Buzz
The Amish, often recognized by their traditional hats and clean-shaven faces, are widely known for rejecting many modern conveniences that most people consider essential. Yet, there’s more to their lifestyle than meets the eye. While they may prefer horse-drawn buggies over cars, it’s not uncommon to spot them with cell phones on their belts or sunglasses protecting their eyes as they travel along Pennsylvania’s roads.
Despite their efforts to resist modern influences, legal requirements and economic pressures have forced the Amish to adapt to survive in today’s competitive world. Rather than fully embracing these changes, they have creatively adapted technology to align with their values and maintain their separation from mainstream society. Here, we’ll delve into some of the modern luxuries the Amish have incorporated into their lives and how they’ve tailored them to fit their unique way of living.
Note: It’s important to note that the Amish lack a centralized leadership, and practices vary among different communities. Not all Amish groups adopt every luxury mentioned here. References to “Amish beliefs” reflect the most common traditions observed.
10. Bicycles, Scooters, and Rollerblades
Farms are expansive, and without access to trucks or tractors, getting around can be time-consuming. Walking is great exercise, but it can also take up valuable time that could be spent on other activities, like prayer. To save time, many Amish communities rely on bicycles for transportation. However, not all groups approve of bikes. For instance, the Lancaster Amish avoid using bicycles, believing they offer too much mobility. Interestingly, they have no objections to scooters. (To clarify, these are the manual, foot-powered scooters pictured above, not motorized Vespas commonly seen in Europe or on campuses.)
Even more surprising is the Amish acceptance of rollerblades, which many wouldn’t consider traditional. To the Amish, rollerblading is simply another form of non-motorized travel, akin to ice skating—a centuries-old activity. Rollerblading is essentially ice skating on wheels. Perhaps someday, the Amish might even compete in extreme sports like the X-games.
9. Washing Machines
Much like kettles and blenders, washing machines are often overlooked despite their ability to transform a labor-intensive, day-long task into a quick and effortless process. While most modern washing machines rely heavily on electricity, some can operate using diesel generators, making them accessible to the off-grid Amish. However, the machines they use are far from the high-tech models with countless dials and advanced features. Instead, they resemble electrified versions of the classic wringer washers from the post-war era.
Although washing clothes has become significantly easier and faster for the Amish, using a tumble dryer is not an option. Instead, they rely on the traditional method of hanging clothes on a line to dry, hoping for clear weather. Once dry, they press their garments using a conventional iron heated on a stove.
8. Refrigerators
One might assume that refrigerators would have little place in Amish life, but in 1969, dairy companies mandated that milk be stored in large, refrigerated bulk tanks instead of traditional milk cans. To address the power issue, the Lancaster Amish Bishops permitted the use of refrigeration units for these tanks, provided they were powered by off-grid sources like gas or diesel engines.
Today, gas-powered refrigerators are widely used in many Amish communities, with some even crafting their own. (If you’re interested, you can purchase one for yourself.) You might wonder why they allow gas-powered fridges but not electric ones. The reason is straightforward: connecting to the electrical grid creates a dependency on the outside world and opens the door to modern influences like TV and the internet. By sticking to gas-powered appliances, the Amish maintain their separation from modern society. As one Amish individual aptly put it, “You’ve never seen a bottled gas television set, have you?”
7. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
The Amish are prohibited from owning automobiles, a rule universally upheld across their communities. This restriction stems from the belief that car ownership symbolizes status, potentially fostering vanity and rivalry, which contradicts their values of humility and simplicity. However, this doesn’t mean they avoid modern transportation entirely. They are permitted to use trains, buses, and even hire taxis when needed. Public transport is reserved for essential purposes, such as attending important social events like weddings, funerals, barn-raisings, and auctions, while unnecessary travel is strongly discouraged.
While tractors may be found on some Amish farms, they are not used as vehicles. To prevent their use on roads, the tractors are modified by replacing rubber tires with metal ones, making them unsuitable for paved surfaces. Typically, these tractors remain in barns and are utilized solely for heavy-duty tasks, such as blowing silage into silos or pumping liquid manure.
Air travel is strictly forbidden among the Amish, except in emergencies where a community member requires urgent medical attention and must be airlifted to a hospital. After all, they are not unreasonable.
6. Telephones and Cell Phones
The telephone stands as one of the most transformative inventions in history, significantly advancing both technology and human connectivity. It’s somewhat surprising, then, that the Amish, known for their simplicity, frequently use phones. Initially, when telephones gained popularity in the early 1900s, the Amish banned them, viewing them as a direct link to the outside world and an unnecessary convenience. Over time, however, they recognized the practicality and necessity of phones, leading to a softened stance. While they permit phone usage, they still prohibit ownership of personal devices.
If you visit an Amish community, you’ll likely encounter small phone booths housing shared landlines. (The booth pictured above is located on a non-Amish farmer’s property, maintained for emergency use by the local Amish.) These phones are primarily reserved for business and emergencies but also serve to connect with distant Amish communities and arrange transportation. By confining phones to separate booths, the Amish maintain a clear boundary between their traditional lifestyle and the modern world.
The presence of cell phones within Amish communities is undeniable. While they are particularly popular among the younger generation, some adults also use them. Although not officially sanctioned by their religious guidelines, cell phones have become a contentious yet widespread means of communication. Their prevalence has grown to such an extent that it’s increasingly challenging for Amish leaders to oppose their use.
5. Genetically Modified Crops and Pesticides
Biotechnology and genetically modified crops represent some of the most advanced farming methods available. Surprisingly, around 550 Amish farmers in Pennsylvania cultivate and harvest genetically modified crops without hesitation. While this might appear contradictory, Amish scholars contend that “genetically enhanced crops align with the simplicity central to Amish values” and that these crops “strengthen agricultural ties, enabling families to work together.”
The crops cultivated by the Amish are typically not for personal use but are grown solely for commercial purposes. For instance, farmer Dan Dienner and his family produced genetically modified, nicotine-free tobacco for Vector Tobacco. The Amish view pesticides and GM crops as practical tools that enable them to maintain farming practices that are both efficient and profitable. As long as modern machinery isn’t used in harvesting, the Amish are free to grow whatever they choose. As Dienner aptly puts it, “Amish law doesn’t say anything about growing genetically modified tobacco.”
4. Solar Power
While relying on oil and gas for energy is often seen as outdated, adopting green energy is considered progressive. So, why do the Amish embrace solar power, a cutting-edge technology? Primarily, solar panels allow the Amish to remain independent of the electrical grid, reinforcing their separation from modern society. As Amish scholar Donald Kraybill explains, “It’s like tapping into God’s grid instead.”
For the Amish, solar power is a necessity rather than a luxury, offering a safer alternative to gas-powered systems commonly used in their rural settings. Solar panels are employed to operate various appliances, such as refrigerators for milk storage, and to charge batteries for buggy headlights. (Electric lights are now legally required on horse-drawn buggies.)
3. Computers and the Internet
While the presence of cell phones in Amish communities might seem contradictory, the use of computers and the Internet takes this paradox to another level. Similar to cell phones, computers and the Internet are strictly reserved for business purposes. Advocates argue that in today’s highly competitive market, the Internet is essential for selling their goods, serving as one of the most effective advertising platforms available.
However, the Amish don’t personally access the Internet. Their communities lack telecommunication cables and electrical grids to support such technology. Instead, they rely on intermediaries and third-party services to create, manage, and maintain their online presence.
The Amish not only engage with the Internet but also own computers, though these devices are far from conventional. Unlike most people, who prioritize the latest features, the Amish seek computers with a minimalist design. For example, the “Classic” computer is marketed as having “no games and no gimmicks,” offering only the most basic functionalities. Essentially, it functions as a simple word processor.
Despite their efforts to resist change, modern influences are gradually making their way into Amish communities. If you’re nearby, take the opportunity to visit before a new generation of tech-savvy Amish emerges, potentially overshadowing their traditional ways.
2. Magazines and Advertising
Advertising has existed for millennia, tracing back to ancient Egypt. Despite its long history, advertisements have always managed to bring a contemporary feel to their surroundings. While printed media has been around for centuries, the idea of the Amish—known for their simplicity—relaxing after a day in the fields with a glossy magazine filled with ads seems unusual. Yet, the Amish’s use of advertising is logical and practical.
With farming no longer as lucrative as it once was, many Amish individuals earn a living by selling handmade crafts or working as carpenters and builders. While they still grow and sell crops, they need effective ways to promote their produce, goods, and services. But where do they place these advertisements?
Several magazines, such as the Lancaster County Business Directory and Just Plain Values, cater specifically to the Amish community, featuring high-quality, surprisingly contemporary advertisements. These publications are not managed by the Amish themselves but by individuals with close connections to the communities or those who may have Amish family members.
1. Modern Medicine
While healthcare practices vary among different Amish communities, the majority have no objections to modern medicine. Decisions often depend on individual family preferences. Many lean toward home remedies like herbal teas and reflexology, though some also accept vaccines and antibiotics. Life-saving procedures such as bypass surgeries are permitted, and even more elective operations like hip replacements are not uncommon.
Since nearly all Amish reside in the United States, their interaction with the healthcare system significantly influences their approach to medicine. The exorbitant costs of insurance premiums and medical bills often deter them from seeking professional care, pushing them toward traditional, cost-effective remedies. However, in critical situations, the Amish will seek medical treatment, often relying on community donations to cover the expenses.
