Who Are The New Order Amish?

Finding Faith in a Wired World: What We Can Learn from the New Order Amish and Their Take on Technology

In this world that’s just buzzing with notifications and glowing screens, so many good people are feeling a little bit overwhelmed. It can seem like technology is racing ahead, and sometimes, even with all these ways to connect can feel more disconnected than ever. But I want to tell you today that there are communities of faith, shining examples, who have found a truly unique and inspiring way to walk through these modern times. The New Order Amish, bless their hearts, show us a beautiful picture of how to live a life full of faith right alongside technology. They don’t throw it all out, no they choose so carefully what to bring into their lives. Their journey, can be a source of wonderful encouragement and powerful wisdom for anyone who’s looking for a more intentional, God-centered way to handle the tools of this modern age. We’re going to explore their amazing approach, and I believe we’re going to uncover some principles that can bless your life and guide every one of us.

Who Are the “New Order” Amish, and What Makes Them Unique in Their Faith?

It’s a common thought that all Amish people are exactly the same let me tell you, the truth is, the Amish world is wonderfully diverse! It’s made up of various groups or “orders,” and each one has its own slightly different, beautiful way of living out their faith.¹ Among these is a special group, and they’re known as the New Order Amish. They have a unique story, a distinct path, and a fresh approach to their Christian walk that really makes them shine.

You see, the New Order Amish communities started to blossom back in the 1960s, growing out of some of the Old Order Amish congregations.³ This was a time when some Amish folks felt a deep stirring in their hearts, a desire for a spiritual renewal. They had different understandings on certain church practices, including how they viewed the wonderful gift of salvation and even the use of some modern farming methods.³ it wasn’t about just wanting new things for the sake of newness, no! It was about seeking a fresh, a renewed way to live out the deeply held beliefs that were precious to them.

One of the most major and beautiful characteristics of many New Order Amish is their more evangelical emphasis in their faith. Oh, they often speak with joy about having an assurance of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ! They place a strong importance on personal Bible study, getting into God’s Word for themselves. And some groups, you’ll find, may even be involved in sharing their faith with others, which is a little different from the approach of many Old Order Amish communities.² This wonderful focus on a personal, assured faith is a cornerstone, a bedrock of what makes the New Order so distinct. Some historical accounts tell us that these evangelical leanings and these deep desires for spiritual reform were key, God-inspired factors in the formation of these New Order groups.⁷ Additionally, this vibrant faith is often reflected in their daily lives, including their choice of amish clothing and faith connection. The way they dress not only showcases their commitment to simplicity and humility but also serves as a tangible expression of their beliefs and values. This intertwining of faith and lifestyle further solidifies their identity as New Order Amish, setting them apart from other communities.

Even with these differences, New Order Amish still hold onto so many cherished Amish traditions. You’ll recognize them by their plain style of dress (though it might be a little more relaxed than some Old Order groups, a little more freedom there). They continue their faithful use of the horse and buggy for transportation, and many still speak the Pennsylvania Dutch language in their homes and communities, keeping that heritage alive.³ They are quite different from other groups like the Beachy Amish, who are generally more progressive, often driving cars and worshipping in church buildings.⁶ And here’s something interesting: while being more open to certain technologies, some New Order Amish groups are known to be even stricter than some Old Order groups when it comes to certain moral standards for their precious young people, such as clearly prohibiting alcohol and tobacco.² They’re standing firm on those values!

This shows us, that when people describe the New Order Amish as more “progressive,” it’s not simply about adopting modern conveniences. Oh no, their approach is guided by their values, by their renewed spiritual focus. Technology is just one area where they have prayerfully, thoughtfully considered what will help them, what will bless them, rather than what might hinder their walk with God and their precious community life. Their name, “New Order,” truly seems to point more towards this beautiful desire for a refreshed spiritual order and a vibrant, personal faith, rather than just being “new” for the sake of being new. God is doing a new thing!

To help us understand these distinctions a little better, here’s a quick look at some key differences. It’s a blessing to see how God works in different ways!

Amish Ways: A Quick Guide to Different Groups

Why Do New Order Amish Embrace Some Technology but Not All? What’s Their Guiding Principle?

It’s easy for those of us looking from the outside to think that the Amish people simply turn their backs on all these modern inventions that we see around us. But let me tell you, when you take a closer look, especially at wonderful groups like the New Order Amish, you’ll discover a much more thoughtful, a much more prayerful and selective approach.¹⁰ They don’t believe that technology is bad in itself, not at all! 10 Instead, their guiding principle, the light on their path, is rooted in a deep, heartfelt desire to ensure that any tool they use serves to strengthen their faith, to build up their families, and to fortify their communities. They want to make sure it leads them closer to God, not further away from the things they hold sacred.

The Amish understand, with great wisdom, that technology, if it’s not carefully managed or “tamed” as they say, has the power to change people and to change communities. They have a concern, a righteous concern, that an uncontrolled adoption of modern conveniences could gradually, little by little, wear away their cherished traditions and lead them to become too much like the surrounding society, which they often refer to as “the world”.¹⁰ Their goal, is to be masters of the technology they use, not to become enslaved by it.¹⁰ And that’s a word for somebody today! This means they prayerfully consider the potential impact, the ripple effects, of each new tool.

A central concern, one that’s always on their hearts, is the well-being of the family and their close-knit community. They believe that some technologies could weaken that precious family structure or pull the community apart by encouraging too much individualism or too much outside influence.⁹ For instance, widespread access to mass media like television or the internet is generally avoided. Why? Because of the fear that it might bring in values and ideas that are contrary to their Christian beliefs and their simple, God-honoring way of life.¹⁰ Similarly, while they might hire a van for a long trip, a blessing for a special need, owning cars is typically avoided. They understand that the ease of travel could draw people away from their local community, eroding those close, local ties that are so important, so vital to them.¹⁰

Guiding these decisions is something called the Ordnung. This is an unwritten set of understandings and rules, a kind of spiritual compass, that governs life in each Amish church district.¹ The Ordnung isn’t some rigid lawbook handed down from ages past, no. It’s a living agreement, a covenant, that helps the community maintain its separation from worldly influences that could distract or harm, and helps them live out their commitment to God in very practical, everyday ways.¹³ It touches on so many aspects of life, from the way they dress to how technology is used. And a key concept, a beautiful idea that often informs the Ordnung, is Gelassenheit. This German word, speaks of a spirit of humility, a yieldedness to God’s perfect will, and a focus on the community, on blessing others, rather than just on the self. Any technology that is seen to promote pride, or laziness, or excessive comfort, or vanity would generally be discouraged because it goes against this beautiful spirit of Gelassenheit.¹² They’re choosing God’s best!

What becomes so clear, so inspiring, is that for the Amish, including the New Order, decisions about technology are not just about what is practical or efficient. Oh no, these are deeply moral and spiritual considerations. They see technology not merely as some neutral tool as something that carries the potential to shape character, to influence relationships, and to affect their faithfulness to God and their precious community. This perspective leads them to carefully, prayerfully manage the boundary between their community and the outside world. “Separation from the world” for the Amish isn’t about building some impenetrable wall and hiding away. No, it’s more like tending a garden fence – carefully deciding what comes in and what stays out to protect what is precious and beautiful inside. They might allow certain “worldly” tools, like a telephone for a business, to help them function and provide for their families, which is a good thing.¹⁵ But they regulate these tools with such wisdom to prevent the values of the world from overwhelming their commitment to a life centered on faith and community. For example, choosing to use battery power or solar power – God’s sunshine! – instead of hooking up to the public electricity grid is one way they maintain a degree of independence and control, keeping their connection to the outside world carefully managed, just as God would have them do.¹⁰

How Do New Order Amish Decide if a New Technology Will Bless or Burden Their Community?

When a new piece of technology comes along, something shiny and new, the New Order Amish don’t just rush out and grab it. Oh no, they have a very thoughtful, a very community-focused way of deciding whether it will be a blessing to their lives or a burden to their precious way of life. This process, let me tell you, is quite different from how many in the wider world embrace new gadgets, and it’s guided by their deep faith and their unwavering commitment to each other. God has given them such wisdom!

Unlike the common tendency to immediately say “yes” to the latest innovation, Amish communities often start with a cautious approach, sometimes even a “no,” as they seek God’s guidance.¹⁸ They prefer to wait and see, to observe and discern. Decisions about technology are rarely made by individuals all alone; they are almost always communal, made together as a body of believers.¹⁸ The church community, often with the gentle guidance of their bishops or ministers, will prayerfully consider the potential effects, the ripples, of a new tool.

A fascinating part of this process involves what you could call “Amish early adopters.” It’s quite remarkable! With the permission of church leaders, one or a few individuals in the community might be allowed to try out a new technology for a period, perhaps a year.¹⁸ This isn’t for the sake of being trendy or keeping up with the Joneses, no, friends. It’s a careful, prayerful experiment. The entire community then watches, with loving eyes, to see what happens. They observe how the technology affects that person’s family life, their involvement in the community, their work, and most importantly, their spiritual walk with the Lord.¹⁸ If the community, after this period of observation, feels that the technology is bringing more harm than good, or that it’s leading people away from their core values, the person who tried it will be expected, in humility, to give it up.¹⁸ They’re looking out for each other!

The core questions they ask, oh, they are so deeply rooted in their faith:

• Will this technology help to strengthen our precious families? 18
• Will it build up our community and our fellowship with one another, making us stronger together? 18
• Will it help us live according to our understanding of God’s Holy Word and maintain our separation from worldly influences that could harm our faith? 14
• Does it encourage that beautiful spirit of humility (Gelassenheit) and simplicity, or could it lead to pride, to individualism, or to too much focus on material things that will fade away? 12

These decisions, are not made in a vacuum. They are very much dependent on the specific context of that community and are always, always driven by their shared values, the things God has placed on their hearts.²⁰ They ask themselves, with great seriousness, “What is truly at stake here if we adopt this?”.²⁰ The Ordnung, that unwritten guide for their community life, is not some fixed set of ancient rules a living understanding that can evolve as the community prayerfully discerns these matters together, seeking God’s heart.¹ Each local church district develops its own specific Ordnung, tailored to their needs.¹ This process often involves a dialogue that includes the influence of broader traditions, including Baptist beliefs and practices, as they navigate their own unique identity. Through fellowship and mutual support, they discern how these influences align with their core values and the teachings believed to be divinely inspired. Ultimately, this results in a dynamic and responsive community that remains committed to both their spiritual heritage and the contemporary needs of their members.

This careful, observant approach is almost like a “slow technology” movement that has been a part of their way of life for generations. It’s about deliberate adoption, focusing on well-being rather than just novelty, and making choices that will bless the entire community. This thoughtful process helps them avoid some of the unintended negative consequences that can come from quickly adopting new things without considering the long-term impact. By allowing limited trials and watching the real-world effects, they are essentially learning from experience, gaining wisdom, before making a decision that affects everyone. The bishops and church leaders play such a vital role in this, acting almost like loving shepherds who help protect the flock from influences, including technological ones, that might lead them astray from their deeply held, God-given values.

What Everyday Technologies Might You See in a New Order Amish Home or Business?

Imagine stepping into a New Order Amish home or visiting one of their businesses. It can be such an interesting and inspiring experience because it truly shows their principle of selective technology use in action! While they maintain a life of beautiful simplicity, they do embrace certain tools that help them in their daily lives and their work, always with careful consideration and a prayerful heart.

One of the most noticeable differences from very conservative Amish groups is that New Order Amish often permit the use of electricity in their homes and workshops.³ this electricity usually doesn’t come from the public power lines that we’re all used to. Instead, they might use batteries, their own generators, or, increasingly, solar panels – harnessing God’s good sunshine! – to power their lights and equipment.¹ The key for them, you see, is often maintaining that independence from the outside world’s infrastructure, keeping things in God’s order.¹⁰

With this power source, you might find various household appliances. Yes, kitchens and bathrooms in New Order homes can sometimes look quite similar to those in non-Amish homes.⁶ They might use refrigerators (often powered by propane gas, another way they manage things), washing machines to handle the laundry for their typically large and blessed families, fans for comfort on a warm day, and even calculators, copy machines, or typewriters for record-keeping or correspondence.¹ Practical tools for a practical life!

When it comes to telephones, New Order Amish are generally more open to them than many Old Order groups, sometimes even having them right in the home.³ But even here, there are often thoughtful limits. The phone might be shared among several families, a picture of community, or located in a small, separate building or in a barn. Sometimes it’s used mainly for business purposes.⁹ These wise measures help ensure the phone is a tool for necessary communication, a blessing for connection, rather than a constant source of interruption or worldly chatter that could pull them away from what’s important.

In their farming operations and businesses, these hardworking New Order Amish are known to use modern farming implements and various motorized tools.⁵ This could include tractors for working the fields (though sometimes these tractors might have steel wheels instead of rubber tires – a clever modification to limit their use on public roads and keep things focused locally 1), automatic milking machines for their dairy farms 23, and gasoline-powered engines to run equipment like saws or mills.¹⁵ For businesses that interact with the non-Amish world, they might use basic computers, often with limited or no internet access, for tasks like accounting or inventory, as well as cash registers.¹² They’re using what helps them serve and provide!

Lighting is another area where you see their practical, God-given wisdom. Battery-powered lights on their horse-drawn buggies are very common, a smart choice for safety.⁶ Inside their homes, they might use propane gas lighting fixtures or lights powered by their battery or solar systems.⁶

This careful selection of technologies shows a wonderful pragmatism that works in beautiful harmony with their traditions. If a tool can help them maintain their traditional livelihoods, like farming or skilled crafts, or if it helps with essential daily functions without disrupting their core values of family togetherness and community life, it is more likely to be considered. They seem to weigh the practical function of a tool against its form and, most importantly, its potential social and spiritual impact. It’s not just about adopting a modern tool as it is; oh no, often they will adapt the technology or the way it’s used to make sure it fits their values, like a tailor fitting a suit perfectly. This might mean putting the community phone in a separate shanty, or using a computer only for specific business tasks without full internet access. It’s a kind of “controlled modernization,” where they embrace the usefulness of a tool but reshape its use to serve their unique, faith-centered way of life. That’s wisdom in action, friends!

How Does Being “New Order” Affect Their Approach to Phones, Cars, and the Internet?

When you think about Amish life, I bet certain technologies often come to mind as points of difference – specifically things like phones, cars, and the internet. The New Order Amish, bless them, have their own distinct, yet carefully bounded, approach to these highly visible aspects of modern life, and it often differs from that of the more conservative Old Order groups. They’re seeking God’s best way for them!

Telephones:

When it comes to telephones, New Order Amish communities are generally more permissive, more open, compared to many Old Order groups. It’s not uncommon, for New Order families to have a telephone, sometimes even right there within their homes.³ This is a contrast to many Old Order communities where telephones, if they’re allowed at all, are typically located in a shared shanty or a little booth outside the home. The Old Order reasoning, and it’s understandable, is often to prevent the telephone from interfering with those important, heart-to-heart, face-to-face visits and to maintain a greater degree of separation from the influences of the outside world.⁹ while New Order Amish allow more access, the use of the telephone is still often approached with such intentionality, with purpose. It’s frequently seen as a tool for necessary communication – a blessing for business dealings, a help in emergencies, or a way to connect with family members who live far away – rather than for idle socializing or that constant connection that might distract from precious family and community life.¹⁵ They’re using it wisely!

Automobiles (Cars):

This is an area where the New Order Amish generally align with those cherished Old Order traditions: they typically do not own or drive cars.³ The horse and buggy, that symbol of a simpler pace, remains their primary mode of personal transportation. This is a major marker, a clear distinction, that sets them apart from more progressive Anabaptist groups like the Beachy Amish, who do use automobiles.⁶ The broader Amish reasoning for not owning cars, which applies to the New Order as well, is that automobiles can greatly increase mobility, making it so easy to go here, there, and everywhere. This, they believe, could pull the community apart by making it too easy for individuals to travel far from home for shopping, or entertainment, or work, and in doing so, eroding those vital local ties and potentially accelerating assimilation into mainstream society.¹⁰ The horse-and-buggy, by its very nature, keeps the community more geographically anchored and encourages a slower, more reflective pace of life.¹⁰ There’s a blessing in that!

But this doesn’t mean New Order Amish never travel in cars. Oh no, they are generally permitted to ride in motor vehicles when it’s necessary. This might involve hiring a non-Amish driver with a van for longer trips, a great help for business purposes, or in case of emergencies.⁹ And here’s something interesting: some New Order Amish groups are more open to other forms of long-distance travel, such as by train or even by airplane for special circumstances, a practice that most Old Order groups would prohibit.²⁴ They’re finding what works for them, under God’s guidance.

The Internet:

Personal access to the internet in the home, is generally rejected by most Amish groups, and that includes the New Order. The primary concerns, and they are valid concerns, revolve around the potential for exposure to worldly influences, to unfiltered and inappropriate content, and the internet’s powerful ability to consume time and attention that could otherwise be devoted to family, to faith, and to community.¹⁰ They’re protecting what’s precious!

But in the realm of business, some New Order Amish enterprises may utilize the internet in a very limited and controlled fashion. This could be for specific tasks like communicating with non-Amish customers or suppliers, or for online sales of their wonderful, handcrafted products.¹⁵ Even in these cases, access is often restricted. Perhaps they use computers with no web-browsing capabilities beyond what is absolutely essential for the business, and it’s not intended for personal entertainment or general surfing of the web. They’re keeping it focused!

A key principle, a shining light that guides their approach to these technologies, is the distinction between owning something and using it. For instance, not owning a car but being willing to hire one for a specific need allows them to access the benefit of faster long-distance travel without fully integrating the car and its potential disruptions into their daily lives and community structure. Owning a technology often implies a deeper level of dependence and integration, while controlled use, sometimes through an intermediary, keeps the technology more at arm’s length, more manageable. Technologies are often evaluated based on their “tethering” effect – how strongly they connect individuals to the outside world versus how much they support the local community. Tools like personal cars and widespread internet access are seen as having a strong pull towards the outside, potentially weakening those vital, God-given bonds within their own faith community. They’re choosing connection with each other!

Can Limiting Technology Like the New Order Amish Actually Lead to a Richer, More Joyful Life?

We live in a world that’s always telling us that more technology means more progress, more happiness. But the New Order Amish, with their thoughtful ways, shine a light on a different path, suggesting that true richness and joy might not be found in having every single thing in cherishing what truly fills your life with meaning. Their example invites us, with open arms, to consider if a more deliberate and sometimes limited use of technology could lead to a fuller, more joyful existence, a life overflowing with God’s goodness.

One of the key aspirations of the Amish, and it’s a powerful one, is to master technology rather than become its slave.¹⁰ This sense of being in control, of making conscious, prayerful choices about what to allow into their lives, can bring a powerful sense of agency and peace. And aren’t those wonderful components of a rich life? Instead of being constantly pulled by the demands of devices, they strive to direct how technology serves them, how it blesses them.

By prioritizing that precious face-to-face interaction and shared activities – often made possible by limiting the intrusion of technology – they cultivate stronger family and community bonds.¹⁰ Oh, these deep relationships, this wonderful sense of belonging and mutual support, are invaluable sources of joy and resilience that no gadget, no matter how shiny, can ever replace. So many people in the wider world are yearning for such connection, and the Amish model shows one beautiful way it can be nurtured and protected.

Opting out of the “always on,” hyperconnected lifestyle that many experience can also lead to reduced stress and anxiety.²⁰ Let’s be honest, the constant barrage of information, notifications, and social pressures that come with unfettered technology use can be absolutely exhausting. A simpler, more focused life can offer a haven of calm, a peaceful retreat, and contribute to greater emotional well-being. God wants you to have peace!

Living in a way that consistently aligns with one’s deepest beliefs and values, as the Amish strive to do with God’s help, can bring a powerful sense of purpose and joy.¹⁴ There is a deep satisfaction, a quiet confidence, that comes from knowing one’s life is an authentic expression of one’s faith. This integrity between belief and practice is a hallmark, a shining light, of their approach.

A simpler lifestyle can also foster a greater appreciation for the simple pleasures of life – the breathtaking beauty of God’s nature, the deep satisfaction of skilled craftsmanship, the warmth of a good, heartfelt conversation, the peace of quiet reflection. When life isn’t cluttered with endless technological distractions, there is more room, more space, to notice and cherish these fundamental joys. This is not to say their lives are without hardship, no life is their focus allows for a different kind of appreciation, a deeper gratitude.

Interestingly, less reliance on ready-made technological solutions can also spur creativity and resourcefulness. Amish communities are known for their ingenuity, their God-given cleverness, with mechanics sometimes building their own machines or adapting existing ones to fit their needs perfectly.¹⁰ This hands-on approach, this using of their talents, can be deeply rewarding and fulfilling.

Finally, their deliberate pace of change, their thoughtful approach, helps in the preservation of valuable traditions and cultural heritage, connecting them to their past and providing a stable, strong foundation for the future.¹⁰ This continuity can be a source of great comfort and identity, knowing who you are and where you come from.

The Amish model suggests, that true richness might be found not in the endless pursuit of “more” – more gadgets, more convenience, more information – but in discerning what is “enough” for a flourishing, faith-filled life. It challenges that common assumption that more is always better. In a world often obsessed with speed, their embrace of a slower, more deliberate pace of life, symbolized so beautifully by the horse and buggy 10, can be seen as a radical, courageous choice that allows for deeper reflection, stronger relationships, and a more human rhythm, the rhythm God intended. This “slowness” itself can be a source of incredible richness. And while modern society often equates technology with freedom, the Amish example suggests that freedom from certain technologies – freedom from constant distraction, from worldly pressures, from the algorithms that seek to shape our behavior – can also be a powerful and liberating experience, opening up space for a different kind of joy and contentment, the kind that truly satisfies the soul.

What Can We, as Christians Today, Learn from the New Order Amish About Finding a Godly Balance with Technology?

The story of the New Order Amish and how they handle technology isn’t just some interesting tale; it’s like a treasure chest filled with golden nuggets of wisdom that can bless every single one of us Christians who are trying to live for God and find that sweet spot, that godly balance, in this amazing, tech-filled world we live in! Their example isn’t about becoming Amish, no it’s about gleaning timeless principles, God-given truths, that can help anyone navigate the digital age with greater intention, greater purpose, and greater joy.

The Amish teach us the incredible importance of being intentional, not passive, about technology. They don’t just let technology “happen” to them or their precious families; they actively, prayerfully consider its place and its potential impact.¹⁴ They ask that powerful question “why” before adopting a new tool.³³ This encourages a proactive stance, a take-charge attitude, where you, with God’s help, decide how technology will serve your life, rather than allowing your life to be shaped and molded by it. You are in control!

A core lesson, a foundational truth, is to prioritize people and relationships above all else. The Amish evaluate technology based on its effect on their relationship with God, their families, and their community.¹⁸ What a powerful filter that is! Ask yourself: Does this particular technology or this way of using it build up these vital connections, these God-given relationships, or does it create distance and distraction?

The value of community discernment also shines through so brightly. While individual choices are important, the Amish make decisions about technology as a community, together in unity.¹⁸ For us Christians today, this might mean discussing technology use with our family members, with our fellow believers in a small group, or with trusted mentors who can offer godly counsel. There is great wisdom, great strength, in seeking that counsel and shared understanding.

Inspired by the Amish Ordnung, we, as individuals and families, can benefit so much from setting clear boundaries for technology use. This could mean establishing tech-free times (like during meals or precious family devotions), creating tech-free zones (like bedrooms, making them sanctuaries of rest), or setting limits on certain apps or types of content. These personal or family guidelines can function like your own personal Ordnung, helping to protect what is most important in your life.

It’s also so vital, to understand that technology often has an “agenda.” Technologies are not neutral tools; they are designed with certain purposes in mind and can subtly, almost sneakily, shape our thoughts, our habits, and our values.¹⁴ Being aware of this, having that discernment, helps us in choosing what influences we are allowing into our lives and into our hearts.

The Amish model encourages us to embrace “good enough” over the constant, restless pursuit of the “newest and best.” There can be such great peace, such freedom, in questioning that relentless pressure to upgrade or acquire the latest gadget. The focus should be on what truly serves your needs and aligns with your God-given values, not on just keeping up with trends that come and go.

And importantly, the Amish show us that it’s okay to “walk away” or modify technology. Yes, you heard that right! If a particular app, device, or online habit is proving harmful, distracting, or unhelpful to your spiritual life or your relationships, there should be no fear, no hesitation, in limiting its use, changing how it’s used, or even abandoning it altogether.³³ The Amish frequently modify technology to suit their purposes, and this principle of adaptation, of taking control, is so valuable.¹ You have that power!

Perhaps one of the most insightful applications for our modern lives is the idea of creating “holy friction.” The Amish intentionally introduce elements that make technology use less seamless, less automatic, and more deliberate – like having a community phone in a shanty rather than a smartphone buzzing in every pocket. This “friction” encourages mindful engagement, a thoughtful pause. We Christians today can create our own forms of holy friction – perhaps keeping our phones out of the bedroom, scheduling specific times to check emails rather than being always on call, or using apps that help us limit screen time. These small pauses, these intentional choices, can make a huge difference in our lives.

The Amish commitment to keeping certain times and spaces free from technological intrusion can inspire us to reclaim “Sabbath” in our digital age. Just as the Sabbath is a time set apart for rest, for worship, and for connection with God and our loved ones, creating intentional breaks from digital demands can be incredibly restorative, like a refreshing drink of cool water for our souls. Finally, the Amish demonstrate so beautifully that faith is not just for Sunday mornings; it is meant to inform every aspect of our lives, including how something as modern as technology is approached. This challenges all of us believers to consider how our discipleship, our walk with God, should actively shape our digital habits and consumption, ensuring that every part of our lives is lived for God’s glory. Amen!