Salvation

Amish beliefs about salvation and heaven are in some respects similar to those of modern Evangelicals, but in others very different. There is no consensus on exactly where the Amish fit within Christianity. Although they have much in common with English Quakers, such as refusing to take oaths or bear arms, their main theological origins lie close to those of the Mennonites. Most Amish would probably reject the suggestion that they are modern conservative Protestants.

They place absolute importance on their close-knit communities and way of life as part of their faith. Their lifestyle is not an optional extra that can change as society changes. This is one of the areas in which they differ from Evangelicals.

Born-again

The Amish see themselves as born-again Christians “accepting Christ as their Savior.” Their relationship to God “is the same as any other Christian would relate.” They believe that Christ is the Son of God and that he died on the cross for their sins and salvation. The Bible is their main study book and they also use a prayer book in church services and in their homes.

Heaven

Their faith is that they will get to heaven by believing on Jesus as their personal savior, as explained in the Bible. It is possible to have assurance of salvation, but this is not something the Amish are given to talking about, because a sense of assurance is not necessary. They hope for eternal life and feel that everything in life seems to be the will of God.

The Bible

There is more subtlety to Amish belief than can be expressed in simple terms. It varies from community to community but includes belief in standard Christian theological concepts including the virgin birth, resurrection, the Trinity, and life after death, either as reward or punishment. Confidence in the inerrancy of the Bible as God’s Word for humanity is basic to the beliefs about salvation of all Amish communities.