The Differences Between Mennonites and Amish

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Recommended: Settlement patterns and practices between the Amish and Mennonites

Who are the so-called “Plain People”? Without sufficient insight and research, one might presume the Amish and the Mennonites to merely be interchangeable terms for a group that is essentially one in the same. This assumption is, no doubt, an incorrect perception. Although expressed in very different ways, both share a commitment to nonviolence and desire to live simply. In fact, the Amish broke away from the Mennonites, who were believed to be too liberal for the Amish’s penchant. The two diverse factions share numerous similarities; however, the Amish and Mennonites do not look eye to eye on certain beliefs and values regarding modern technology, apparel, urban civilization, punishments, commitment to the church, education, or occupations.
For instance, the idea of technology is generally rejected by the Amish but adopted by the Mennonites. The Amish fervently refrain from the use and possession of any form of electricity or technology; henceforth, this people group tends to use horse drawn buggies for transportation (Whose education?). Technology’s ban amongst the Amish community subsists because the modern influence is said to interfere with the purity of one’s faith (Amish and Mennonites). Essentially, the Amish mindset perceives modern day technology as the prime connection to the world’s evil nature that is considered to so easily entangle one into believed immoral conveniences and temptations. In fear of the destruction of the capability to practically support life, the Amish forbid that which could devastate family life and community unification in any tactic possible. Simply speaking, smaller is better, and less is more (Religion Facts). Mennonites, on the other hand, are more tolerate of technology and und...

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...evelopments, chastisements, religious obligations, edification, and overall livelihoods. Primarily, the differentiation between the Amish and the Mennonites is not necessarily the beliefs but instead, the level of application toward the belief in what is considered just in the eyes of each separate religion.

Works Cited

Anonymous. "The Amish." ReligionFacts. 5 March 2013. Accessed 17 November 2013. .

http://www.welcome-to-lancaster-county.com/amish-and-mennonites.html

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=5&sid=fe28ee3b-15cb-42a3-b1bc-9a1359c0d647%40sessionmgr13&hid=127&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=9707226698

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=495f1136-223f-4e5e-9b9a-015e639c978f%40sessionmgr4004&vid=6&hid=4206
“Amish.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Volume

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