Limits on the use of technology

Technology is evaluated by its impact on humility, family, and community cohesion.

73%

Confidence

Supportive

Contrary

Neutral

What it is: The Amish tradition is known for limiting or regulating modern technologies, but the central criterion is not abstract rejection of progress.

How the tradition understands it: Tools and systems are evaluated according to their effects on pride, excessive mobility, individual autonomy, consumption, external dependence, and fragmentation of the community.

Basis and context: For this reason, certain groups accept some technologies in adapted form, while refusing others considered disintegrating.

Debates and variations: There is no single rule: telephone, electricity, machines, internet, and transportation receive very different treatments between branches.

Supportive

Documentation on Old Order and New Order Amish

amish,old-order,new-order,diversity

Internal diversity prevents absolute generalizations about the whole tradition.

Reference: Historical and sociological studies on Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, and other branches.
Content: Show differences regarding technology, evangelization, education, liturgy, discipline, and contact with broader society.
Use in debate: Important to treat internal diversity with precision.

Donald B. Kraybill, The Riddle of Amish Culture

amish,kraybill,culture,technology

Classic study on Amish culture, social order, and religion.

Reference: Donald B. Kraybill, The Riddle of Amish Culture.
Content: The work analyzes simplicity, technology, authority, family, economy, and social logic of the Amish tradition.
Use in debate: One of the most used academic references to describe contemporary Amish life.

Studies on Ordnung and Amish technology

amish,ordnung,technology,modernity

Research shows that technology is filtered by community criteria and not simply rejected.

Reference: Sociological and historical studies on Ordnung, modernity, and technology among the Amish.
Content: Show that acceptance or refusal of technologies depends on their effects on family, mobility, authority, and social cohesion.
Use in debate: Essential to avoid simplistic caricatures about total rejection of technique.