amish sect
Noun: 1. A distinct religious group within the Amish tradition: An Amish sect is a specific, often geographically or doctrinally defined, community that follows the core principles of the Amish faith but may have its own unique rules, leadership, or practices. These sects are all part of the broader Amish people, who are conservative Anabaptist Christians. 2. (Historical Reference): Specifically refers to the original orthodox Anabaptist group that separated from the Mennonites in the late 17th century and whose descendants settled primarily in southeastern Pennsylvania and other parts of North America.
The term is used to identify and discuss the various subgroups within the Amish population, which differ in their degree of conservatism, use of technology, and community regulations. * As a common noun: "The settlement belongs to a more conservative Amish sect." * As a proper noun (when referring to the historical founding group): "The Amish sect originated from a schism with the Mennonites."
- "The Amish sect in that valley does not use any motorized vehicles, not even for farming."
- "Differences in dress code, like the width of a hat brim, can distinguish one Amish sect from another."
- "Scholars study how different Amish sects negotiate modern life while maintaining their traditions."
- Internal distinctions: The term is crucial for understanding the diversity within the Amish world, as there is no single, centralized Amish church. Each sect (sometimes called a "fellowship" or "affiliation") is autonomous.
- "Sect" vs. "Order": While "sect" is the standard sociological and historical term, some Amish may use other words like "church" or "community" to refer to themselves.
- Amish (noun, adj): The broader ethnic and religious group comprising all Amish sects. Refers to the people, their culture, and their way of life.
- Anabaptist (noun, adj): The larger Christian movement to which the Amish belong, characterized by believer's baptism and separation from the state.
- Mennonite (noun, adj): The Christian group from which the Amish sect originally separated in 1693.
- Old Order Amish (noun): A common designation for the more traditional and conservative Amish sects.
- Amish affiliation
- Amish church district (though this often refers to a smaller local unit within a sect)
- Amish fellowship
The term has two primary layers: 1. Specific Historical Meaning: It denotes the original group founded by Jakob Ammann. 2. General Descriptive Meaning: It is used to describe any of the numerous subgroups that have formed since, due to schisms over doctrine and practice. The context usually makes clear which meaning is intended.
- an orthodox Anabaptist sect separated from the Mennonites in late 17th century; settled chiefly in southeastern Pennsylvania