Why don’t the Amish allow pictures or videos? We see Amish people on TV shows.

The Amish forbid their members to be in pictures because their society values humility with their members; thus one should not draw interest to themselves above others. Posing for photos or knowingly participating in getting their picture taken is prohibited.

Another reason for avoiding pictures is Biblical. The Second Commandment in the Bible says, “Thou shalt not make any graven image or any likeness of anything.” This is in the book of Exodus. The Amish above all believe that it is important not break any of the 10 Commandments of the Bible.

Now, some people will say, “But, I have seen many pictures of Amish?” Again the Ordnung (The rules for Living Amish) is not all the same for all Amish Communities especially in more liberal churches. Once an Amish is baptized as an adult, they must strictly follow the Ordnung of their community. Those who break the rules are strongly reprimanded. If you notice all of the pictures that I take are from a long distance shot. I do my best to not get identifiable faces because I do not want to offend my friends.

#AllAboutAmish by #MissouriAmsih