What the Amish Value

The Amish originated during the Reformation, when people began to reexamine their Bible-based beliefs.

Here are some things the Amish value:

To become a Christian through baptism based on one's faith.
Until then, it was common for one to become a Christian by being baptized immediately after birth, before one had any conscious awareness, but we believe that what is meaningful is becoming a Christian of one's own will after understanding the teachings of the Bible.

There are many denominations in Christianity, but the Amish are said to descend from the Anabaptists. The Anabaptists believe that the corruption of the church is due to infant baptism (a system in which one can become a church member and priest even without faith), and they are of the opinion that baptism (immersion) should be performed as a proper confession of faith only after one has faith. The origin of the name Anabaptist is that people who have already been baptized (through infant baptism) should be baptized again (meaning "ana") as adults, along with a confession of faith.

Therefore, Amish children are not yet members of the Amish church, and when they grow up they can choose of their own free will whether to become Amish or live a non-Amish lifestyle.

Caring about community and family.
Above all else, they value family and community and believe in the value of cooperation and helping each other.

To be away from the mundane and worldly things.
While there are good things in the world, there are also many temptations to do bad things. In America in particular, there is a lot of freedom, but there are also many dangers. I think it is important to take a step back from all that and sacrifice yourself for your faith.

Do not emphasize your individuality to satisfy your vanity, and do not become arrogant.
All humans have the tendency to disregard others, act selfishly, or show off, but I believe in opposing such "greed" and valuing living a modest life.

Absolute pacifism and non-violence: We will never engage in anything that leads to conflict or violence. This is also a teaching based on Christianity, and we value absolute pacifism.

In the movie "Witness," there was a scene where an Amish man was being picked on by a passerby. Even though he was being teased, the Amish remained peaceful and scolded John Book, who was disguised as an Amish man.

However, John Book fought back with violence. This unprecedented incident of violence by the Amish became a hot topic, and it led to John Book being found hiding in disguise as an Amish. But that's another story.

Amish churches are usually held in homes within the community.

They are also known for their strong work ethic. They take pride in their work. Amish furniture makers take pride in making furniture that will last a long time.

Also, perhaps due to the influence of the Amish living in Lancaster, Lancaster is known in the business world for having one of the strongest work ethics in the United States. (I've heard that there is an overwhelming lack of fraud, such as embezzlement.)

We Japanese are not very familiar with the teachings of the Bible, but aren't the humility and pacifism that they value something that is familiar to Japanese culture as well?

I heard this story from someone who works with the Amish and has an understanding of Japanese culture.

Japan's traditional culture and values ​​have something in common with what the Amish hold dear. Humility, pacifism, and valuing relationships with family and the local community. I believe these are deep truths that people should continue to protect, no matter what era or country they are in. However, with changing times, such things have become rare in society, but the Amish use their own methods to protect "love," "forgiveness," and "peace," and they are still firmly present in their community.