The Amish people are well known for their good nature, kindliness and non-violent culture, widely referred to as “the gentle people”.  They are an old and unusual community based on religious beliefs dating back to 17th century Europe. Their way of life dictates discipline, servitude and maintaining traditional 17th century beliefs. Even clothing styles of the time are approximated and still worn today.

Following the Reformation in the 1500's, splinter groups formed in the Protestant community, one of which were the Mennonites. In the 17th century, the Amish broke from the Mennonites in Switzerland and Southern Germany, feeling the Mennonites lacked proper discipline in their faith.

Many Amish eventually immigrated to the U.S. during the early 1900's, settling mainly in Ohio and to a lesser extent in other Midwestern states. For many Amish people, immigration to the U.S. offered the hope of preserving their old-world community way of life.

The Amish people hold strict traditions in a reclusive society, choosing not to participate in modern society, avoiding any contact that is not absolutely necessary. Their lifestyle aims to replicate that of old Europe in a rural farming community. The Amish people still weave cloth for clothing, using spinning wheels and looms of the period. They generally don't use electrical appliances, relying on oil lamps for lighting and horse-drawn transportation.

The gentle Amish people have their own justice system. If a member of the community is perceived or suspected as a danger or threat to others, the suspected criminal is universally ignored by the rest of the community. Instead of imprisoning or banishing, the offender is simply ignored until the suspect decides to conform to the normal standard of living. Once this has taken place, they are gladly accepted back into the community. This type of justice appears to work for the Amish.

Most people of the Amish faith are born into the community. Conversion from the outside world to an Amish lifestyle is very rare.    The Amish people are quite strict as to who may be allowed to convert. As a result, the Amish gene pool is becoming smaller and smaller. Sadly, today there are many birth defects due to the highly restrictive genetic pool.

Amish religion is highly structured and quite restrictive. The church is independent and has no formal designation or title. The four sects of office are open only to men. Women are not allowed positions of power. Traditional German is spoken during services, but English is taught to children in school. Most Amish education does not go beyond 8th grade, except for lessons taught after graduation by the family.

Funerals are held in the home, without a eulogy, flowers, or other displays of sorrow. Married women are traditionally buried in their wedding dresses.

The Amish people are a good example of a non-violent community in a modern world. You can't help but wonder if their odd and anachronistic lifestyle will survive in generations to come.