The Amish are an Old World society living in a modern, fast-paced world. They don't readily embrace new technology. Instead, they prefer to follow time-tested customs and traditions. By honoring these values, the Amish have created a unique cultural heritage that serves as a testament to their faith. As one Amishman said, "Tradition to us is a sacred trust, and it is part of our religion to uphold and adhere to the ideals of our forefathers."

Follow the Rules

The set of rules and regulations that govern everyday life in an Amish community is known as the Ordnung (pronounced Ott-ning). The Ordnung has been passed down from one generation to the next and exists in two forms. The first part, which is printed, dates from the beginning of the Amish church in the late 1500s. It includes the regulations that church leaders adopted at...