It’s Apparently OK for Missouri Amish to Use Computers – Sort Of

Like many in northeast Missouri, I live near many Amish families and greatly respect their faith and approach to life. I was under the impression that they were adverse to all kinds of technology, but I'm apparently wrong as Missouri Amish are apparently able to use computers - sort of. It's rather complicated.

I suppose my thinking about the Amish in Missouri is a great example of what happens when you base beliefs on assumptions. My assuming that Amish in Missouri are completely restricted from using any type of technology is apparently wrong.

I saw this Techquickie video trending on Digg for good reason. It points out that our Amish neighbors can sometimes use technology after all.

It's not a long video and more than worth the watch, but I'll summarize. The Amish in Missouri have guidance from elders to stay away from technology that does not directly contribute to work. They also do not allow devices to connect to the internet. The video points out that what amounts to a computer made for the Amish exists and is a glorified word processor that can connect to fax machines.

Amish Baskets says "Amish communities want to avoid connecting with the outside world by avoiding the use of ‘worldly’ things". There is a loophole which allows the Missouri Amish to hire a third-party company to create and manage a website for them as an example the site says.

The same loophole allows computer use as long as the machines are not used in the home and have no internet or games on them. Word processors and work-related things are OK. Entertainment is not.

One thing that the Amish don't allow that I very much admire and wish I could adhere to? Missouri Amish don't allow Microsoft Windows. Amen, my brothers and sisters. Amen.