first several meetings, traditionally minded bishops agreed to boycott the conferences. The more progressive members which were 2/3 thirds of the group retained the Amish Mennonite name. The traditionally minded groups became known as the Old Older Amish. Every Amish Community differs from one to the other. No summary of Amish culture lifestyle is totally adequate because there are few generalities that are true for all Amish groups. Amish groups may separate over little issues such as the width of a hat-brim, the color of buggies, and other small issues. Bearing children, raising them, and socializing them in the community are the greatest functions of the Amish Community. All Amish believe large families are a blessing form
Open Document