Why Don’t The Amish Use Electricity? Or Do They?


Amish & Electricity

The Amish believe that the use of certain modern technologies, such as electricity, can lead to a separation from traditional values and the community. They believe that the use of these technologies can lead to a focus on materialism and individualism, rather than community and faith.

The Amish believe that the use of certain modern technologies can lead to a separation from traditional values and community. They hold that certain technological advancements could be detrimental to their religious beliefs. They prefer a simple lifestyle that is based on agriculture and craftsmanship, as well as strong family and community ties. They believe that the use of technology can be a distraction from these values, and that it can lead to a disconnection from the natural world, and from God.

Additionally, Amish believe that the use of electricity can make them too reliant on the secular world and would promote a faster-paced lifestyle that does not align with their values.

amish electricity
One Amish family in Lancaster County, Pa., has three horse-pulled buggies they store in a barn. They all have electric lights powered by rechargeable batteries. One of the buggies even has battery-powered windshield wipers.

It’s worth noting that, While most Amish communities do not use electricity in their homes, some Amish businesses may have access to electricity as it is used in specific settings such as workshops, and factories, also for safety reasons. But even in these cases, the use of electricity is often limited, and the technology is used in a way that does not interfere with traditional values.

The Amish believe that the use of electricity in the home would encourage a more fast-paced lifestyle and can lead to a separation from traditional values and community. They hold that certain technological advancements could be detrimental to their religious beliefs, by promoting materialism, individualism and disconnection from the natural world and God.

As a result, most Amish homes do not have electricity, and they rely on alternative sources of light and power, such as gas lamps and generators. This allows them to maintain a simple and traditional way of life, without the distractions and temptations that they believe come with the use of modern technology.

However, it’s worth noting that some Amish communities do use limited amounts of electricity in their homes, such as in their workshops, barns or businesses. They use generators to power certain equipment, or they may have electrical lines running to their barns to power lights and to supply power to some tools.

Even when they use electricity in their business, they tend to limit the use of technology in a way that does not interfere with traditional values, they avoid the use of technology that can alter the traditional way of life such as TVs, computers, or cell phones.

It’s important to remember that the Amish have a diverse community and there are different practices within the different subgroups. Although the use of electricity is generally frowned upon, the specific rules and customs can vary within the different communities, but overall the common denominator is the adherence to a plain and simple lifestyle.

Dennis Regling

Dennis Regling is an author, educator, and marketing expert. Additionally, Dennis is an evangelist, a father, and a husband.

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