Why do the Amish Not Use Tech

When I first thought about why the Amish don't use technology, my mind jumped to simple tradition or even a fear of the modern world. But diving deeper, I realized it's far more nuanced and intentional. It's not a blanket rejection, but a very considered approach rooted deeply in their history and values, aiming to protect their unique way of life. Their story actually traces back to the 16th century Anabaptist movement, specifically from Switzerland, spreading into regions like Germany and Austria. The original article mentioned Jakob Ammann, a Swiss Anabaptist leader, who in 1693, led a split from the broader Mennonite group. This was all about maintaining stricter adherence to Christian practices and discipline. What struck me was that from their very beginnings, the Amish sought a distinct identity, valuing separation from 'the world' to focus on spiritual life and community bonds. This historical context really highlights that their stance isn't new but a continuation of long-held beliefs. So, how do they decide what technology to use? It’s not arbitrary. Each Amish community, guided by their 'Ordnung' – a set of unwritten rules and understandings – evaluates new technology on a case-by-case basis. They ask crucial questions: Does it strengthen our family and community ties? Does it promote humility or pride? Does it draw us away from God and into 'worldliness'? For example, you might see them using modern farming machinery, but it's often powered by diesel engines rather than connected to the public electric grid, which they see as a symbol of worldly connection. I learned that while they might not have personal smartphones or internet at home, some communities permit a communal telephone in a small shanty outside the home, allowing for necessary communication without disrupting family life inside. Battery-operated lights or even solar panels for specific, limited uses are sometimes accepted because they don't tie them into the external power grid and maintain a degree of self-sufficiency. This careful evaluation means they're not against technology itself, but against its potential effects on their core values like 'Gelassenheit' (a spirit of submission and humility) and the strong communal bond. What I found most fascinating is their desire to master technology, not be mastered by it. They use tools to serve their needs without letting those tools dictate their lives or foster individualism over community. This intentionality in choosing what to adopt and what to forgo is truly inspiring. In a world constantly chasing the next gadget, their deliberate choices remind us to consider the deeper impact of technology on our own connections, our families, and our sense of community. It makes you wonder what we might gain by stepping back and evaluating our own tech use with similar thoughtfulness.