Who are the Amish?
The Amish are an American Protestant denomination with that came from European Anabaptists who came to the USA more than two centuries ago to escape persecution in Europe and to find land to farm.
The word “Amish” is derived from the name of its pioneer; Jakob Amman. Jakob was a Swiss minister who believed that his followers should “conform to the teachings of Christ and His apostles”.
Amish people cherish community. They believe in communal living and believe that living separate from the outside world is the road to salvation. They also see community as the at the center of their life and religion.
Community members assist one another, and the entire community will come together to aid a member who is having problems. They rely on communal support rather than state assistance or insurance.
The Amish live in their own tiny villages and are distinct from other Americans in terms of their attire, language, job, travel, and education because they feel it is important to maintain themselves apart from the “world.”
Amish people are environmentalists. They love taking care of the environment, land, plants and animals. They believe that God is pleased when they do this.
Who are the Mennonites?
Mennonites are a group of protestant Christians that emerged during the protestant reformation. The group was named after its founder, ‘Menno Simons’. Meno was a catholic priest at 24. However, he began to have doubts about the catholic faith an practices.
He studied the works of Marthin Luther and the scriptures. He left the catholic church in 1535.
The Mennonites faced severe persecution in their early years. Many of them were imprisoned and killed.
Mennonites do not believe in any form of violence. This includes war, abortion and death sentences. They believe in justice, peace and non-resistance.
They also hold many beliefs that align with conventional protestant beliefs including in Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible and salvation. They believe the Bible is inspired by God and has supreme divine authority.
Mennonites place a greater focus on one’s moral convictions and ability to worship God. They hold that religion and the rest of society should be practiced in isolation from one another.
They maintain strict rules and regulations inside their community. Although they have progressed over time and participate in improvements on the educational, social, and economic fronts, they live a humble existence and dress simply.
There are over 2.1 million Mennonites in the world.
Mennonites hold to the doctrines that Jesus Christ died on the cross to atone for humankind’s sins and that the Bible is divinely inspired. Mennonites think “organized religion” is crucial for influencing society and assisting people in discovering their calling. Members of the church are involved in missionary activities and volunteer service in the community.
Difference Between Amish and Mennonites
- Amish was founded by Jakob Ammann. Mennonites was founded by Meno Simmons.
- Amish wear plain traditional clothes. Mennonites wear normal, modern clothes.
- Amish prohibit the use of modern technology in their lives. Mennonites use modern technology in their daily life.
- Amish live together in groups and separate communities. Mennonites live as a part of society and not as separate communities.
- Amish hold Church meetings at home. Mennonites hold Church meetings in Church.
Comparison Between Amish and Mennonites
| Parameter of Comparison | Amish | Mennonites |
| Founder | Jakob Ammann | Meno Simmons |
| Dressing | Traditional clothes | Modern clothes |
| Technology | Prohibit the use of modern technology | Use modern technology |
| Living | Live in groups and separate communities | Live as a part of society. |
| Church Meeting | Hold church meetings at home | Hold church meetings in Church |