3. Education Amish are allowed to teach their own children Nationally there are 850 parochial schools teaching 24,000 Amish students Curriculum is reading, arithmetic, spelling, grammar, penmanship, history, geography Both English and German are taught Schools perpetuate Amish values while shielding from outside contamination
4. Language Both English and German are taught in school German is spoken in the colony to enforce Amish culture. Children learn to read German scriptures
5. Compromises Hydraulic and air pressure used instead of electricity. Propane used to heat water and cook with Communal telephone available Will ride in a vehicle but can’t own one Tourism has led to cottage industries and employment (wood products, quilts, etc) Milking machines, refrigerated tankers, etc are used Have large families to counter defections (6 of 7 stay)
6. Limiting Contact Schools are within colonies-no need to mix Some use hospitals and doctors; women can use same or birthing centers or midwives Amish do not pay into Social Security or Medicare nor do they collect benefits but they do pay taxes “Rumschprigen” meaning running around-youth are allowed to explore dating, drinking, etc before committing to baptism and Amish ways Regulate their own affairs to avoid external contact
7. Spurning Technology Telephones, computers and televisions are not allowed (community phone excepted) Power and power lines are prohibited (Romans 12:2) because they connect to outside. Batteries are allowed Tractors in barns only; horses and mules in the field. Bottled gas is used in lanterns, stoves, water heaters.
8. Appearance Women Men Old Order Amish women wear modest dresses w/long sleeves, full skirt, cape and apron. Never cut their hair and wear white prayer covering (married) and black one if single. No make-up Dark suits, suspenders, solid colored shirts, black socks and shoes, black or straw broad rimmed hats. Beards if married and no mustaches. Both shun watches, jewelry and any other adornments.
