Amish vs. Mormon: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 25, 2024
The Amish are a Christian group known for simple living and avoidance of modern technology, while Mormons are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known for their unique scriptures and missionary work.
Key Differences
The Amish, emerging from Anabaptist traditions in the 16th century, prioritize community life, simple living, and shunning most modern technologies. Mormons, founded in the 19th century by Joseph Smith in the United States, center their faith on the Bible and the Book of Mormon, seeing themselves as a restoration of original Christianity with a distinct set of beliefs and practices.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Amish communities are distinguished by their use of horse-drawn transportation, plain dress, and a generally self-sufficient lifestyle, focusing heavily on agricultural practices. In contrast, Mormons are known for their emphasis on family life, extensive missionary work, and the use of modern technology and medicine.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
The Amish adhere strictly to their Ordnung, an unwritten set of rules governing everything from dress to technology usage, emphasizing community over individuality. Mormons, however, have a structured religious organization with a global presence, emphasizing individual spiritual progress and a strong central church authority.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Baptism in the Amish faith typically occurs in adulthood, symbolizing a commitment to the community and its rules, whereas Mormons practice baptism at the age of eight, representing a covenant with God and entrance into the church community.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
The Amish generally avoid political involvement and higher education, believing in a life separate from the outside world. Mormons, conversely, actively engage in higher education and politics, with a belief in positively influencing society in line with their religious principles.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Community Focus
Community-oriented, self-sufficient
Global, missionary-focused
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Religious Texts
Bible, with emphasis on New Testament
Bible and the Book of Mormon
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Lifestyle
Simple, agrarian lifestyle
Modern, integrated with mainstream society
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Dress
Plain and modest clothing
No specific dress code, but emphasize modesty
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Education
Formal education typically until 8th grade
Encourage higher education
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Political Involvement
Generally avoid political involvement
Active in politics and social issues
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Amish and Mormon Definitions
Amish
Amish can also denote a lifestyle emphasizing community values and self-sufficiency.
Their Amish way of life fosters a strong sense of community and support.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Mormon
Mormon can also mean relating to the religious practices and beliefs of the LDS Church.
The Mormon temple in the city is known for its impressive architecture.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Amish
Amish refers to members of an Anabaptist sect who live in closed communities.
The Amish settlement we visited was a remarkable insight into a different way of life.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Mormon
The term Mormon is often associated with a strong emphasis on family and community.
The Mormon family's dedication to community service was inspiring.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Amish
Amish people are characterized by their avoidance of modern technology and conservative dress.
An Amish family travels by horse-drawn buggy, adhering to their traditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Mormon
Mormon refers to a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A Mormon missionary shared their beliefs and the Book of Mormon with me.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Amish
Amish refers to a group of traditionalist Christian church fellowships known for simple living.
The Amish community nearby is known for its excellent craftsmanship in furniture.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Amish
The term Amish is often associated with communities that prioritize agriculture and manual labor.
Amish farms are admired for their sustainable practices and strong work ethic.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Amish
An orthodox Anabaptist sect that separated from the Mennonites in the late 17th century and exists today primarily in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Mormon
Of or relating to the Mormons, their religion, or the Mormon Church.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Mormon
Any of various dark-coloured Asian species of papilionid butterflies of the genus Papilio.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
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
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Mormon
One of a Christian denomination (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) in the United States, followers of Joseph Smith, who professed to have found an addition to the Bible, engraved on golden plates, called the Book of Mormon, first published in 1830. The Mormons believe in polygamy, and their hierarchy of apostles, etc., has control of civil and religious matters.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Mormon
A member of a sect, called the Reorganized Church of Jesus of Latterday Saints, which has always rejected polygamy. It was organized in 1852, and is represented in about forty States and Territories of the United States.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Mormon
Of or pertaining to the Mormons; as, the Mormon religion; Mormon practices.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Mormon
The ancient prophet whose writings were revealed to Joseph Smith who founded the Mormon Church
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Mormon
Of or pertaining to or characteristic of the Mormon church;
Mormon leaders
The former Mormon practice of polygamy
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 10, 2024
Mormon
Mormon may denote someone who follows the teachings found in the Book of Mormon.
As a Mormon, she reads both the Bible and the Book of Mormon regularly.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Mormon
Mormon can refer to the culture and lifestyle of members of the LDS Church.
The Mormon culture places a high value on education and personal development.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the historical origin of the Amish?
The Amish originated in the 16th century in Europe as part of the Anabaptist movement.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
How do Mormons view the Bible?
Mormons regard the Bible as holy scripture and a foundation of their faith.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
What is the Book of Mormon?
The Book of Mormon is a sacred text of the LDS Church, believed to be another testament of Jesus Christ.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Are Amish people baptized as children?
No, Amish baptism occurs in adulthood as a commitment to the community and faith.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Can Mormons drink coffee or alcohol?
Mormons typically abstain from coffee, alcohol, and other harmful substances.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Do Amish people use electricity?
Amish generally avoid using public electricity, preferring simple technology.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
What distinguishes Amish clothing?
Amish clothing is modest, plain, and often handmade, reflecting their values.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Do Mormons practice polygamy?
The mainstream LDS Church discontinued the practice of polygamy in the late 19th century.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
What roles do women play in Amish society?
Amish women typically focus on family, home duties, and contributing to the community.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Can outsiders join the Amish community?
Joining the Amish community is rare and requires adopting their lifestyle and beliefs.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Do Mormons believe in modern prophets?
Yes, Mormons believe in ongoing revelation through prophets in modern times.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
How do Amish communities govern themselves?
Amish communities are typically led by bishops and adhere to unwritten rules known as the Ordnung.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
How do Mormons view Jesus Christ?
Mormons view Jesus Christ as the Savior and central figure of their faith.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
What is the role of the temple in Mormonism?
Mormon temples are sacred spaces used for special religious ordinances and ceremonies.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
How do Mormons view other religions?
Mormons generally respect other religions while believing in the unique truth of their faith.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
How do the Amish view technology?
The Amish view technology cautiously, accepting only what doesn't disrupt their way of life.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
What is a Mormon mission?
A Mormon mission is a period of voluntary service, often involving preaching and teaching the faith.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Are Amish schools different from public schools?
Amish schools are typically small, private, and focus on basic skills up to the eighth grade.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Do Amish people pay taxes?
Amish pay most taxes but are exempt from social security due to their community support system.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
What are Mormon general conferences?
General conferences are semiannual gatherings where Mormons receive teachings from church leaders.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.