The lives of the Amish in the US | DW Documentary

The Amish are a religious community in the US with European origins, known for their strict rules (Ordnung) including adult baptism and, in stricter communities, a refusal of technological advancements. The documentary introduces Enos Slayball, a 40-year-old Amish farmer and blacksmith in Middlefield, Ohio, who lives with his wife Martha and seven children on a 94-acre farm. They avoid technology, preferring horses for work and transport, aligning with a long-standing tradition. His sons, Marcus and Myon, help with daily farm chores before school. Enos relies on raising his own feed to save money and works as a blacksmith. The Amish operate private schools, teaching children from 5 to 14, with the Bible as a central subject. Education for most ends after 8th grade, focusing on practical skills and trades.

John Gingerich, an individual with Amish heritage, runs a library and museum in Middlefield dedicated to preserving Amish history, including rare books and artifacts. Amish communities emphasize a bond with nature, horses, and traditional trades. Ray Slayball, another Amish individual, owns a furniture workshop employing 13 Amish workers. While they avoid personal technology, they use generators and batteries for business operations and contractors for orders. They adapt to modern business needs, utilizing drivers for deliveries and accepting phones for business, but prioritize church and family over business. They adhere to traditional gender roles and speak Pennsylvania Dutch. The community's healthcare relies on private funding and benefit auctions, like the one for a 10-year-old boy needing an operation, showcasing their self-sufficiency and communal support.

Al Yoda, a carriage builder, highlights how Amish culture has adapted to survive by selectively incorporating modernity, such as rubber wheels for buggies, to remain competitive. Chester Curts, a construction manager, exemplifies this adaptation, using taxis for long commutes to his business, which utilizes modern tools and communication. He emphasizes the Amish work ethic as a key to business success, even without higher education. Chester's 14-year-old cousin starts working at his construction business, earning $15 an hour, with parents receiving most earnings until the age of 20. The Amish health care system is community-funded, with members paying monthly fees for coverage, avoiding government dependence. Benefit auctions play a crucial role in raising funds for medical expenses, demonstrating their strong communal bond and mutual aid.

The Amish church has no central governing body, with bishops interpreting the Ordnung for individual church districts. Tom Berger, a minister and antique store owner, underlines the importance of maintaining Amish traditions. He also runs a bakery, demonstrating the community's shift towards small family businesses due to changes in agriculture. Amish families maintain strong faith, committing to lifelong marriages and having an average of six children, viewing them as gifts from God. They reject abortion and contraception for selfish reasons but allow it for health reasons. Amish communities attend 3-hour church services every Sunday, singing from an old German hymn book. Baptized members who leave the community face excommunication but can maintain contact.

Lloyd and Edna Miller demonstrate a more modern approach to Amish life, utilizing solar power, wall sockets, e-bikes, and quad bikes, along with modern kitchen appliances. Edna candidly discusses topics like contraception, justifying it for health reasons but not for selfish ones. She also acknowledges that the Amish are not perfect and recounts instances of abuse within the community, emphasizing the need for a personal relationship with God. Lloyd values the self-dependence of the Amish, noting their ability to be self-sustainable during crises like COVID-19. The Amish are pacifists and do not vote but respect political leadership. Teenagers undergo 'Rumspringa,' a period where they can experiment with modern life before deciding whether to commit to the Amish church. Most choose to stay, seeking a partner and embracing the community's values.