Date of Award

1962

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies

First Advisor

Leonard Gernant

Second Advisor

Dr. Eunice E. Hearld

Third Advisor

Galdys L. Rowe

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

Introduction

The Old Order Amish Mennonites, undoubtedly the plainest of the "plain people," have a high regard for the beliefs and customs of their forebears. Their forefathers had no telephones, automobiles, electric lights, radios, or church buildings, so the Amish of today work the land with horses, travel in buggies, burn gas lights, gather in homes for worship services, and wear styles of dress which were common in seventeenth and eighteenth century Europe.

Estimates made on the basis of recorded church membership in the Mennonite Yearbook place the Amish population of the United States at approximately 57,000. Their high birth rate has made them one of the fastest growing religious groups in the United States, and their rate of growth is still increasing.

The Amish have found no Biblical injunctions in opposition to modern health practices, and readily seek medical care when it is needed. However, like many rural groups, they also rely upon home remedies and cures.

The Amish are devoutly religious, committed to a conservative, agrarian way of life, and notable for their cohesive family and community structure.

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