(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org, please feel free to visit the school website)
There is no consensus on exactly where the Amish fit within Christianity.
Some consider them conservative Protestants. Most Amish would probably
consider themselves to be Anabaptists. J. Gordon Melton, head of the Institute
For The Study Of American Religion, classifies them as part of the European
Free-Church Family along with Mennonites, Brethren Quakers and other
denominations. The Amish movement was founded in Europe by Jacob Amman (1644 to 1720 A.D.), from whom their name is derived. In many ways, it
started as a reform group within the Mennonite movement—an attempt to restore
some of the early practices of the Mennonites.
The beliefs and practices of the Amish were based on the writings of the
founder of the Mennonite faith, Menno Simons (1496-1561), and on the 1632
Mennonite Dordrecht Confession Of Faith. The Amish, who split from
Mennonites, generally lived in Switzerland and in the southern Rhine river
region. During the late 17th century, they separated because of what they
perceived as a lack of discipline among the Mennonites. Some Amish migrated
to the United States, starting in the early 18th century. They initially
settled in Pennsylvania. Other waves of immigrants became established in
New York, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, and other states.
The faith group has attempted to preserve the elements of the late 17th century
European rural culture. They try to avoid many of the features of modern
society by developing practices and behaviors which isolate themselves from
American culture.
Membership in the Old Order Amish Mennonite Church and other Amish
denominations is not freely available. They may total about 180,000 adults
spread across 22 states, including about 45,000 in Ohio and smaller numbers
in Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York and more. About 1,500 live in
south-western Ontario, Canada.
Almost all members are born into and raised in the faith. Converts from outside
of the Amish communities are rare. Some Amish groups have a very restricted
gene pool and are experiencing several inherited disorders.