The Amish And Beer: A Complex Relationship

While the Amish are often assumed to be teetotal, some do drink alcohol. The Amish are a diverse group, and their attitudes towards alcohol vary. Some Amish groups are very plain and traditional, while others are more open to technology and the outside world. Interestingly, it is the more outwardly traditional groups that tend to be more accepting of alcohol. The New Order Amish, who split from the Old Order Amish in the 1960s, are against alcohol consumption, while the Swartzentruber Amish and Swiss Amish do drink alcohol. Alcohol abuse is generally less common in Amish society, but it does occur, particularly among youth. Amish youth going through Rumspringa may experiment with alcohol, and there have been reports of drunk buggy driving and underage drinking.

Drinking laws vary by community and church custom

In contrast, the Old Order Amish, the largest Amish sect, do not expressly forbid alcohol. Alcohol consumption among the Old Order Amish is most common among the youth, but all age groups can occasionally be seen drinking. The Swartzentruber Amish, the most conservative group, also do not prohibit alcohol consumption, although the majority of members do not drink.

Alcohol abuse is generally less common in Amish society, but it is not non-existent. Some Amish communities have a reputation for alcohol use and even abuse. This is true among both Amish youth and adults. There have been several reports of drunk buggy driving, with underage drinking also being a problem.

The types of alcohol consumed by the Amish include beer, wine, and hard liquor. Beer is the most common, as it is cheap and convenient, while some Amish groups make their own homemade wines.

Amish youth and alcohol

Alcohol consumption is not banned in the Bible, and while some Amish groups are very plain and traditional, and others are more open to technology, their attitudes towards alcohol vary. The New Order Amish, for example, are completely against alcohol consumption, while the Swartzentruber Amish and Swiss Amish do consume alcohol.

During Rumspringa, a period when many Old Order Amish teenagers are permitted to "sow their wild oats", many Amish youth drink alcohol. Some Amish communities have a reputation for young people having parties where alcohol is present, such as in Geauga County, Ohio, and northern Indiana.

Some Amish parents look the other way, while others try to crack down on alcohol consumption. In some communities, supervised youth groups have been set up to prevent alcohol abuse and wild behaviour. Some communities have even implemented alcohol education programs for young people.

Alcohol abuse in Amish communities

Alcohol abuse is a problem that affects all cultures, and the Amish are no exception. While the Amish do not have a drinking culture, and alcohol abuse is generally less common in Amish society, it would be incorrect to assume that they abstain from alcohol completely.

The Amish are a diverse group, with varying attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Some communities are very plain and traditional, while others are more open to technology and the outside world. Interestingly, it is often the more outwardly traditional Amish groups that are more accepting of alcohol, while the more progressive New Order Amish are the most vocally opposed to it. The New Order Amish are a separate movement that began in the 1960s, with a significant population in Holmes County, Ohio, and are known for their plain dress and use of horse-and-buggy transport.

Alcohol abuse can be found in some Amish communities, particularly among youth. The transition to adulthood can be challenging for Amish teens, as they often have little experience outside their communities. During Rumspringa, a period of exploration before baptism and settling down, Amish youth may experiment with alcohol and drugs. While this behaviour is not encouraged, it is generally tolerated by parents who want their children to make their own choices. However, some communities have implemented alcohol education programs to address this issue.

Alcohol abuse among Amish adults is less common, but it does occur. Amish people are not immune to the trials and tribulations of life, and some may turn to alcohol to cope with death, loss, and heartache. The Amish have a strong sense of community, and those struggling with alcohol abuse can find support from their brothers, friends, and elders.

Overall, while alcohol abuse exists in Amish communities, it is not a widespread issue. The average Amish person is less likely to consume alcohol than the average non-Amish person, and most Amish communities do not have a drinking culture.

Alcohol use by the New Order Amish

Alcohol use is strictly forbidden by the New Order Amish, a subgroup that split from the Old Order Amish in the 1960s. The New Order Amish are more evangelical and stricter in some lifestyle choice areas. Alcohol, tobacco, and bed courtship (bundling) were key factors in the original division.

The New Order Amish emerged mainly in two regions: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and Holmes/Wayne County, Ohio. The Lancaster County New Order Amish permitted electricity, which led to a further split into two groups: electric and non-electric. The Holmes County New Orders allowed men to trim their beards and hair above their ears.

The New Order Amish prohibit alcohol consumption as a matter of church rules. However, this does not mean that all Amish individuals abstain from alcohol. Some may drink or make their own alcoholic beverages, such as wine or moonshine. Alcohol use among Amish youth, particularly during the Rumspringa period, is also a concern in some communities.

While the New Order Amish are against alcohol consumption, other Amish groups may have different attitudes. The Old Order Amish, the largest sect, do not expressly forbid alcohol consumption. The Swartzentruber Amish, a more conservative group, also allow and tolerate alcohol use.

In summary, while the New Order Amish prohibit alcohol as part of their religious practices, alcohol use may vary among different Amish communities and individuals, with some choosing to abstain while others may drink or make their own alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol-related arrests of the Amish

In another instance, four young men in Michigan were arrested for driving a horse and buggy while drunk. The men, all under the legal drinking age, were charged with felony obstruction of justice, disorderly conduct, and civil infractions for being minors in possession of alcohol.

While alcohol consumption is not banned in the Amish church, some individual Amish groups are very much against it. The New Order Amish, for example, are completely against alcohol consumption. However, other groups, such as the Swartzentruber Amish and Swiss Amish, do consume alcohol.

The Amish youth go through a period called Rumspringa, where they can experiment and experience non-Amish life before deciding to commit to the church. During this time, some youth may engage in alcohol use, which can lead to alcohol-related arrests.

Overall, while alcohol consumption is not a significant part of Amish culture, it is not absent either. Some Amish communities have a reputation for alcohol use, and there have been instances of Amish people being charged with driving under the influence, both in buggies and cars.

Frequently asked questions