Is true freedom found within the boundaries of a strict social code?
In short: For the Amish, life is governed by the Ordnung—a set of unwritten rules that define their very identity. While outsiders often see only restrictions, practitioners view these boundaries as a protective fence, shielding them from the dangers of the modern world and fostering a profound sense of communal peace.
In the Anabaptist tradition, particularly among the Amish and Old Order Mennonites, the Ordnung serves as a behavioral code designed to ensure members live according to their understanding of the Bible. These rules are not merely a list of prohibitions; they are intended to cultivate specific character traits such as humility, simplicity, and obedience. By adhering to the Ordnung, members aim to avoid the pitfalls of pride, envy, vanity, and laziness.
A central concept within this lifestyle is Gelassenheit—a German term for 'yieldedness' or 'submission to the will of God.' It requires an individual to suppress personal desires and aggressive individualism in favor of the community and tradition. This yielding of the self is meant to produce a personality that is modest, reserved, and calm. In this framework, the individual finds freedom of heart and peace of mind by operating within a structured, predictable social order.
The Ordnung also acts as a filter for technology. To prevent the erosion of family structures or the promotion of status-seeking, the Amish examine new inventions through the lens of Gelassenheit. For example, while some districts permit telephones, many Old Order Amish avoid them to prioritize face-to-face neighborly visits. Even in modern industry, such as dairy farming, technology like automated milking systems is permitted only when it does not violate the principle of separation from the outside world.
Maintaining this order is a communal responsibility. Twice a year, members gather for the Ordnungsgemeine to express their unity. Because the Ordnung is designed to be stable, making changes is intentionally difficult; if two or more members reject a proposed modification, the rule remains unaltered. This ensures that the community remains cohesive, even as it navigates the tension between tradition and the necessity of incremental change.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ordnung
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