There's a large collection of Amish folk about two hours west of us, where my sister, her husband, and their three kids live (not Amish). They're willing to use computers, but only for purposes of work. On the other hand, I don't think the Mennonites (who are also in the area, and often confused with the Amish) use computers.
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@Fable, or anyone for that matter: I think I know what Amish people are. I saw a movie starring Harrison Ford whose character sought refuge among the Amish. I just could not understand the underlying reason why they behave as such in refusing to use "relatively modern" stuff.
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The Amish are a group who want to go back to "when times were simpler." They believe that by living a 19th century lifestyle--one devoid of modern conveniences like phones, electricity and automobiles--they are living as God intended people to live, working hard and collectively.
Like the Mennonites, the Amish are Christian sect that emphasises family and community above all else. There are large Amish communities throughout the midwest, but mostly in Ohio and Pennsylvania. It seems strange, people choosing to live without plumbing or television, but as a denomination, their numbers have remained fairly constant over the years, although they have begun to deline lately.
If you ever get a chance to go up to Amish country sometime, you should check it out. Their crafts and food are absolutely top rate.
@fable:
Some Amish are more open to a modern lifestyle than others. My grandparents lived in Canton, OH and they said that some of the Amish communities had bought communal cars for use in traveling long distances because several people had been struck and killed in their horse-drawn buggies along major highways. Up here in WV, some Amish came down in trucks to help repair houses that had been damaged in floods (Amish carpenters are among the best trade workers in the country). Others are willing to let their children dress like other kids and attend public schools until they become adults in the Amish society (I don't know what age that is, 14-16 I think), then they must decide whether they want to leave the community or adopt the "old ways".
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