A Kidnapping in Amish Country

The Amish, a branch of Anabaptist Christianity, maintain a lifestyle that is culturally distinct from typical North American culture. They believe their culture reflects biblical values or that a traditional agrarian lifestyle is superior to current cultural trends. For example, the Amish believe large families are a blessing from God, so families with a dozen or more children are not uncommon. Family life is considered more important than economic success, so the elderly and handicapped are not sent to care facilities but are provided for at home. Known for their avoidance of modern technology, the decisions about what is to be used and what is to be avoided are made by the group, not the individual. These decisions are based either upon biblical practices or traditions that have been passed down, with the well-being of the community considered more valuable than the desires of the individual. Practices vary widely among Amish subgroups, from the Beachy Amish, who use electricity, automobiles, smartphones, and colorful clothing, to the most traditional Swartzentruber Amish, who avoid owning or using any of these.