The Old Order Amish are known for their commitment to a simple way of life, distinct from the conveniences and technologies of modern society. One prominent aspect of this separation is their approach to automobiles. While it’s a common perception that Amish people completely abstain from cars, the reality is more nuanced. This article delves into the intricacies of Amish beliefs and practices regarding car use, clarifying the difference between owning and using cars, and exploring the various ways Amish communities navigate transportation in the 21st century.
Reasons Amish Don’t Own Cars
The core reason behind the Amish refusal to own automobiles is rooted in their desire to preserve their community and family structure. The Amish believe that car ownership would disrupt the close-knit fabric of their society, mirroring what they’ve observed in broader American culture. The ease of personal transportation that cars offer can lead to geographical dispersion, weakening community bonds and reducing daily face-to-face interactions. By consciously choosing not to own cars, the Amish actively reinforce community ties and maintain the geographical closeness of their church districts. This reliance on horse-drawn buggies necessitates living in proximity, fostering mutual support and interdependence within the community. Beyond community preservation, forgoing car ownership also represents a practical decision, eliminating expenses related to car payments, insurance, and fuel, contributing to their economically conservative lifestyle.
Reasons The Amish Will Ride In Cars
While car ownership is rejected, car usage is a different matter. Recognizing the practical limitations of horse-and-buggies for long-distance travel, the Amish pragmatically accept riding in cars driven by non-Amish individuals. Attending events like weddings, funerals, or visiting distant family members often necessitates traveling distances impractical for horse-drawn transport. In such cases, Amish individuals and families will hire non-Amish drivers, often referred to as “Amish taxis,” to provide transportation. These drivers are usually community members living near Amish settlements who offer driving services as a livelihood. While this hired transportation incurs costs, potentially offsetting some savings from not owning a vehicle, it remains a necessary compromise for engaging with the world beyond their immediate community. The acceptance of riding in cars, while maintaining a refusal to own them, represents a key aspect of the Amish approach to technology: selectively engaging with the outside world while preserving their core values and community structure. This practice allows them to participate in essential activities and maintain connections without relinquishing control over technology’s influence within their communities.
Buses and Vans for Group Travel
For longer journeys and group travel, Amish communities also utilize other forms of public transportation, primarily buses and vans. Commercial bus lines like Greyhound and specifically chartered 15-passenger vans are common choices for traveling between Amish settlements or reaching destinations further afield. The Pioneer Bus Line, for example, is a well-known service that caters specifically to Amish communities, connecting settlements in the Midwest with Pinecraft, Florida, particularly popular during winter months. These larger vehicles facilitate travel for families and groups, accommodating the often large size of Amish families and enabling community members to travel together for events, visits, or seasonal migration. While air travel is generally discouraged, exceptions are sometimes made for urgent situations or travel to geographically isolated Amish communities, such as those in Montana, where air travel may be necessary to connect with family in the East. The acceptance of buses and vans aligns with the Amish principle of utilizing technology at arm’s length, allowing for necessary travel while avoiding the individualistic ownership and potential social impact of personal automobiles.
Do The Amish Ever Drive Cars? Emerging Trends
While widespread car driving and ownership remain against Old Order Amish norms, subtle shifts are occurring in some communities. The Lobelville Amish in Tennessee represent a notable exception, where a communal approach to vehicle ownership has emerged. In this community, a few designated individuals are permitted to drive, and the community collectively owns a van. This model aims to increase self-sufficiency by reducing reliance on outside “Amish taxi” services while still maintaining community control over vehicle use. By limiting driving to a few responsible members and owning the vehicle communally, they mitigate the individualistic aspects of car ownership that are seen as detrimental to Amish values. This trend, though still limited, suggests a potential evolution in Amish transportation practices, driven by the desire for greater autonomy and practicality in a changing world. It indicates a willingness to adapt while still attempting to uphold core principles of community and separation from mainstream culture.
Amish Using Tractors as “Cars” for Local Transport
In certain Amish settlements, tractors have evolved beyond their agricultural purpose to serve as a form of local transportation, somewhat akin to cars. While slower than cars, tractors offer advantages over horse-drawn buggies in terms of speed and distance capability, without requiring constant animal care. This adaptation is particularly evident in communities like Oakland, Maryland, and Garnett and Partridge, Kansas, where tractors are frequently used for errands into town. Originally adopted for farming, their practicality for local travel was quickly recognized. Tractors, like buggies, inherently limit travel distance compared to cars, thus aligning with the Amish preference for localized community interaction. They represent a technological adaptation that provides increased efficiency for local travel within the boundaries of Amish values, offering a middle ground between traditional horse-drawn transport and the more impactful technology of automobiles.
Amish Business Ownership of Cars: A Practical Consideration
A distinction is often drawn within Amish communities regarding car ownership for business purposes versus personal use. Some Amish church districts may permit car ownership when it is demonstrably necessary for business operations. This pragmatic approach acknowledges the economic realities of modern business, where reliable transportation can be crucial for competitiveness and efficiency. The Amish entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to economic self-sufficiency often necessitate engaging with the broader economy, and in certain cases, car ownership is seen as a necessary tool for business success. This nuanced stance reflects the Amish ability to adapt their practices to economic realities while still maintaining core principles in their personal and community life. Examples like Noah Yoder, mentioned in a Michigan NPR report, illustrate this flexibility, where driving a minivan for work is accepted within a less rigid Amish context.
Mennonites and Cars: A Broader Spectrum
It’s important to differentiate between Amish and Mennonites, as their approaches to technology and car ownership differ. While Old Order Mennonites share similarities with the Amish in their rejection of car ownership, Mennonite denominations encompass a much wider spectrum of beliefs and practices. Conservative Mennonite groups may dress plainly but permit car ownership, while more progressive Mennonites integrate cars fully into their lives. The Mennonite tradition is theologically broader than the Amish, resulting in greater diversity in their engagement with modern technology. Therefore, generalizations about Amish car practices should not be extended to all Mennonites, as their relationship with automobiles varies significantly depending on their specific denomination and community.
FAQ: Amish and Cars
Do the Amish drive automobiles?
No, the vast majority of Old Order Amish do not drive cars. While riding in cars is generally permissible, driving and owning them are not, with limited exceptions in certain communities or for specific business needs.
Are there any Amish churches that allow automobile ownership?
No Old Order Amish churches officially permit general automobile ownership. However, some communities may exhibit tolerance towards car ownership strictly for business purposes, and emerging exceptions like the Lobelville Amish demonstrate evolving approaches to vehicle use within specific contexts.
Key Point: Using vs. Owning – The Core Distinction
The fundamental principle underlying the Amish approach to cars is the distinction between using and owning. Owning cars is perceived as undermining the communal foundations of Amish society and their commitment to a slower pace of life. However, using cars, primarily through hired drivers or public transportation, is accepted as a necessary compromise for navigating the modern world. This distinction allows the Amish to engage with the outside world when essential while maintaining their cultural values and community structure, representing a carefully balanced adaptation to 21st-century life.
