The Amish

The Amish: A Living Museum in American Culture

      Throughout the history of Christianity, a myriad of unique groups have prevailed under different aspects, be it the people, their struggles, their impact on the world, and various other things. All are interesting in their own right, and their regard in this respect has only increased as American history developed. Among the religious pilgrims fleeing to the new world were the Amish; and, as they migrated into the new world in the eighteenth century, they created a history and lifestyle that is perhaps more curious and intriguing than any other group in the entirety of Christianity. Culturally, they are undoubtedly unique, and their lifestyle is just as varied and complex as any other modern, contemporary society. Echoing the world of the past in many ways, these unassuming people are rich in a lifestyle that the world today has all but forgotten about.

      The history of the Amish is, like any religious background, rife with controversy and conflict. As America was progressing along as a more and more independent nation, it was generally hailed as a safe haven for people seeking religious sanctuary. This was imperative during the time period both in regards to the development of our country, and, in regards to the Amish, the incredible religious turmoil that was tumultuous throughout Europe. War, poverty and sickness, and the ever-going religious persecution were all key points that caused a rapid immigration to the colonial states; the Amish, named after Jacob Amman, were among these migrants. And, like many other immigrants, regardless of religion, they moved as groups; they lived amongst each other in societal sects in order to, essentially, better their lives. Today, Michigan, among other states, is known to house a strong Amish community, and Pennsylvania is well-known as the “central” locality of the Amish. If one were to trace the history back several hundred years, the same could be said about...