The Amish: Living a Simpler Life

Throughout the countryside in states like Indiana, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Ohio Americans in their SUV's and sports cars pass the horse drawn buggies of the Amish. Women dressed in designer suits or jeans would be out of place surrounded by the simple dresses warn by the Amish women. While the majority of the United States is preoccupied with the newest gadgets and latest technology the Amish continue to live the simple life that God intended. The lack of modern conveniences does not only keep them living the simple life but it keeps them from achieving the economical and social status craved by so much of the United States.

The Amish live a completely self sufficient life only depending on each other and their community to support them. With a belief system that does not allow the use of birth control Amish families can be very large. The Amish do not drive cars or use electricity. They can be seen riding in a car but are opposed to the ownership of one. They do not believe in using government programs such as social security or Medicare (Briscoe, 2007). According to Briscoe (2007) the Amish avoid using modern healthcare facilities because of the costs associated with modern medicine. They do not want top have such a large financial burden if they do not have to. While most American women are lead thru childbirth with a team of medical professionals the Amish choose to use a midwife at home. The only time a woman would go to the hospital would be if there were complications.

Amish beliefs like their lives are simple. Have faith in God, forgo worldly things that would make one stray from God, and forgive those that have hurt you or caused you any pain, simplicity, practicality and humility. The Amish not using worldly things can be seen quickly when one visits their communities. The forgiveness is something that most Americans would benefit from. One such incident that displays such forgiveness is the horrific slayings of 10 school girls in a one room school house on October 2, 2006. Although the community had the schoolhouse destroyed 10 days (Halloran, 2007) after the tragic events they have managed to forgive the man who committed the crimes against the girls. According to Halloran (2007), "to a person, the Amish would argue that forgiveness is the central teaching of Jesus. They will take you to the Lord's Prayer-if you don't forgive, you won't be forgiven."

Forgiveness and their beliefs in God have given the Amish the simple life that they have been raise with but it has also left them behind the rest of the world. While the rest of the United States can pick up a phone and call a family member to get the latest news the Amish do not have phones unless they are used for business. They can not call the neighbor to see if they have a cup of sugar to borrow or if there is an emergency and they need help. What may be a short ride to a hospital in the case of an emergency would be a task for the Amish in a horse drawn buggy. They may choose not to enjoy the modern conveniences but by doing so they also risk the health and well-being of their family and friends. In situations like the schoolhouse slayings the use of phones might have aided in the saving of lives. The Amish however will certainly not adopt the modern security used in other American schools to protect their children.

The Amish have enjoyed a reputation of being hard working for generations. They believe that by working hard one is showing their faith in God and serving him well. By believing that hard work is the route of their beliefs they choose not to rely on modern technology to make their wares. The Amish are known to make beautiful quilts and furniture. They are farmers who respect the land and use it wisely which produces plentiful crops in return. Buy forgoing the use of modern technology in their work they have been able to avoid the trappings of mass production. Each quilt or piece of furniture is a one of a kind piece of artwork to be admired for the