Saturday, March 1, 2014

The Anabaptist Spectrum


The Amish cannot be pigeon-holed into one stereotype. There are many different types of Amish, Mennonite, and other Anabaptist groups. The Amish refer to themselves and other groups as "lower" or "higher". This is not a caste system, however. Lower and higher do not reference whether someone is better or worse. It is more of a conservative/liberal type of spectrum--a backward/forward type of progression.

I am not Amish, or any other type of Anabaptist. When I write about the Amish I am acquainted with, I tell what has been related to me by the Amish, and what I see. The following table represents the many variations I see among the Amish people. I will share what I have seen and what I know to be true.

Ask questions if you like. I will do my best to answer them.

CITIZENSHIP

Taxes

Voting

Retirement
HEALTHCARE

Childhood Vaccinations

Insurance
FAMILY

Children

Elderly
DRESS CODE

Style of Women's  Head Coverings

Style of Men's Hat

Men's Hair Cut

Men's Beard

Baby Dress



HORSE

Bridle Type
CHURCH

Home Church

Church Building

Frequency of services

Church Government

Membership

Salvation

Evangelism
BUGGY

Wheel Type - Metal
Wood

Rear View Mirrors

Headlights

Taillights

Reflective Tape

Safety Triangle

Lanterns

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