(photo: by chumlee10)
The Amish haven’t “stopped” advancing technology. They are rather more cautious and deliberate about what technology they use, how much, and how often.
They think technology adds needless complexity to life, which prevents them from connecting with each other, as well as with God.
Before a technology is employed, its impact on the individual and the community are considered and ways to manage disruptive effects are discussed.
They shun any technology that they feel breaks the connection between an individual and the community. They believe connections to greater society undermine their community.
They’re not connected to the electrical grid, but they will use electricity if it comes from a generator because the generator isn’t connecting them to the outside world.
They don’t use municipal gas, water, or sewage. They also don’t use the internet or get health insurance. They usually have gas generators for fridges, lights and milk machines, buy butane for cooking and some even have solar panels.
Many Amish use technology such as cell phones and other communication methods. The elders in the community are very, very cautious about adapting these things, and they wait a long time before deciding it’s ok. In the case of cell phones, some have decided that they have a good use in communicating for business reasons (buying and selling furniture for example) or quickly informing others of important events. They often keep the phone in a booth out of the house and use is very, very limited.
Each community will have their own rules for integrating technology.
