Quakers and Amish are two Christian groups that have many differences. Both have their roots in the Protestant Reformation, but they developed different doctrines and practices. Quakers place a high value on individual spiritual experiences and emphasize simplicity, equality, and peace. Amish communities are very traditional and place a strong emphasis on family, faith, and community. While there are some similarities between the two groups, there are also major differences that set them apart.
Who is Quaker?
Quaker is a term used to refer to a member of the Religious Society of Friends. Quakers are Christians who believe in the Inner Light or the light of God that exists within each person. Quakers also believe in social equality, plain dress, and simple living. Quakers first appeared in England in the mid-1600s. Since then, Quakers have spread to other countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Africa.
Quakers have made significant contributions to education, business, politics, and philanthropy. Notable Quakers include Khalil Gibran, John Woolman, Lucretia Mott, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Quakers continue to be active in both their local communities and the world at large. Quakers strive to live lives that are guided by truth, peace, simplicity, and equality. Quaker beliefs continue to have a significant impact on society today.
Who is Amish?
- Amish is a religious sect that arises from Anabaptists practiced by various churches in 16th-century Europe. Amish follow the simple living, and plain dress, and refuse many technological advancements. The Amish population was estimated to be 310,000 in 2017 with the majority living in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. Amish beliefs include baptism upon profession of faith, pacifism, equality of all members, uniformity among members, separation of church and state, an Amish church district overseen by bishops and ministers, and ruling elders selected by the Amish community who guide and make decisions for the Amish church districts.
- The Amish culture has attracted much curiosity from the outside world due to their unique way of life. The Amish community is known for their simple living without modern technology and refusing to engage with the “English” or the non-Amish world.
- One of the prominent reasons why Amish don’t use many modern technologies is because they believe it will hinder their ability to commune with God which is a cornerstone belief for Amish people. Many Amish people live very simply without modern conveniences such as electricity or indoor plumbing.
Difference between Quakers and Amish
Quakers and Amish are two different groups that emerged from the religious turmoil of seventeenth-century Europe. Both groups sought to create communities that were based on simple living and religious toleration. However, they differed in their views on violence and individual freedom.
Quakers believed that violence was always wrong, even in self-defense, while the Amish thought that it could be justified in some circumstances. Quakers also placed a high value on individual conscience, while the Amish stressed community consensus. As a result of these differences, Quakers, and Amish have developed into two very distinct groups.
Conclusion
So what is the difference between Quakers and Amish? There are many ways to answer this question, but some of the most noticeable distinctions are their modes of dress, use of technology, and religious practices. While both groups hold pacifism as a core belief, the Amish take it a step further by shunning all forms of modern technology. This leads to them having a much more traditional lifestyle than the Quakers.
Finally, while both religions have similar origins, they have since taken different paths in terms of theology and interpretation. In short, the Quakers are a little less strict when it comes to interpreting scripture while the Amish place greater emphasis on following church tradition.
