Amish vs. Mormon: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on February 10, 2024
The Amish are a Christian group known for simple living and avoidance of modern technology, whereas Mormons are members of the LDS Church, known for their distinct religious beliefs and practices.
Key Differences
The Amish, originating in the late 17th century, are a Christian sect known for simple living, plain dress, and reluctance to adopt modern conveniences. Mormons, formally known as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, established in the 19th century, are recognized for their unique religious beliefs including the Book of Mormon.
Amish communities typically shun modern technology, preferring manual labor and traditional methods, to preserve their way of life and values. Mormons, while often embracing modern technology and society, focus on family values, missionary work, and church activities.
The Amish live in close-knit communities, often in rural areas, and are known for their farming skills and craftsmanship. Mormons are part of a global church, with a strong community focus, but live integrated within broader society.
Amish religious services are held in homes or community buildings and are conducted in Pennsylvania German or a Swiss dialect. Mormon religious practices include regular church attendance in chapels, a strong emphasis on family history, and temple worship.
The Amish adhere to a set of rules known as the Ordnung, which dictates many aspects of their life and varies between communities. Mormons follow a set of religious principles laid out in scriptures like the Bible and the Book of Mormon, along with modern-day revelations and teachings of church leaders.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Late 17th century
19th century
Approach to Technology
Generally avoid modern technology
Embrace modern technology and society
Lifestyle
Simple living, manual labor, rural communities
Integrated within broader society, focus on family
Religious Practices
Services in homes, Pennsylvania German dialect
Church attendance, temple worship, English services
Guiding Rules
Ordnung, varies by community
Bible, Book of Mormon, modern-day revelations
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Amish and Mormon Definitions
Amish
The Amish are a traditionalist Christian group known for simple, technology-averse lifestyles.
The Amish community nearby is known for their excellent craftsmanship in furniture.
Mormon
The Mormon Church has a global presence and a structured organization.
The Mormon Church has congregations and temples worldwide.
Amish
The Amish dress plainly and avoid most modern conveniences.
Amish people are easily recognized by their plain clothing and use of horse-drawn buggies.
Mormon
Mormons follow a health code known as the Word of Wisdom and abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and certain other substances.
In adherence to the Word of Wisdom, Mormons avoid drinking coffee and tea.
Amish
The Amish live by the Ordnung, a set of rules governing their lifestyle.
Each Amish community’s Ordnung dictates their specific practices and rules.
Mormon
Mormons are known for their missionary work and family values.
Mormon missionaries can be found around the world, sharing their faith.
Amish
Amish communities emphasize agricultural living and self-sufficiency.
Visiting an Amish farm, one can see their commitment to agriculture and manual work.
Mormon
Mormons participate in unique religious practices like temple worship.
Mormons attend temples for special ceremonies and spiritual commitments.
Amish
Amish religious services are unique, often held in homes and in dialects.
Amish religious gatherings are intimate, reflecting their community-oriented faith.
Mormon
Mormons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mormons follow teachings in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
Amish
An orthodox Anabaptist sect that separated from the Mennonites in the late 17th century and exists today primarily in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.
Mormon
An ancient prophet believed to have compiled a sacred history of the Americas, which was translated and published by Joseph Smith as the Book of Mormon in 1830.
Amish
Of or relating to this sect or its members.
Amish
The Amish Mennonites.
Amish
Of, pertaining to, or designating, the followers of Jacob Amman, a strict Mennonite of the 17th century, who even proscribed the use of buttons and shaving as "worldly conformity". There are several branches of Amish Mennonites in the United States. A branch having particularly strict adherence to the Amish principles are called Old Order Amish
Amish
An American follower of the Mennonite religion
FAQs
What is a Mormon?
A Mormon is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Christian restorationist church.
Do the Amish use electricity?
Generally, the Amish do not use grid electricity but may use other forms of energy consistent with their community rules.
What language do the Amish speak?
The Amish primarily speak Pennsylvania German, also known as Pennsylvania Dutch, and English.
Who are the Amish?
The Amish are a group of traditionalist Christians known for simple living and avoidance of modern technology.
Where do most Mormons live?
While Mormons live worldwide, the largest concentration is in the United States, particularly in Utah.
How do the Amish travel?
The Amish commonly travel using horse-drawn buggies and do not usually drive cars.
Do Amish people go to school?
Amish children attend school, typically in one-room schoolhouses, until about the eighth grade.
What are Mormon temples used for?
Mormon temples are used for sacred ordinances such as marriages and proxy baptisms for the deceased.
Can Amish people use modern medical facilities?
Yes, Amish people can and do use modern medical services, though they often prefer traditional remedies when possible.
Do Mormons celebrate traditional Christian holidays?
Yes, Mormons celebrate traditional Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter.
Are Amish people baptized?
Yes, Amish people are baptized, usually as young adults, after they choose to commit to their faith.
Are Mormons Christian?
Yes, Mormons consider themselves Christians, though their beliefs are distinct from mainstream Christian denominations.
What is the Mormon missionary program?
The Mormon missionary program involves members, often young adults, volunteering to spend two years proselytizing and performing community service.
Do Mormons practice polygamy?
The mainstream LDS Church discontinued the practice of polygamy in the late 19th century and currently strictly prohibits it.
How do the Amish view technology?
The Amish view technology cautiously, accepting it only when it does not disrupt their way of life and values.
What is the role of women in Mormonism?
Women in Mormonism participate in many church activities but do not hold priesthood positions.
How do Mormons view the Bible?
Mormons regard the Bible as sacred scripture and an essential part of their religious teachings, along with the Book of Mormon.
What is the Book of Mormon?
The Book of Mormon is a sacred text of the Latter-day Saint movement, believed by Mormons to be another testament of Jesus Christ.
Do Amish people pay taxes?
The Amish pay most taxes but are exempt from paying Social Security due to their religious beliefs.
Can outsiders join the Amish community?
Joining the Amish community is rare for outsiders and involves a long process of learning and adaptation to the Amish way of life.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
