The Amish movement was founded in Europe by Jacob Amman (~1644 to ~1720 CE), 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 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. James Hoorman writes about the current status of the Amish movement:
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, etc. About 1,500 live in south-western Ontario, in 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.
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Joe
Mackall's book is titled "Plain Secrets: An outsider among the Amish."
Publisher's Weekly states: "Mackall breathes life into a complex
group often idealized or caricatured . . . it is a deeply respectful account
that never veers toward sensationalism." In a starred review, Booklist,
ALA, comments: "Wonderful and enlightening . . . This is a loving
portrait, warts and all, of an often-misunderstood people." Beacon
Press (2007).
Donald B. Kraybill and Steven M. Nolt, "Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy." It describes the remarkable response of the Amish community to a mass shooting of ten young girls in an Amish school in Nickel Mines, PA. 
Donald B. Kraybill, "
Misty Griffin, "
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