Amish Seventh-Day Adventists?
Can you be Amish – and belong to another church at the same time?
Andy and Naomi Weaver believe the answer is yes.
In an article at adventistreview.org, “We are Amish. And we are Seventh-Day Adventists“, Andy and Naomi share their journey from a conservative Amish community at West Salem, Ohio, to the Seventh-day Adventist church:
One day, about five years ago, Andy, who by now had married Naomi and had several kids, met a Seventh-day Adventist who shared some literature with him. After discussing Bible teachings on the end times, the Adventist member encouraged Andy to read the Bible in a language he could understand.
“When I first started reading the Bible,” said Andy, “Naomi was very receptive, and she liked the idea of having a deeper understanding of the Bible.”
Before long, however, the couple understood that following a path of obedience to Bible teachings would get them excommunicated from their community.
“It put me in a hard spot,” said Naomi in an interview recorded a couple of years ago. She felt they would dishonor their parents by keeping the Saturday Sabbath and following all the Bible teachings foreign to their community.
“I knew he was on the right track, but I was way behind,” she said. “I knew that what we were reading made sense, but I didn’t want to lose anybody.”
Naomi shared that eventually, she decided to do “what God wanted [them] to do.” She felt that somehow, God would take care of them.
The couple formally joined the Seventh-day Adventist church in August 2014.
Unsurprisingly, being baptized into another denomination led to troubles with their home Amish church:
Their worst fears, however, came true. When the community found out, they were shunned. They were barred from attending community or family meetings and gatherings.
“The elders forbid everyone to even talk to us,” said Andy. “We were shunned from doing business with the community, and our kids were not allowed to keep attending Amish schools.”
West Salem is part of the Lodi Amish community, a Swartzentruber group which we’ve covered here before (most recently on the remarkable story of Levi Shetler, who has been in 14 separate buggy accidents).
It’s a very plain group, so you can understand the response (though truth be told, Amish in more progressive communities would respond similarly – Amish do not recognize membership in multiple churches).
The Weavers want to make it easier for their Anabaptist kin to follow their path:
While during the first few months the Weavers went through financial hardships, they believe that God opened a way for them to make a living. And, as they share, through a series of miracles, a property was provided with a small two-bedroom house on acreage. There they launched the West Salem Mission in June 2015, with the goal of sharing the Bible’s full message with others in the community.
The property house was quickly converted into a small worship center and is currently doubling as a space for the home school group.
“Now we are dreaming of building a new church and a school,” said Andy. “God willing, it will be the first Amish Seventh-day Adventist Church that we know of.”
An Amish Seventh-day Adventist Church. Sounds like a contradiction in terms. This article again brings up the question of whether “Amish” is a religion or a culture, which we’ve explored here before.
It seems that the Weavers, who continue to dress plain, are treating the Amish part of their background as more of a cultural element, as spiritually they have aligned with a different movement.
People who leave the Amish often consider themselves “ex-Amish” or “former Amish“, in other words, no longer Amish. They may say they were “raised Amish”.
There are churches who cater to ex-Amish (or soon-to-be-ex-Amish) people, for example those of the Charity movement based in Lancaster County.
Whether the Weavers manage to keep a foot in both worlds or not, this story reminds me of the richness and diversity of religious belief in North America.
While their home community certainly doesn’t condone being a part of two religious groups simultaneously, the Weavers want to make it work somehow.
Andy & Naomi, interviewed
Coincidentally, I recently came across a video of Andy and Naomi appearing on a Seventh-day Adventist television program.
They’re a likable pair. In the video, they explain their faith journey and Amish customs.
They share a lot of interesting information, including on how church tensions resolve, why Amish have accents in English, the reason Amish infant boys wear dresses, and how reading the Martyrs Mirror led Andy away from the Amish church:
Keep reading your Bible
Great. Everyone needs to pick up a Holy Bible and read it. God will open your eyes to the truth.
Blessings.
Ethnic Amish
If Amish is used as an ethnic label, then it is possible to be both Amish and 7th Day Adventist. However, the term “Amish” or “Mennonite” should not be an ethnic label. Cory Anderson is not an ethnic Beachy Amish, but is still a member of that church. Same goes for Mark Curtis. There are many who are Amish or Mennonite by choice, rather than by birth. Andy and Naomi are Amish by birth and by dress but are not practising Amish as they have given up all but the most visible part of being Amish.
Ethnic Amish vs. Church Membership
Osiah since this site has a pretty defined focus (Old Order Amish) I also favor the term Amish being used to describe religious identification/membership.
However I have often heard from Amish-raised or even baptized people who are no longer members or associated with an Amish church who still consider themselves Amish or part-Amish, by which they are referring to their cultural identification, or way of thinking, or lifestyle, etc.
I quoted a good illustrative comment from Saloma Furlong on this point at one of the links above: https://amishamerica.com/what-does-being-amish-mean/
I’ll share it again. Here’s Saloma:
“I still retain many Amish ways. Many people tell me I do not dress “in style” which is probably true… I just don’t pay attention to the latest fashions. I mostly wear solid, bright colors and I wear what’s comfortable. I am told my home looks “Amish.” I am a decent cook and I was a professional baker for 10 years, which grew out of my Amish background. I still practice many of the homespun arts I learned from my mother. I believe my strong work ethic comes from my upbringing. I don’t buy the latest technologies to have them, but rather I think about what might simplify my life instead of complicate it. So, I’m essentially what the Amish claim you cannot be… partly Amish. They claim you are either Amish or not — there is nothing in between.”
Maybe if another term was used like “Amish-raised” or “culturally Amish” it would clear up potential confusion.
Unser Leit
Are you familiar with this 2 large volumn by Leroy Beachy of Ohio? Really interesting history of Amish from initial persecution to settlement in US. I find it fascinating and very informative. I found the ad for it in the Chrisrmas issue of the Budget. FYI
Hi Anita I am familiar with Unser Leit but have to admit have not read it 🙂 I guess I’ve been daunted by the size so have put off diving into it. I know quite a few people have commented that it is well done.
https://kb.osu.edu/dspace/bitstream/handle/1811/69363/JAPAS_SymposiumReview_vol3-issue1_pp110-123.pdf?sequence=1
Am currently reading another sizable book (though not Unser Leit scale) – Mark Louden’s Pennsylvania Dutch: The Story of an American Language. Quite interesting so far from both a historical and linguistic perspective.
Ethnic Amish!
OSIAH HORST What do you describe as the most visible part of the Amish?
Amish or Not
“as they have given up all but the most visible part of being Amish.” The most visible part of being Amish is obviously the cultural aspects – every one knows what Amish look like (even though they obviously do not all look the same.) but none of can know the spiritual part of an Amish person by looking at them. The picture shown with this post would seem to be of an Amish couple – that is all we can see in the picture. But if they have left the Amish faith, if they have abandoned the Amish teaching and way of life, they can no longer claim to be Amish. They may retain some aspects of Amish culture – that will probably never be lost completely.
Reference to the Weavers position & look
Well explained Osiah Horst
I have friends that are like brother & sister to my family & me and I respect their simple pure ways.
HalleluYaH for these examples of His love through individuals who obviously long to follow in His footsteps
Blessed day to all
Shabbat shalom
sabbath
hmm, well, anyone who has read the Bible, knows Saturday is the Sabbath, not Sunday. The Roman Church kept the Pagan day of SUN-Day as a factor in destroying believers adherence & loyalty to the Commandments. So the real question is why Amish & most Brethren, ignore God’s commandment & still kneel to the Roman paganism.
Seems to rational people, that if we wish to follow God’s laws & standard then Saturday has to be maintain or reaffirmed as the Sabbath.
Belonging to two churches
Goodness! Clearly these people are no longer Amish. They’re being interviewed, and attend services in a different church. Is looking Amish more financially rewarding? As for the Bible revealing the truth, whose truth would that be? Yours or mine?
correct
they not longer adhere to tenets of their former congregation. the problem here is one of labels. They tenets seem t be still Brethren,, just not what Jacob Amman wanted.
They are now Sabbath Brethren. Going back to a valid belief.
truth
Ia there more than one truth?
Seventh-day Adventist not SDA
Left SDAism more than 20 years ago after learning of the many major teachings that did not agree with the Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental beliefs of 1883 written by James White and Uriah Smith. A few years later I stopped addressing my Heavenly Father with the titles ‘god’ and ‘lord’ and His Son with words like ‘jesus’and ‘christ’. As scripture plainly teaches beginning from Genesis one and throughout the next day begins at evening. The weekly day of rest begins at evening the sixth day and ends at even the seventh day – evening is twelve hours and morning is twelve hours. ‘Morning/sunrise’ begins at six a.m. and ‘evening/sunset’ begins at six p.m.. Each day of the year is determined by creation not the sun. Just as The Most High does not change neither does the length of the day regardless of the season. Hours used in the story of Messiah’s death also reveal when a day ends. It is my earnest prayer that the hearts of all who seek to do as The Most High teàches will be softened and their eyes and ears opened to His Word. I believe in The Father and His Son just as the early Seventh-day Adventist pioneers I do not believe in the absurd teaching of a trinity; blessings to all.
Yoder is correct
Amish are followers of a doctrine of Yakov (Jacob) Amman. It is a variant of Mennonite or Brethren or Anabaptist philosophic reformation including the ancestral forms of current Baptists groups. The Old Order German Baptists keep many of the CULTURAL aspects, dress, morals etc. As do Hutterites, many Mennonite groups, but they are not Amish i.e. followers of Jacob Amman.
The problem here partially is that most English see the Amish as a unified doctrine group, that is not accurate. each congregation has its standards. There is no reason that the Weavers can not be the beginning of a BRETHREN movement to return to more adherence to more of the 613 commandments. Seems like good, moral decent people. We would not shun them because of that.
The Sabbath is a sign!
Those who read their bible will know that the Sabbath is a sign for those who “do not believe” 1 Cor. 1:22, Ezek. 20:20, 1 Cor. 14:22. The Christian preoccupation should not be seeking signs but rather listening for “Sounds” Rom. 10:17, 1 Cor. 15:52.
saturdays
Saturdays was a Jewish law. Christians are not under the law so that is why it is on Sunday.
That isn’t true!
No where does it say Sabbath is a “Jewish law”. Please do not bare false witness of the bible and show the verse. Mark 2:27 says it’s for mankind. So does Ecclesiastes 12:13.
Study the Bible, not just quote something that’s not even a commandment! God isn’t vague:
https://youtu.be/XtXqvy18erU
Are you saying gentile Luke lied calling the Sabbath a commandment many years after the death of Christ when he wrote his gospel? Luke 23:56.
So.. My name is savanna and I have a husband and the oldest of my 3 turned 5 in June. I was lead to an Amish book in our hometown here in bellville tx. And not only are we interested but we do believe this is how we should be living our lives and raising our children this way. But as you know. We are all sinners and if I could I would beg me and my family’s way into a amish community. My question is. Will a amish church/community will ever except me and my husband because we both have tattoos. I understand now Jesus dose not want you to permanently damage your bosy. And I’m ashamed of the way he sees me now. But again. I would beg me and my family into an Amish community if they would let me.
Sunday Sabbath is Scriptural
The Roman Catholic Church has always maintained Sunday because
of the new Testament belief in Jesus’ resurrection on that
day, and the writings from the early church regarding “On the
first day of the week they gathered together for the breaking of
the Bread.” The authority to move the Sabbath comes from Christ’s
church, “He who hears you, hears Me,” for the Mystery of the
Resurrection & His saving death on the cross calls all to a new
life, a new creation. The Church also has the authority from Him to
replace, for example, the Old Testament restriction about eating
pork, for Christ is the Paschal Lamb, the new pasch. Sunday Sabbath
is Christian because Christ as God in union with the Father created
the world but also brought about the new creation to which we are
called.
Biblical Law is the only religious law for any Christian group.
We see neo-heretics, making endless excuses & inventing nonsense to justify their groveling to Roman Catholic Church & it’s practices. but quote “I come to FULFULL the LAW, not to destroy it.” Changing Sabbath to the pagan Sunday is destroying the law. & is close if not actual blasphemy?
The Early Church
We Catholics believe in the Word, Jesus Christ, Who died for us sinners. He Himself said that He came to fulfill the Law which was
only partly revealed in the Old Testament. Read the writings of the
early Church Fathers. Early Christians always observed Sundays, while the Jewish observed Saturdays. Do you practice all the temple and
dietary laws of the first five books of the Holy Bible? Do you attend
the temple? It is not Christian to call those who disagree with you
names, and it obstructs finding and understanding the Truth. You
are forgiven in Jesus’ Holy Name.
Brother Jeremy
Interesting
I will be interested to read the comments on this article. I have wondered about the faith aspect of the Amish. The cultural side is easily seen, but I’m not sure what beliefs they actually hold. I know they are Christian, but there are a lot of different denominations with a lot of variation in how they organize their church and how they interpret the Bible.
Beliefs
Amish beliefs are the same basic beliefs you find in any non-cult Protestant church. The real differences (as with any Protestant denomination) come with Communion, Baptism, and lifestyle/conduct. Cults differ from other Protestants in their beliefs about the Bible, Jesus, and other believers, to simplify.
Amish have the same Belief as other?
Barb Zimmerman If you think the Amish have the same belief as other churches, why is it the strict Amish believe they are the only ones going to Heaven?
Who is going to Heaven when they die?
I have just one simple question!
#1 many different cultures and beliefs call themselves Christians?
#2 many people are believers and are faithful to an assembly, still others may not belong to an assembly! Which ones does the Bible say are saved?
CHRISTIANS OR BELIEVERS?
Please leave your choice and why.
Thank You & God Bless all
that are on their way to Heaven 100% for-sure!
I believe I’m still of an Amish Heritage.
I was born and raised Amish in Arthur Illinois.
Andy Miller now living in Lebanon, MO
Danger Zone
This is a dangerous area for Amish and all Christians. Is our belief an inheritance or a decision?
Bibliotry
Seems like a slavish adherence to the Bible as translated into English (which of the dozens of versions are these folks promoting?) and not taking it from the original Greek or Hebrew, much less the Old German.
But for that matter, why make the Bible the sole guide to life? After all, it wasn’t officially adopted in its current form until the Council of Trent in 1546. To be sure, it was generally accepted by the Fourth or Fifth century. Still many centuries of Christians lived and died without believing that the Bible was the sole guide to a good life and death.
Then there are the dozens of internal contradictions, ranging from two different genealogies of Jesus in the Gospels to disagreement over when the Last Supper happened.
Indecisiveness!
Boyce Rensberger I wish you would decide what you or who you believe and trust!
I don’t wish to be mean, however you will have to make a decision what you believe before you die! There is no changing of ones mind after that death call!
I *know* what I believe, Andy...
…but that’s beside the point. I was simply raising some facts that are well known to bible scholars, but I thought might not be known to everyone on this blog.
My apologies for being three years late with this.
Amish Seventh-Day Adventists?
Hi Erik, The disciples of the early church met for communion and worship on the 1st day of the week, Sunday, from the beginning. Acts 20:7. A collection was also taken on the 1st day of the week. 1Cor 16:2. Jesus rose on the 1st day of the week. Matt 28:1; Mark 16: 2+9; Luke 24:1; John 20: 1+19.
God instituted the Sabbath, the 7th day of the week(Saturday), for the Jews as a day of rest. In Genesis God tells us that He rested from His work of creation on the 7th day.
Our rest is in Christ, not the Sabbath of the Old Testament. True born-again believers rest in Christ. The Good News of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life-a free gift-through Jesus Christ alone. Not of works that anyone should boast(Ephesians 2: 8+9).
Blessings to you and your family, Carol
Thanks Carol!
Thanks Carol
Carol it is so simple most will not find the truth, because everyone thinks I have to do something to be saved! When in reality people will do more for Jesus after they understand He paid it all 2000 years ago and it all depends on what He did, Not what I do!
Here is something I wish I could mail to every home in America!
Arranged by someone that cares for you!
In the beginning God the Father said to God the Son and the Holy Spirit, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, so they may rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move on the earth.
Adam was made? Soul, Body, and Spirit!
Soul (the seat of Knowledge) After God the Father which he breathed into Adam:
Body (Like Jesus) That which was created by God the Holy Spirit and nurtured by Mary, Spirit a part of the Holy Spirit!
Man was a Three Fold person just like our (God Head) Father, Son & Holy Spirit
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27
First Sin man committed! Eating a Forbidden Fruit
God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
That day they died but yet they lived! The Holy Spirit in them died! Genesis 2:17
They are now different from God they are a Two Fold Person, only Soul & Body!
And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a Son, after his image; and called his name Seth: Genesis 5:3
All people are born in the likeness of Adam: a Two Fold Person!
Only after the Second Birth are people like God again a Three Fold Person!
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.
John 3:16-21
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to Condemn the World; but that the World through Him Might Be Saved. 18 He that Believeth is Not Condemned: but he that Believeth Not Is Condemned Already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Titus 3:5 Not by Work of Righteousness which we have done, but according to His Mercy he saved us, by the Washing of Regeneration, and Renewing of The Holy Spirit
This is the question do we believe it!
God Bless you, as you ponder on these things!
Where you will spend eternity will depend on it!
Response to Carol
Be informed Carol on the Jewish calendar. Its sundown to sundown not midnight to midnight like that of Gregorian calendar. Acts 20:7 happened on saturday evening (gregorian) or 1st day of the week (jewish). Saturday evening is already 1st day in Jewish calendar.Proof – theres many lights & Eutychus fell coz it was a long worship service, he was there since early sabbath morning as a usual practice. Apostle Paul was breaking bread coz he has to depart to Assos in the morning.
Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. 9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
Act 17:2 And Paul, as his manner (or CUSTOM) was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures. Act 18:4 And Paul reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
Compare Paul to Jesus custom or habit. Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his CUSTOM was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day…Jesus, the way, the truth & the life. He is our example as a true believing Christian. He changed not…Mal 3:6, the same yesterday, today & forever Heb 13:8. He is also the Lord of the sabbath Mark 2:28. Enjoy then His fellowship by faith every Sabbath.
Things Jesus said before the foundation of the world!
Colossians 2:10-16 King James Version
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Congratulations on a fine website
Congratulations, Erik, on an informative and tasteful website (and videos). I appreciate being able to learn about Amish religious beliefs and the culture that arises out of those beliefs.
Sunday isn’t observed anywhere in the Bible
Please don’t be fooled by vague out of context interpretation.
Study the Bible, not just quote something that’s not even a commandment! God isn’t vague:
https://youtu.be/XtXqvy18erU
Are you saying gentile Luke lied calling the Sabbath a commandment many years after the death of Christ when he wrote his gospel? Luke 23:56.
We're Family 'In Christ'
There is only the truth, not the post-modern ‘your truth’, ‘his truth’, ‘her truth’ or ‘my truth’. Having said that, I believe I know what the Bible teaches but I could be wrong. I think every believer in Christ should be open to not fully apprehending the truth and should be open to growing and learning. As Christians, we should assume ‘good faith’ and the best in each other until proven otherwise. We should impute good motives in fellow believers who disagree with us. “In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis (or, dubiis) libertas, in utrisque (or, omnibus) caritas.” “in essentials, unity; in doubtful matters, liberty; in all things, charity.” Many Christians can relate to holding views at one stage in life that they changed their mind on. We should be building bridges with other Christians who disagree with us while holding fast and acting on that which we believe to be true. Bickering among Christians, or worse killing over religion, is not advancing the gospel. We can and should defend what we believe to be true without descending into the mud and calling our fellow Christians names, mocking or belittling them. So, Sabbatarians are my brothers and sisters in the Lord as are those who worship on the first day. As a 7th day Sabbatarian, I can and do admire the faithfulness of Eric Liddell, who chose to give up fame and chose not to run on a Sunday at the 1924 Olympics. His Sabbath was Sunday. I can also admire the loving servant leadership of Catholics like Ruth Pfau or Max Kolbe or of a Strict Baptist like Dr. Paul Brand. These are people with whom I share most if not all of the essentials but differ on things like the Sabbath. Their lives are a testimony and faithful witness to me. They inspire and encourage me.
The issue of the Sabbath is complicated. D. A. Carson, an Evangelical scholar has written that “It is one of the most difficult areas in the study of the relationship between the Testaments and in the history of the development of doctrine.” As a result, it’s not surprising that there should be Christian brothers on both sides of the issue. There is evidence that early Christ-followers worshipped in synagogues on the 7th day (Shabbat) just as there is evidence that they also worshipped on Sunday, such as in Acts 20:7 and as early as 115 AD. British New Testament scholar Andrew T. Lincoln has written that “The Sabbath was an institution too central to Judaism for it to have been tampered with without provoking hostile reaction and persecution, but there’s no record of persecution on this account. Instead, the early Jewish Christians appeared to have taken advantage of Sabbath observance to preach Jesus the Messiah”. To my Christian brothers and friends who worship on Sunday but who also see the Shabbat as strictly for the Jews, I would respectfully note that God rested on the 7th day of Creation (See Gen. 2:2. This was long before Abraham and before there were any Jews. Jesus was a rabbi and rested on Shabbat. Nowhere does Jesus say that the Sabbath was finished with Him and that his followers should now rest on the day He rose. On the contrary, Jesus told his followers that they should hope they didn’t have to flee future persecution on the Sabbath. In fact, Jesus body rested in the tomb on Shabbat as well, prior to resurrection on the 1st day of the week. Also, to my Christian brothers who believe that we now rest “in Christ”, the large majority of Sabbatarians believe that also. I don’t believe, for example, that resting on Sabbath qualifies me for salvation any more than not committing adultery or committing murder. All of Jesus’ commandments are binding on me but don’t qualify me for salvation (by works). The Sabbath is a gift, an oasis in time. Physical rest on the seventh day Sabbath is but the sign of the rest Christ-followers have all week long because of the finished work of Christ. “We who have believed do enter into rest” (Heb 4:3) With respect to Collosians 2:16, this is one negative reference vis-a-vis 149 positive ones throughout scripture, with the majority being in the NT. As scholar Eduard Lohse has argued, the issue discussed in Colossians is not the law but rather with “human precepts and doctrines” and man-made regulations pertaining to HOW the Sabbath or ‘holy times’ were to be observed. Collisions 2:16 takes for granted the observance of Sabbath but rejects abstention of all forms of pleasure on it (Isaiah 58:13 talking about “business”). Collisions 2:16 no more wipes out all Sabbath-keeping than it wipes out all eating and drinking. The apostle Paul’s silence on Sabbath could mean, having studied under Gamaliel, that he took it for granted. The principle behind Pauls letter to the Romans, found in Romans 14, is instructive: 1) Accept other Christian brothers on disputable matters, 2) Reject pride and 3) Live by one’s conscience. Leading people to Christ is the main thing; the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.
Collissions in Collosians
Apparently, the auto spell-check prefers “Collisions” to “Collosians”. The spell-checker is obviously not a Christian. 🙂
Sabbath is 7th day, any counter claim is perverted.
breaking bread means. meant ending a Sabbath (7th day) fast. there is no implication in that of changing Gods commandment to keep the sabbath. Paul as with other Anti-Semites (holy roman church, Constantine, the roman empire). were determined to destroy not only Judah, the Jewish People but to corrupt Gds law & commandments for personal gain. There is nothing in the valid interpretations & translation of Jesus to imply that he broke any of the Law or encouraged such. Did he not say that he came to fulfill the Law (not prophecy but Law) not to destroy it. all of the knee-jerking, fake deliberate mistranslated nonsense, do NOT change what the Bible says. the 7th day is the Sabbath. Any counter claim is blasphemy & against Jesus’s own words & practices.
Seems obvious that what offends bigots from all angles, is that the Weavers being moral people & evidently able t read the Bible & understand it, are adhering to a few more of the 613 commandments that all the phony Christians. They should be a model for Christians everywhere.
True Christians are a grafted limb on the tree of JUDAISM AS GOD WILLED. They do not arrogantly change His Laws & His will as he gave to ALL mankind thru the Jews.
Here come the “true Christians” in the comment section. You know the zealous wannabe Christians who swear, eat like pigs (gluttony), etc, and don’t follow all the teachings in the Bible themselves, but can tell us that they know the Bible more than others.
Thanks for the complement {{True Christians}
A J It always amazes me when God uses men that don’t believe, to call those he thinks are not saved True Christians! Mockingly using the word Christian just like the people in Antioch did in the early church days recorded in
Acts 11:26 King James Version
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Who will go to Heaven a Christian or a Believer?
Also, there is no sure path to Heaven. Only God can judge you. I’m tired of hearing from certain Christians that they know the Bible more than others English itself is a translated language and not the original language of the Testaments (Greek and Latin are). We can only live our life to the best of our ability as Christians. In the end only God can judge us. Your version of Christianity isn’t any surer than the Amish.
latin ?
which books were written in Latin? most were in Hebrew. It is well know that various “translators” slanted wording to their quirks. To cater to local royalty or Roman authorities, to diminish the roles of women, to reinforce antisemitism. & rarely did they have any scholarly education in Biblical Hebrew or archaic Greek.
The New Testament was written in Greek
The New Testament was originally written in Greek, and in fact, in a style of Greek used by well educated people. This is Bible scholarship 101.
For what it’s worth, there is no evidence that any of the twelve disciples spoke or wrote Greek. They were mostly working-class and probably spoke Aramaic, a forerunner of Hebrew. Fishermen, as some were, were not usually even literate. Thus Bible scholars say that Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were not any of the original disciples.
If you don't know, why do you not know?
God is the same yesterday, today and forever!
Job 19: 1-26
23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!
25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
2 Timothy 1:12-14 King James Version (KJV)
12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
The believers wil never be judged about their Salvation!! Salvation is by believing Jesus paid for all Our Sins!
Abraham Justified by Faith
Rom 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
Rom 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Rom 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Rom 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Rom 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Rom 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
Rom 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
Rom 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
Rom 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
This reminds me of the Ephrata Cloister, founded in the early 18th century, founded by members of the Schwarzenau Brethen (now commonly known as German Baptists) who had come to believe in the seventh-day Sabbath.
come to belive?
no, they returned to what God commanded . Any & all excuses for any other day of worship is pure paganism. people have the right to be neo-pagans & have anti-Biblical practices. This is America, BUT do NOT invent distorted twisted excuses for defying Gods commandments. They were used by the Roman church, royalty & governments in Europe & Middle East for centuries to persecute the followers of God’s word. Even here in America we had &still have “blue laws” forcing everyone to adhere to pagan sabbath (Sunday).
Scriptural & Not Pagan
See my other written comments as to why Sunday Sabbath is Scriptural, and why the Catholic Church from the earliest days of Christianity has
adhered to it. It is Scriptural, Christian, and not pagan.
Brother Jeremy
wild stretch to justify pagan practices.
Did the Pope supply the distorted & irrelevant “quotes”. Satan always finds tools to attempt to destroy the word & Laws of GOD.
Better research needed
If you really want to understand Catholic teachings go to an authentic Catholic source, not ones which tend to be anti-Catholic. The pope
never condoned pagan beliefs and practices, and saying he did
does not square with authentic Biblical teaching as taught from the
earliest centuries.
They are a "Different Religion"
These dear folks are not Amish. They are Seventh Day Adventists, or as the Amish would say, “They have a different religion”. That is their right, of course, but they should not try to mix the two. It leads to confusion. It’s impossible to be both Amish and Adventist at the same time. According to Scripture, “a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Listening to them, it’s obvious they have changed religions, rightly or wrongly. They are part of what the Amish call “the great falling away”. They are what some call “runaways”, but to others they are simply “ex-Amish”, who are now Seven Day Adventists.
Serving two masters!
From one Minister Andy Miller to another Minister Terry Miller!
I have always thought the two minds spoken of were God and Mammon!
Mathew 6:24
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Please advise me as to which religion is God and which is Mammon!
Or maybe we should do as this verse says!
Isaiah 26:3-4 King James Version
3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
4 Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:
I think if we make that our Religion, then it matters not who we fellow ship with! As long as everyone’s mind is Stayed on Jesus
{ H5564
סָמַךְ Stayed
sâmak
saw-mak’
A primitive root; to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense): – bear up, establish, (up-) hold, lay, lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay (self), sustain.
Total KJV occurrences: 48
H982
בָּטַח (Trusteth)
bâṭach
baw-takh’
A primitive root; properly to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as H2620); figuratively to trust, be confident or sure: – be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust.
Total KJV occurrences: 120
I think we would be far better off if we questioned a person about his relationship and not what church he goes to!
Peace Brother when our mind is Stayed on and it Trusts Jesus Christ, be he Amish, Mennonite, Beachy, Church of Christ, Seventh day or First Day, matters not, but what have we done with Jesus Christ!
Andy Miller Lebanon, MO 65536
amiller@fidnet.com
417-594-3443
John 17:3
Are we to shun people because they choose to follow their understanding of what scripture teaches? For nearly 35 years I was trapped within the sda mindset until the mid 90’s when I came to the realize that much of what I was hearing was false. Original Seventh-day adventism today is nothing like it was when it began as doctrines have changed and pillars removed. People leaving prior denominations and joining elsewhere is nothing new. Sadly since late 1800’s sda has left it’s original foundation and mixed in with the roman catholic teachings of protestantism. I commend these young people for stepping out from what they were once taught to serve The Most High it is my sincere prayer that their eyes and ears continue to be opened and they continue to grow in truth.
correct
Amish is a specific religious grouping, the adherents of Jacob Amman. It is that simple. So yes, they are no longer Amish. The confusion arises from cultural practices. There were & are a number of other Brethren spin-offs, Hutterites, various Mennonites, Old Order German Baptists (mostly now in Indiana in the “Amish” areas). the situation is to some degree caused by our so-reliable media. It labels all “Plain” folks as Amish. Many Mennonites are still plain, but many have CULTURALLY Americanized to various degrees that some are not noticeable.
There is a common area of cultural practices & traits held. e.g. the commandment against shaving the jaw for men by “Plain” people. The 7th Day Adventist hold to most of God’s 613 commandments, diet (their version of kosher laws), the sabbath etc. There have been other groups returning to the Law. House of David for example.
What most American Christians wish (demand) to be religious morals, standards etc are direct from European & Roman cultural tribal paganism. & perversely assign such to obscure or non-existent Biblical sources. That hypocrisy is understandably part of the disregard & hostility & hatred of Jews (as God’s Chosen). That now we see more anti-religious attitudes from from secular, freethinking or just rational fair-minded people.
“Blue” (Sunday) laws are an example. Why would a free people force by LAW (armed troopers) the closure of business, commerce, production on a specific day of the week. Simple. it was & still is hypocrisy, defiance & perversion of, not only God’s law, but the very basis of our Republic (the forcing of religion on everyone by governemnt force).
This is an interesting post. I think it brings up the question of what is the definition of “Amish”. Is it a definition that individuals/married couples can make by themselves? Or does a person’s identity as “Amish” also need to be confirmed/accepted by the local Amish community as well as by Amish of that affiliation living in other areas?
Just as there are “plain” Mennonites, Brethren, German Baptists, Quakers, etc., I think of the Weavers as Plain Seventh Day Adventists. They seem very sincere in their finding a sense of renewal in their Christian faith, and show a strong desire for others, especially fellow Amish, to also find renewal in their Christian faith.
In the pictures in this post, as well as in the video which the post had a link to, I observed several children and adults who do not seem to be dressed nearly as plain as the Weavers. It will be interesting to see as time goes on and others from non-Amish background join the Weavers’ church, if the newcomers will be required to dress as plainly as the Weavers, learn to drive horse and buggies, need to learn Pa. Dutch, etc.
In a statement in the first part of the video, Andy Weaver stated that the Amish “started out as a culture and has definitely become a religion.” This is an interesting viewpoint. My understanding is that the Amish started out as a “religion”(subgroup of Christianity) and through the centuries, for some it has become a culture as well as a religion.
Presbyterian Amish
I used to be a part of a reformed Presbyterian Church in the Lancaster area and not long after I left two Amish youth showed up. As it turned out the one young man was the son of a bishop. The bishop as it happened, was a regular subscriber to the credenda agenda, a reformed publication from Moscow Idaho. The bishop had been heavily influenced by the publication and was perfectly okay with his so. Attending the other church. His friend, however,was from a different district and was shunned.
I am SDA
I came into the church 33 years ago and we work with Almish, Mennonite, New Order, Charity. Plus others as well. Thank you for a wonderful testimony! 937-515-0863 or 0864.
Children of God
So Just another verbal view….. I think many people are fascinated (thus all the tourist) with the Amish . So I would say many are fascinated with the culture. I question whether all these tourist even think about the religious component. We who live out in the (English ) world are so overwhelmed with our “crazy” world that we longingly look at the Amish way of life(culture). I think that for the Amish it is religious beliefs dictating culture.
Not of the world = Kingdom Nation
Amish is not independent of the Bible just as Seventh-Day or Pentecostal or Mennonite …
I was raised Presbyterian/Freemason, then born again. From then on prayer and the Bible through EvangCov, IndApostol, PraiseCh, 7thDayAdv, IndFullGosp, FreePresb, IndCharis, IndBible, ConsMenno, Messianic, FWBapt.
…
Essentially 7thDay Mennonite Holiness Pentecostal HouseOfPrayer. Member ==>
TenCommandment BeardedMenLeading.
Let us go on unto perfection, and occupy until he comes. He is our salvation and we are his workmanship!
Amazing Adventist Amish
I Liked your testimony . Beautiful. Want to know more about your family, Amish and the other practices. May the Lord Bless you and your ministry you are doing. I wish more and more Amish will learn the true message and accept into it.