Submit your Amish questions

This will be our last post of 2011, with a little break from new posting until the New Year.

amish windy laundryBut in the meantime I wanted to put out an invitation for Amish-related questions–anything from questions about Amish beliefs to settlements to cultural practices and so on.

I can’t promise I’ll be able to answer everything, but your questions may form the basis of some interesting posts.

For instance, over the past year we’ve had posts answering reader questions such as “Do Amish play football?”; “Do Amish evangelize?”; “What are your Lancaster County favorites?”; “Are Swartzentruber Amish saved?”; “Do you have Amish friends?” and so on.

We also did something similar last December, answering 54 of your Amish business questions.

So, wishing everyone the happiest of New Years, and if there’s something you’ve wondered concerning the Amish, don’t be bashful, just post your question in the comments.

We’ll try to get to those starting in January 2012 (and even though this is the last official post of the year, I’ll still be bouncing around the comments section).

Get the Amish in your inbox

Join 15,000 email subscribers. No spam. 100% free

    Similar Posts

    Leave a Reply to Lee Ann Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    105 Comments

    1. Fr. Andre Leveille, CSC

      Comparing Amish Faith to Mainline Christian faith.

      What does the Amish faith have most in common with mainline Christian religions and how do they most differ?

      Do the Amish have baptism, communion, confirmation, marriage, ordination and annointing of the sick like some mainline Christian religions?

      Do the Amish live the spiritual life in the family like men and women do in religious communities in the Catholic faith?

      Have you ever heard of the practice of “mourning handkerchieves” in the Amish community?

    2. Roberta Klooster

      Field preperation in Lancaster, PA, area

      We are looking forward to coming to the Bird-in-Hand, PA, area in the spring and one of our things we love watching most is the men preparing their fields with teams of horses. What is the time frame for that?

    3. F Frey

      Eric

      What church or religion do you belong to?

    4. Robin Wyatt

      questions

      There has always been alot of question I have wanted the answers to. But there is 2 I really would like to know. 1) Is there anyway to get say like a pen pal? I would really love to have one. and then 2) I am very intrested in why people of all faiths believe what they believe,and not just because of family, Is there anyway to corresponed with a Bishop or Decon? sorry about my spelling. I hope to hear the answeres soon.

      Thanks for beening here and have a great New Years.

      Robin Wyatt

    5. Leo

      Jury Duty

      Do Amish people serve on a juries?

    6. Lisa Roszler

      Hope Chests

      1)Do Amish girls have “hope chests” where they collect things to be used to set up their first homes?

      2)At what age does an Amish couple generally marry? (I am guessing it would occur after baptism.)

      3) If an Amish teen decides to live outside the community during rumspringa, what resources are available to help them in the “English” world?

      (I’m the mother of five young adults, so you see where my questions come from! LOL)

    7. OldKat

      Can I make a statement instead of asking a question? Well actually, I guess I just asked a question didn’t I?

      My statement is this; I fooled around and waited around until right before Christmas before attempting to order something for my daughter from your advertiser, Amish Workshops. A day or so after I did finally order I received an email from AW saying that while the Amish craftsman did have the item that I ordered on hand; he felt that it had an imperfection and he wanted to know if I would prefer the item shipped as is, or would I prefer the that he make another one and ship it instead? Of course with the result being that it would not arrive by Christmas, but will ship in mid to late January instead.

      I was so impressed with this that I elected to wait rather than taking the one with the imperfection. I gave my daughter a picture of the item instead and told her it that she will get it when he can get another one made. So my comment is kudos to Amish Workshops and kudos to Eli the Amish craftsman in Michigan. I am very happy with the way they both do business.

      1. Really a nice little story Oldkat. I thank you for sharing it.

    8. juan carlos

      WHAT DO THEY READ THE MOST?

      what do Amish read most? in practice, do they really read Pathway Publishers’ publications, or is most of their reading material from other non Amish publishing companies? what are the most common books found (AND USED/READ OFTEN) in their homes? in Bishops’ and Ministers’ homes?

    9. Nic

      diapering babies & toddlers, & potty training...

      Do the Amish use cloth diapers & cloth trainer unders for their babies & toddlers? & if so, are ‘allowances’ made to the laundry day rule of only washing once a week, bc, as a cloth diapering mother I know, dirty diapers cannot sit for a week waiting to be laundered, nor could a mother have enough stock to even last an entire week without washing. & if they do use cd’s, what kinds? just curious…thank you!

      1. Ohio Ann

        diapers/laundry

        I’m not sure how many use cloth diapers vs. disposables. I know quite a few disposables are used because I taxi for the Amish community and see the results of shopping trips. But since in our community the laundry is done more than once a week I would imagine the cloth diapers are washed as needed.

    10. lisa kuhn

      separation of males and females...

      hi i saw another installment of the series on the amish from british tv. there was a discussion about dating and how males and females don’t touch each other. but then i wondered, at what age does this apply? do children play together or are the sexes separated from the beginning? what about within a family? i presume if there was an emergency males and females could help each other – but what about cpr?? thank you!

    11. Karen D

      Settlements

      It is easy to find information on the larger Amish communities but I would like to know more about the smaller Amish communities as well as other Anibaptist communities and Plain groups that seem to pop up around these communities. I am a Plain Christian (non denominatial). I was thrilled to learn that there were small communities in Fosston and Fertils Minnesota, but you really didn’t go into any details about them.

    12. Alice Mary

      It’s a little embarassing asking some of these questions, but here it goes:

      How often do Amish bathe, and does it differ within each community or “parish” or by the “type” of Amish they consider themselves to be, re: Swartzentruber, Beachy, etc.?

      Along the same lines, do they use deodorant? Commercially available shampoos or other toiletries?

      Which Amish still use outhouses, “share” bath water (as I’ve read in some Amish fiction)?

      Some “female” questions: Do they (women of childbearing age) use paper products (same as “English” women) for their “time of the month”?

      Do these women get annual exams (PAP tests, internal exams, general yearly medical exams, etc?)

      Do Amish in general (infants, children, teens, adults of both sexes) get “routine” annual medical/dental exams, immunizations?

      In the winter, do they use sleighs or buggies with wheels? Even when they go into “town”?

      Do they sew their own, or purchase (commercially made) underwear? If the latter, are there any “restrictions” in each community—do males get to choose between “tighty whities” and “boxers”? Do women wear bras, or something else (camisoles, tank tops, t- shirts)?

      I’m diabetic, and wear a medical ID—do the Amish wear medical ID’s, if they have diabetes or other medical conditions?

      Are their marriage “contracts/certificates” (if there ARE such things among the Amish) kept in a central location, or “registered” with the state, etc.? (I’d think this would be useful since I believe they pay taxes…declaring all those children as dependents would help them monetarily).

      Please (sorry, Erik, I know I’ve asked multiple times), does anyone have photos of those “removeable walls” that Amish have in their homes, used to “expand” the indoor space for their church services? I’d like to see/learn about how they’re used. (If I ever have a house built, I’d like to incorporate them!)

      If I didn’t have to leave for work soon, I’m sure I’d think of more, but I’ll be happy with answers to these!

      Thank you! And may all Amish America readers be well, happy, and peaceful during the New Year. God bless!

      Alice Mary

      1. Ohio Ann

        several items

        Alice Mary, will try to answer some of you questions based on the Ohio Amish I am familiar with…things are different from community to community and among different sets of church rules.
        Bathing…In my experience the Amish I know bathe about the same as the nonamish in my area meaning some do on a regualr basis and some do not. Most of the families I know have indoor bathrooms with hot and cold running water so the opportunity is available. Outhouses are less common at homes but are at every school and the big plastic portable one holers are at many of the Amish businesses. One of my taxi customers is an Avon representative and sells alot of soap, shampoo, skin so soft etc. Not so much perfume or makeup (although some of the youngies, girls 14 to marriage) use scents.
        Medical ID. At least one of my customers who has a life threatening medical condition carries ID.
        Removeable walls. In this area new homes are built with large open areas linking living and dining areas and I have seen few moveable walls in newer homes. Older homes purchased by the Amish are often remodeled into more open floor plans. Basements are usually one large space for church and gathering purposes. Home based workshops are often used for church services. I have seen very few moveable walls except for the schools. Each of the three schools in our local community is one big room divided by a wall into two classrooms. When more space is needed for Christmas programs or whatever the wall which is divided in two vertical sections is hinged at the ceiling and lifted up, secured in place with big hooks and makes one large room.

    13. Rita

      Teens driving

      I’ve seen the comments about teens, during Rumspringa, driving cars. How do they get a permit, practice time, license and money to buy a car without the parent’s assistance?

    14. David

      food preparation

      I hear that the Amish store and wash their meats separately before cooking? If so, when did this practice originate? … and why?

    15. SharonR

      AMISH Questions

      WOW — I think everyone has asked the questions I have also wondered about…..hope this doesn’t overwhelm you, Erik, but would love answers to all of them, if not too much trouble.

      My few questions, are: Since the Amish farmers and their neighbors mostly eat farm fresh products, are they generally healthier than the “Englishers”, or have they also fallen to eating “junk” like so many of us Englishers have, when they go into ‘town’? I so wish I could get all fresh products, here in Florida, but when things go out of season, we are left to buying frozen products or products from “out of the U.S.”, which I sometimes wonder about, myself. Would be interested to know that. I do know that “homemade” is better than “pre-cooked” or “convenience foods”, however.

      Also, on the religions of Amish and/or Mennonite — Do they read from Old Testament or New Testament, or both? Or is this where the “old and the new” order come into play? And in some “fiction”, I’ve read that the Bishops or Preachers do not like the congregation reading or “Studying” parts of the bible, other than what they have preached to them. Is this correct or not?

      Thanks and have a very good New Year and we’ll wait to hear from you, after you return, and to get your wits together! 🙂
      SharonR

    16. Theresa

      Amish Questions

      Hi Erik. I was wondering are there any settlements in or near Oakland county Mi? Also how does one become pen pals with an Amish person?

      Thank You Theresa

      1. Michigan Mary

        Amish in Michigan

        Theresa, as a Macomb County-ite, I thought I would answer this one for Erik – the nearest Amish to Oakland County are 3 distinct areas – you’ll need a Michigan Map – Clare, Gladwin and Marlett. None are really close because they are mostly farmers. There are also some near Cassville/Mendon and also up by Hubbard Lake/Mio/Fairview. I’ll leave the pen pal question up to Erik.

    17. Michigan Mary

      Well, Since You Asked

      Erik, you are going to be busy for years!! Here’s my share for the kitty: What are the standard burial rituals for the Amish? Who/what digs their graves? Takes care of their cemeteries? Thanks for taking the time to answer this, and all of the questions! Should make for interesting reading in 2012.

      1. Marcus Yoder

        Funerals are held at someone’s home. Sometimes in the summer they will set up a tent, sometimes it will be held in a shop or barn. The body is put in a simple casket. At the graveyard the body will be lowered in it’s final resting place, and covered by people taking turns shoveling soil in the hole.
        Marcus Yoder

        1. glen k

          more funeral questions

          a amish deceased emballmed? if not why not. understand i think modern burial preperation is an insult to the deceased and a rip off for the surviing family members.

    18. What interesting questions so far

      Quite a nice variety you are coming up with here, I can already tell we’ll have some interesting posts from these.

    19. Tom

      Who would win in a battle, Batman or Spider man? (Just Joking)

    20. Mona (Kentucky Lady).

      I have a couple also…Are all dogs kept outside or are some indoor pets ? That goes for cats and dogs ….

      Some people take better care of their pets than some people do of their children…..

      How do the older people date/marry after a spouse dies ? Or even the younger spouses who may lose a spouse to and accident, etc. ?

      1. Ohio Ann

        pets

        Most Amish that I am aquainted with do not have dogs in their homes. Sometimes in the walk-in basement on very cold nights but mostly the dogs are in barns or shops. Have never seen a cat in a home but many in the barns. One lady I know who raises a small breed dog for sale (and NO she is not a puppy mill) does bring the pups in from the heated kennel to get them used to being in a house before they are advertised for sale but in general I have seen few dogs in homes but many at homes.

    21. Mona (Kentucky Lady).

      STILL NEED THAT EDIT BUTTON ERIK 🙂

      Was suppose to be Or even the younger spouses who may lose a spouse to an accident, etc….

    22. Lee Ann

      Robin, I to have wanted an Amish pen pal. I spoke to several Amish women in Minn/Iowa and enjoyed chatting with them about everything. Very open about their children and quilting and their canning. I wish I could have stayed longer and been involved in a quilting bee.

      Someone asked if the Amish girls have hope chest, well, they don’t call them that, but yes they start making things and buy a few things to go in the chest their fathers make for them. They start to make things around the age of 12 to go in their chest. Since many marry right after baptism around the age of 18, they need everything ready.

    23. Al in Ky.

      I have a couple of questions about New Order Amish.
      Is there much intermarrying between New Order and Old Order Amish?

      Are there still Old Order churches/districts that are changing to
      New Order as was the case when the New Order began?

      Also — What are some Amish thoughts about environmental issues such as global climate change, sustainable farming, etc.?

    24. Slightly-handled-Order-man

      ’11, a good year at Amish America

      I’ll probably post several times with several questions, but one thing leaped to mind this evening.

      The Amish do not have church buildings like Mennonites have “Meeting Houses” and other Christian denominations have churches of various sizes and styles. Is there a reason why the Amish chose to worship in homes?

      Amish America had a great year this year, I enjoyed reading it, I for one have learned a lot, thank you Erik. All the best to everyone in 2012.

      1. glen k

        churches?

        IT IS MY UNDESTANDING THAT OLD ORDER AMISH CONSIDER CHURCHES AND OTHER EXTERNAL BUILDING OF WORSHIP AS ”WORLDLY” AND THEREFORE UNACCEPTABLE.

      2. Ohio Ann

        church buildings

        I assume the house church comes from the very early history of the Amish church when they had to meet in secret in homes to avoid persecution from the Catholic church of the time. In some areas of the world Christians still have underground churches much like the early Amsih/Mennonite. I have an amusing story about “church”. I have car trip bingo sheets in my car for the children when on longer taxi trips. One mother was checking to see what her third grade son had marked on his sheet and said “You marked a church, we haven’t been past a church.” (The picture is of a traditional looking “englisher” church) He said’ “Yes I did, we went past Sam’s house and that’s where we went to church last week!” I thought that was a great answer and told his mom that I thought he should to mark the space.

    25. Julie Carte

      Maine Settlement

      I agree with Mary Alice – I am curious about hygiene aspect of being Amish. I’ve often wondered if Amish women are allowed to use tampons or required to use sanitary napkins. Bras? Choice in underwear type for the men? Required to bathe only on certain days or if they can choose to do so daily?

      I would also like an update on the Maine settlement. The information I have is old, an article in the Bangor Daily News in 2005. Are they still thriving there? Have more moved into the area? What about the Unity Maine settlement?

      Thanks so much!!

    26. Debbie Welsh

      My husband wants to know if any of their ” home remedies ” for illnesses really work, or any of the bottled pills and tonics you see in their shops?

      Also, on one of our last trips to Lancaster, we stopped into the Dutchway Market/Restaurant in Gap for dinner and overheard one of the waitresses telling a table of Mennonites that she was from the ” New Order Amish ” group that drives cars and uses electricity! She looked Amish with her white organdy kapp and black apron, but her dress was a dark mustard yellow color and she had on black, modern type shoes, and just her whole demeaner was more friendly and carefree. I was quite surprised by this and wondered if you knew or had heard about them?

      1. SharonR

        Amish questions

        Partial answer to Debbie, on “New Order” Amish — like you, while in Lancaster, PA, we stopped in for breakfast, at Katie’s Kitchen, in RONKS, and was met with a “New Order” Amish waitress — she was attired in Amish dress, and she was very friendly, when we asked her about the “Amish” in general — she also indicated she was New Order and she had been raised in the Old Order…..we learned a lot from her, and appreciate her being so open with us and friendly. The breakfast was very good, as well….We also stopped in at a roadside produce stand, run by an Amish girl, and she was likewise friendly, but a bit reserved, so didn’t press her with questions, just out of respect. We bought several small pumpkins and gourds and bag of apples from her, which were all yummy!

        As we’ve come to learn, (on our trip and elsewhere) there are different orders that have different rules to live by, too. Like in Bird-in-Hand, a shop owner stepped outside to use his cell phone and have a smoke! It surprised me, and it looked a little weird, but the more I learned about their culture, regarding modern conveniences, the more I understood them.

        Thanks Erik for letting all of us “open up” with our questions….you sure do have a lot of research to do now–hope you enjoy the holidays, because you are going to be busy, answering all of us! LOL
        SharonR

    27. Char

      embarassing stuff...

      I agree with Alice Mary and Julie. I promise I’m not trying to be dirty or anything, but I’ve always wondered if Amish women wear brassieres, and have been curious about undergarment retrictions, and how they deal with monthly issues. [what products they are permitted to use. etc.]

      I read the blog of an ex-amish man [who was Schwartentrubber, I believe] and he was saying men don’t wear underwear at all. So that got me wondering about the hygiene standards in general, as well as those types of specifics.

      In the real world of today, how common are things such as bed courtship and wild, unsupervised Rumspringas? Are parents free to impose their own rules, even if the church district permits something they don’t want their children doing? I guess I would wonder in general if your parenting decisions would be dictated and/or second-guessed by the Brethren. How much do they supervise/interfere in the home [parenting, marriages, etc.]?

      Thanks!
      Happy New Year to everyone!

      Thanks for a great site, Erik!

    28. Lee Ann

      I would like to know why some of the Amish groups refuse to use the front coverings on their buggies. (like windshields) Seems odd not to use it in the winter and during storms as it would protect those inside the buggies.

      I to am interested in knowing how often marriages happen between old order and new order Amish.

      I have read that some Amish have freezers for food, but how can they do that without electricity? Are the freezers like the big deep freezers to hold all the summer produce or what? Seems like it would make sense to have a deep freezer to hold that and also the meet that the men kill such as deer, etc for meat year round.

      Don’t see how the Amish are any healthier than us English, as they eat way to many sweets.

      1. Ohio Ann

        buggy fronts, freezers

        The Schwartzentruber Amish do not use storm fronts (windshields) on their buggies nor do they use slow moving vehicle symbols (red triangles) or reflective tape. It is part of their church rules. I would imagine it is very cold to ride in this type of buggy.
        In our local Amish community the freezers are either kept at a neighbors and rent paid for the space and electircity or freezer space is rented at a local locker that is owned by an Amish business man and powered from a gasoline generator. The locker is not advertised to the general public but I have often taken my taxi customers to the locker to take or pick up meat.

    29. Theresa

      Amish Questions

      Thank You for your help, Michigan Mary. I was in Brown City a few years ago, going to Croswell Blueberry Farm & I saw there is a settlement there. I was just wondering if there were any closer to Oakland county than that. I also know that at the Armada flea market ther used to be some Amish that would come & sell produce & baked goods, but I don’t think they come anymore.

      Thank You for your time,

      Theresa

    30. Emily

      Charity Fellowship?

      I’m curious about the Charity Fellowship and its relationship to the Amish. I’ve heard about them a few times over the years, but I’ve never been clear on whether they’re a liberal Amish splinter group along the lines of the New Order Amish, or if they’re something else entirely.

    31. Valerie

      Charity Fellowship

      Hi Emily,
      I’ve been listening to Charities messages online a few years
      Here is a brief statement about their beginnings:

      “Many years ago God began working in the hearts of a former Amish man and a Baptist preacher. Mose Stoltzfus and Denny Kenaston both became burdened seeing the lack of spirituality in many churches. Their hearts locked together with a vision to get back to a revived, New Testament, Christ-centered church. With this vision before their eyes, they began Charity Christian Fellowship in 1982.”

      They are considered an Anabaptist group. Many former Amish, some former Mennonites, former Evangelicals, former Pentacostals,& others have joined this fellowship which has almost become a denomination in itself under the Anabaptist umbrella, now have affiliations in many states & Canada.

      Mike Atnip who posts on here as “Primitive Christianity” is a writer for their publication “Heartbeat of the Remnant” (which is now part of their sister church, Ephrata Christian Fellowship), he could answer more questions-they don’t consider themselves “liberal” at all-but to an Amish person, they would be seen that way. They’re a wonderful fellowship of Believers. Check out their site for more info:
      http://www.charityministries.org (you’ll see Charity & Ephrata churches)
      It is awesome to hear what’s obviously former Amish now giving online messages (can’t hide their accent/dialect)

    32. Nelson

      Maine ==== Julie Carte,

      Hello there, Having lived there in Maine,for several years,,and having lots of friends, and 3 cousins there, will try to answer some questions.
      Some families have moved in to Smyrna and Unity Maine,,,,,,,but 5-6 households have left Smyrna since 2009, and 2 more households moving out,next spring,,,
      4 of those households were members there,but the others were never able to be good enough to feel accepted,,,and some of the members who left told me the same,,,and all of them left the Amish except one family.
      Of course,there are some who move in,but received a call from Smyrna and Unity and does not sound too good….email me for more info. followjesusonly@gmail.com

    33. Emily

      Thank you, Valerie! That’s exactly the kind of information I was looking for.

    34. Al in Ky.

      I have a couple of more questions.

      What is the history of only having worship services every other
      week in Amish districts/churches?

      What is the present status of farming as the primary source of
      income for Amish, especially among the more progressive Amish?
      Do they lament having to be employed off the farm and do they
      hope that some day there once again will be more Amish farmers?

    35. Jonah

      Has the Amish ever expearance paranormal activity?

      I know many religions don’t believe that ghost roam the earth. Some believe that it is the Devils’ demons that roam and trick the living. I watch a lot of paranornal shows and one of the shows these guys investagated at a church, which I found as a shock to hear that a church gave an o-kay for a telivized investagation. Anyways, Has any Amish community ever thought that one of their places was haunted, or if they believe that these things exsist?

      1. glen k

        HAUNTED AMISH??

        johna……I DON’T THINK AMISH HAVE “PLACES” TO GET HAUNTED. THEIR HOMES ARE THE CLOSEST TO “PLACES”. BECAUSE THEIR HOMES ARE THEIR PLACES OF WORSHIP. A PARANORMAL SHOW ABOUT HAUNTED AMISH SITES IS THE POORIST FORM OF FICTION. JOHNA,…..UNPLUG THE TELEVISION AND GO OUTSIDE, SMELL FLOWERS, ENJOY THE SIGHTS,

        GUNDA53963

        1. Jonah

          @ glen k's Responce to my Question.

          First of all, Glen, you’ve spelled my name wrong. It’s not “johna”. It’s “Jonah!” So read a bible dude! Also, I never said I saw a show about amish hauntings. I said I have seen shows about haunted places. And since the Amish community stay together in their community, I know that they don’t live forever. They are like other humans and will expire some point in their lives. No one knows for sure what happens to our souls when we die, but there are clams and proofs of hauntings and other paranormal activity. I was just asking a question to a professional guy that runs this site, not a bottom dweller with smart-a** comments. Because I obviously don’t watch that much television since I am online learning about other communities.

          1. glen k

            JOANA, SMART A** COMMENTS, BOTTOM DWELLER, …..WOW, SO MUCH FOR CHRISTAN FORGIVNESS AND CHARITY.

            IT’S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT “GHOSTS” WHO NOT HAVE CROSSED OVER SEEN THE BRIGHTESED LIGHT REMAIN ON THIS PLAIN DUE TO SOME TRAMATIC EVENT WHILE STILL ALIVE. KILLED IN SOME TRAGIC ACCIDENT ,FOR EXAMPLE.
            AMISH LIFE IS CHRIST CENTERED, DEVOTED TO FAMILY AND COMMUNITY. HARD WORK AND AVOIDANCE OF WORDLY INFLUANCES CONTRIBUTE TO THIS LIFE STYLE.

            MY POINT BEING, I DON’T SEE MUCH TRAMA IN AMISH CULTURE FOR AN AMISH SOUL TO HANG ROUND AFTER HIS/HER BODY DIES.

            ONE LAST THING, WILL READING THE BIBLE MAKE ME A BETTER SPELLER, JOANA?
            YOURS TRUELY,
            GLEN, OF THE BOTTOM FEEDING, SMARTA**ED, NON-BELIEVING CLAN.

            1. Guys, I and other readers would appreciate it if you keep it civil and keep it clean. Not a big fan of the swearing in comments, even the partially-censored variety.

            2. Jonah

              Glen K. Can't Spell,, and I Apologize to Erik

              @Glen K. Who made you the expert of the afterlife? Yo have no idea what happens after we die, you never expearenced it.

              You said in your previous comment: “SO MUCH FOR CHRISTAN FORGIVNESS AND CHARITY.” I never said that I was a Christian. So what mad you think I was? You don’t know me. Again, you spelled my name wrong, which means you have never opened a Bible in your life.

              @Erik. I am truly sorry about the bleeped profanity in my posts. This “Glen K.” person seems to be picking a fight with me for no reason. He thinks he knows everything about everything. My original question I asked was only for you to answer, not some low-life who’s still living in his mama’s basement. If I’d known that people like him were gonna pick fights on here, I wouldn’t of asked you anything.

    36. Slightly-handled-Order-man

      Here is another question I’ve been wondering about and it has some root in this years current events:

      We’ve read about the “Amish Beard Cutting” Sect, but I wonder, do those who take up the ministry within the Amish see themselves as being “charismatic”, what does it mean to be a charismatic Amish minister or preacher or does such a person really exist within Amish culture?

    37. glen k

      lots

      IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT SOME AMISH PICK THEIR BISHOPS BY BLIND DRAWING, SO MANY BLACK BALLS OR MARBLES, ONE FOR EACH MALE IN THE CONGRGATION. EACH MAN CHOOSE A MARBLE UNTIL THE WHITE ONE IS DRAWN. …….HELLO MR. NEW BISHOP

      GUNDA53963

      1. glen k

        ANOTHER WAY BISHOPSARE PICKED

        IN ONE OF OUR LOCAL COMUNITES IT’S DONE IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER,,,,,ONCE A LARGE COMUNITIES SPLITS A NEED FOR SPRITUAL LEADERSHIP MIGHT NEED TO BE FILLED.
        ALL THE MEN OF THE NEW DISTRICT GO INTO A ROOM WITH A MINISTER. EACH MAN WHISPERS THE NAME OF SOMEONE HE THINKS WOULD BE A GOOD MINISTER. ANYONE MENTIOED TWICE GOES INTO A “LOT”. FOR EACH MAN IN THE “LOT’, A BOOK IS PICKED FROM A SET OF IDENTICAL BOOKS. ONE BOOK HAS A SLIP OF PAPER PLACED BY THE MINISTER. WHO EVER PICKS THE BOOK IS THE NEW MINISTER. BISHOPS ARE SELECTED IN THE SAME MANNER,EXCEPT BY MINISTERS INSTEAD OF LAYMEN. DIFERENT DISTRICTS MAY DO THE SELECTION PROCESS DIFERENTLY.

    38. Ed

      1. How do Amish select a new area for settlement? Are potential settlement areas studied and those with specific characteristics sought out? Or is more or less a few families go and try living in an area, and if they have a success at it more people come to join them?

      2. Do any Amish live in urban areas? Where is the most urbanized Amish settlement? For what reason do Amish choose rural over urban settlements — are there theological reasons or more historical/practical reasons?

      3. Do many Amish have Social Security numbers? What about birth certificates? I’m curious as to how “off the grid” and removed from these documents one can be in this day and age.

    39. Question

      I’m working on a novel and I want to make sure I get a couple of story threads correct. Would Amish folks attend a wedding for non-Amish friends? In a church? The other question is do they do anything different in terms of education and/or training for their children with special needs such as Down Syndrome or other mental challenges. Thank you!

    40. Mary

      Can anyone tell us about the Yoder, Kansas Amish area?
      How big is it, are there Amish businesses? Is it tourist friendly?
      etc………………
      Thanks,
      Mary Ginn

    41. Slightly-handled-Order-man

      Erik’s book and Amish New Years

      Although I’m not in the market to buy books right now, on a whim I went into my local book store and did a search on their kiosk to see if I could find “Success Made Simple” and hold it in my hands. What came back was a notification that there was “0 copies of this book in stock at this location” but it offered ordering information.

      I partly wanted to look and see and be able to tell my Canadian brethren on the blog that we can get Erik’s book here abouts, which we can.

      Happy New Year, I be drinkin’ and partyin’ Saturday night.

      Oh, I suppose that the Amish are quite subdued at New Years because there isn’t much special about the day really, but do they do something or have a comment at church when New Years Day falls on a Sunday?

    42. And the list keeps growing. We’ll have some interesting topics to jump into starting week 1 of 2012. Wishing all a safe New Year’s.

    43. Mona (Kentucky Lady).

      ANSWER QUESTIONS...

      So Erik, are you going to go down the line and answer each question when you get back from vacation ?
      By then, I’m sure you’ll have more to answer….as I had several, but my mind just went blank….maybe I will think of them later 🙂
      Hope you’re having a great vacation…. any snow there yet ?
      So what will you do for New Year’s Eve ? I’m staying in…..try not get out….too many drunks on the road 🙂 so I will just stay home and watch the Ball fall in New York…been doing that for years when Dick Clark was on…..still miss seeing him on there….it just isn’t the same without him…..take care, TTYL, NEXT YEAR 2012…..WHERE DOES THE TIME GO ?????

    44. Ellie

      Questions!

      I thought of a couple to add ( sorry Erik! *grins* ). * What is the autism rate among Amish children? Is it comparable to that among Englisch populations? * Do you think any Amish person would ever use any type of assistance animal for a disability, such as a guide dog? * Thanks so much & happy New Year to you all. May it be a good one! *smile* *Ellie

    45. Theresa

      Questions

      Hello again Erik. I was wondering how does one fine out about Amish estate auctions, ( where the contents of the deceased parents is auctioned off)? I would like to attend one of these, but never can find out about them.

      Thank You Happy New Year to one & all

      Theresa

      1. Ann

        Amish Estate Auction

        It is my understanding that “family sales” are exactly that- a time for family and close friends to bid on and buy items from the estate of a parent or grandparent, brother or sister, etc. They are not often advertised (at least in this area) and I personally (as an englisher that does business with my local amish community) would not feel comfortable attending unless I was personally invited. I have attended advertised auctions where animals and equipment were being dispersed to benefit the widow and children. If you are interested in attending general auctions at Amish farms or places of business or benefit auctions for members of the community I suggest you check with the Budget newspaper where these are frequently advertised. In Ohio, PA and Indiana check the Farm and Dairy weekly newspapaer for similar adverts.

    46. Jade smith

      Assistance please

      Hi, I have been married for several years and my husband has never really accepted my daughter. I have watched all of the episodes on tv and the way the Amish live their lives. I think the whole lifestyle is wonderful, close to God, nature and materialistic things are irrelevant. I am at a crossroads with my life and I am looking for a fulfilment of my soul with Christianity and the love of the earth an all living creatures. Can you please give me some sort of insight into where we can go next . Thank you and God bless

    47. Lattice

      The Amish communities that I frequent have several people being treated for cancer (oftentimes going to Mexico for treatment when the disease is advanced – they do this because the drugs are much cheaper and the FDA doesn’t interfere with treatment options). They also frequently report on family members in other states who are struggling with the disease. I’m just curious about the population of Amish nationwide. Do they seem to have about the same rates of cancer as the general population? In my nonscientific estimation (simply based on how many people I know in society with cancer vs. how many I know in the two Amish communities), I believe the rates are about the same, which is interesting considering dietary and lifestyle habits might be considered healthier and less stressful in Amish communities.

    48. Theresa

      Question

      Hi ann thanks for the info. I read in an Amish book that the estate auctions are very well attended by english & Amish alike,so that’s why I was curious as to where I could find any close to the Michigan area.

      Thank you Theresa

    49. Jessica

      What do the Amish children study in school, especially the older grades? Would they study history and culture studies? What levels of math for the 8th grade students?

    50. Mona (Kentucky Lady).

      Hi Erik again…
      I think you are going to need help to answer some of these “FEMALE ” questions that people are asking…probably Kevin William’s Amish friend from Mich. Lovena would be the one to ask to help you out here…..just a thought !!!!! I know you know Kevin, and you may even be friends with Lovena too…..she definitely would have all the answers…..love reading her articles……

      1. Thanks Mona, yes some of them are a little outside my range of expertise! 🙂 Kevin was kind enough to introduce me to Lovina at her place in Michigan last summer. I much enjoyed the visit, very nice family.