Amish vs. Mennonite — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 13, 2024
Amish emphasize simplicity and tradition in their daily lives and religious practices, often rejecting modern technology; Mennonites, while also valuing simplicity, generally accept more modern conveniences and participate more in the outside world.
Difference Between Amish and Mennonite
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Amish community is best known for its avoidance of modern technology, relying on horse-drawn buggies for transportation and abstaining from the use of electricity. In contrast, Mennonites are more flexible in their use of technology, often driving cars and using electricity, which reflects their broader engagement with contemporary society.
While the Amish strictly adhere to their Ordnung, a set of unwritten rules that governs their lifestyle and limits interactions with the outside world, Mennonites have a broader interpretation of community guidelines, which allows for greater variation from one congregation to another and more interaction with non-Mennonites.
Amish religious services are typically held in homes or community buildings and are conducted in Pennsylvania Dutch, a dialect of German. On the other hand, Mennonites might worship in churches and use services conducted in English, reflecting their more assimilated approach to broader society.
The Amish are known for their distinctive dress, which is plain and made by the community members, serving as a symbol of their separation from the modern world. Mennonites also wear modest clothing, but their attire can be less distinctive and sometimes more reflective of modern fashion trends.
Education within the Amish community usually ends at the eighth grade, in private Amish schools that emphasize practical skills. Whereas Mennonites often pursue higher education and value academic and professional development as part of their community’s growth.
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Comparison Chart
Technology Usage
Reject modern technology (e.g., cars, electricity)
Use modern technology, but vary by community
Interaction with Society
Limited; separate from mainstream
More integrated with modern society
Worship Practices
Services in homes, in Pennsylvania Dutch
Services in churches, usually in English
Clothing
Uniform, homemade, plain
Modest, less uniform, can include modern styles
Education
Ends typically at eighth grade
Often includes higher education
Compare with Definitions
Amish
A period when Amish youth explore the outside world before deciding to commit to the church.
During Rumspringa, Amish teenagers might experience technologies and lifestyles normally avoided.
Mennonite
Mennonites belong to peace churches, known for their commitment to pacifism.
As a Mennonite, he advocates for nonviolent solutions in conflicts.
Amish
Handmade and known for their craftsmanship and simplicity in design.
Amish quilts are highly valued for their artistic and practical qualities.
Mennonite
Institutions that combine higher education with religious teachings.
She attended a Mennonite college that emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual growth.
Amish
A group emphasizing simplicity and tradition, rejecting most modern technology.
The Amish community nearby travels by buggy instead of using cars.
Mennonite
A member of a Christian group that values community and simplicity but often engages more with modern society.
Local Mennonites often participate in community charity events.
Amish
Rules governing the Amish lifestyle, emphasizing separation from the non-Amish world.
According to the Ordnung, using a smartphone is not allowed in the Amish community.
Mennonite
Both Amish and Mennonites are part of the Anabaptist tradition, emphasizing adult baptism.
Mennonites, like Amish, practice adult baptism as part of their Anabaptist faith.
Amish
A market typically run by Amish selling homemade goods and food.
The Amish market is popular for its authentic homemade pastries.
Mennonite
An event where Mennonites raise funds for global aid through auctions and food sales.
The Mennonite Relief Sale this year included a quilt auction that raised thousands of dollars.
Amish
The Amish (; Pennsylvania German: Amisch; German: Amische) are a group of traditionalist Christian church fellowships with Swiss German and Alsatian Anabaptist origins. They are closely related to Mennonite churches.
Mennonite
A member of an Anabaptist church characterized by nonviolence, refusal to swear oaths, and often simplicity of life.
Amish
An orthodox Anabaptist sect that separated from the Mennonites in the late 17th century and exists today primarily in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.
Mennonite
A member of an Anabaptist movement in Holland noted for its simplicity of life
Amish
Of or relating to this sect or its members.
Amish
The Amish Mennonites.
Amish
Of, pertaining to, or designating, the followers of Jacob Amman, a strict Mennonite of the 17th century, who even proscribed the use of buttons and shaving as "worldly conformity". There are several branches of Amish Mennonites in the United States. A branch having particularly strict adherence to the Amish principles are called Old Order Amish
Amish
An American follower of the Mennonite religion
Common Curiosities
Can Amish use any modern technologies?
Amish communities generally prohibit the use of technologies that connect to the grid or those that are seen as linking too closely with the outside world.
What types of jobs do Mennonites have?
Mennonites hold a variety of jobs, from farming to professions in education and business, reflecting their higher levels of education and integration with society.
What is the main difference between Amish and Mennonite beliefs?
The main difference is in their adoption of technology and interaction with society; Amish are more isolated and traditional, whereas Mennonites are more engaged and flexible.
How do Amish and Mennonite educational approaches differ?
Amish education stops at the eighth grade, focusing on community and practical skills, while Mennonites often encourage secondary and higher education, integrating more with modern educational systems.
How do Amish and Mennonite views on pacifism compare?
Both groups are pacifist, resisting participation in military activities, but Mennonites are typically more active in social and political peace advocacy.
Where are Amish and Mennonite communities primarily located?
In the United States, large Amish communities are found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, while Mennonites are spread more broadly, including in urban areas.
What role does community play in the lives of Amish and Mennonites?
Both place a high value on community; however, Amish communities are typically more insular and self-sufficient, while Mennonite communities tend to be more open to and integrated with the wider society.
Do Amish and Mennonites share a common historical origin?
Yes, both originated from the Swiss Anabaptists in the 16th century, though they split into separate groups in the late 17th and early 18th centuries due to differing beliefs about technology and integration with society.
What are typical religious practices among the Amish and Mennonites?
Amish hold their worship services in homes or community buildings in Pennsylvania Dutch, whereas Mennonites often worship in churches and use English, aligning with their greater integration into society.
How do clothing styles differ between the Amish and Mennonites?
Amish clothing is uniformly plain and handmade, designed to avoid any ostentation, while Mennonite clothing, though modest, can be more varied and sometimes incorporates contemporary styles.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
