The Amish - By Graham LaBass

  The Amish People

      The Amish People are sometimes considered strange or even weird, but they're not. They are normal people living day by day, week by week, and year by year. The only difference is, they are limited by certain standards. So who are they?

                          

 The Schism 

Back in 1693 the Menonite church had a Schism. Those who followed Jakob Ammann became known as Amish. The split was over ideas from different religions applying to them. Jakob Ammann thought that they should be able to apply different ideas from religions but others didn't support him. So they split into Amish and Menonite groups within the Anabaptist church. Both  groups went on to become big, but the Amish people became bigger in members. Currently there are over 270,000 members today.

                      What do they believe in?  

            When Amish are kids they are strictly taught by rules and ancient traditions from the Bible. When  they become teens they are given the choice to live with their family as Amish people or be kicked out and forgotten, to join another religion. If they choose to stay they will be taught their “rules of life.” (their core beliefs.) The first is that everything that happens, like a house burning down or someone dying, is God's will. That's why they dont have fire alarms. Second, they believe that wearing the same clothes their entire life leads to a simple and humble life. A simple life is also one of the things they think God demands of them. Their last core belief is that, much like the Christian church, there are three individuals in heaven, God, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit which puts the impression on their followers to do good. These rules and beliefs will lead them to a long and happy life.

                      Conclusion

In conclusion the Amish people are normal people with different lives. They should be treated like normal people. Not outsiders.

     Do not judge unless you are perfect.

                                 -GC