The Amish are a religion which descends from the 16th century Anabaptist movement. With their rural lifestyle, religious practices and fashion, the Amish have become an icon of traditionalism in the 21st century. As part of this, many people have taken to asking the question – can Amish drink coffee?
At first glance, the answer would seem obvious – of course the Amish aren’t allowed to drink coffee. After all, the Amish are known for their abstinence of worldly pleasures, including the consumption of alcohol, smoking and even the use of technology. It would follow then, that coffee would also be included in their list of prohibited activities.
Yet, the truth is much more complex. While the Amish indeed prohibit the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and some modern luxuries, coffee is far from an absolute no-no in the Amish lifestyle. In fact, in some Amish communities, coffee drinking is quite commonplace. Many Amish feel that having a cup of coffee is not a repudiation of their core values, but rather a small pleasure that can be enjoyed in moderation.
This is not to say that all Amish drink coffee, however. The answer to the question can Amish drink coffee ultimately depends on the individual’s spiritual beliefs. While some Amish may consider it to be a moral lapse, others may take the opposite stance, claiming that abstaining from coffee does nothing to bring a person closer to God. The best way to find out if an individual Amish person drinks coffee is simply to ask.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that all coffee drinks within the Amish community are created equal. Many Amish communities restrict the amount of coffee that an Amish person is allowed to drink in a day, or even the type of coffee they can consume. For instance, some prohibit the use of store-bought coffee and instead favor home-brewed varieties. Additionally, many communities also forbid certain additives and flavorings, such as cream, sugar and spices.
It is also important to keep in mind that some Amish communities do not allow any coffee drinking at all. This varies depending on the specific sect and geographic location of the Amish community. For example, while most Amish communities in Pennsylvania allow coffee, those in Ohio may take a stricter stance on the issue.
Given the diversity of opinion within the Amish community, it is clear that the answer to the question can Amish drink coffee is not a simple one. Ultimately, it is up to each individual Amish person to decide whether or not they wish to indulge in coffee, and if so, how much and what type.
Where Do The Amish Get Coffee?
When it comes to where Amish people can acquire coffee, there is a wide variety of options available, depending on the particular sect and location. For Amish who live in more traditional rural areas, coffee may be brought in from family members who live in more open-minded Amish communities, or from nearby stores.
For those in the more progressive communities, it may not be uncommon to find stores and cafes which offer Amish-friendly coffee, either for consumption on site or for take-away. Additionally, modern Amish people may even be able to order coffee online or purchase it in pre-packaged forms.
Finally, some Amish may also grow their own coffee. In many cases, this is done with the same morally-neutral approach that some Amish use to grow traditional vegetables and other crops – that is, as a means of providing sustenance rather than a pleasurable experience.
Can The Amish Use Coffee Makers?
When it comes to whether or not the Amish can use coffee makers, there is no single answer which applies to all. Again, it is largely dependent on each individual’s spiritual belief system. Some Amish may allow certain small electric kitchen appliances, such as electric kettles, while others may strictly forbid such items.
For those communities which do not accept modern kitchen appliances, many Amish make use of traditional methods to brew their coffee. This might involve using a saucepan on the stove or the more time-consuming but satisfying method of using a French press.
In some Amish communities, the use of a stove-top coffee pot is completely wedded to the construction of the houses in these areas. Whereas in more open-minded Amish communities, the use of traditional stove-top coffee pots is considered to be quaint, but is not seen as obligatory.
What Are The Consequences For Amish Coffee Drinking?
As with any Amish lifestyle issue, the answer to this question depends on the individual. Generally speaking, however, there are a few main outcomes which an Amish person risks when they decide to drink coffee.
Firstly, in many cases, an Amish person may be ostracized for their decision to drink coffee. They may be denied access to certain community events, or may even be completely expelled from the community.
Additionally, when it comes to more extreme cases of coffee drinking, some Amish people may even be brought in front of the church and be required to pay a fine for their indiscretion. Though this is rare, it does happen and is something that an Amish person should think about before making the decision to drink coffee.
Is Coffee Drinking Common In Amish Communities?
The short answer is: it depends. While there is no hard and fast rule which applies to all Amish communities, there are certain trends which can be seen across the board.
Generally speaking, coffee drinking is far more common and accepted in progressive Amish communities than it is in traditional ones. This might be due to the fact that in more open-minded communities, the Amish are less likely to feel judged for their decision to drink coffee.
Additionally, in modern Amish communities, coffee culture has begun to become more mainstream, with coffee shops and cafes becoming increasingly popular (at least from an internal Amish perspective). This trend may be largely due to the fact that more and more people within the Amish community are seeing coffee as an acceptable part of life, rather than a moral failing.
Rules For Amish Coffee Drinking
For those Amish communities which do accept coffee drinking, there are generally a few rules which must be observed, depending on the particular relationship between the Amish person and their local church.
For example, it is not uncommon for certain Amish communities to limit coffee to a certain number of cups per day, with some limiting it to as little as one or two cups. Also, sugar and creamers are often banned, as are flavored coffees, with many churches preferring the use of plain coffee beans.
Finally, for those Amish communities which do not accept any coffee drinking whatsoever, the best policy is simply to obey the edicts of the church and abstain from all forms of coffee drinking. While this may be difficult for some, it is important to remember that this is the only way to demonstrate faithfulness to your spiritual beliefs.
What Is The Amish Perception Of Coffee?
Like many hot topics related to the Amish, the perception of coffee varies depending on the particular sect and geographic area. In some areas, coffee is seen as a necessary pick-me-up with no spiritual ramifications, while in others, it may be considered an indulgence that violates the core beliefs of the faith.
And yet, in many cases, coffee drinking is seen to be an acceptable pastime, provided that it is done in moderation and with certain restrictions. For instance, in many Amish communities, the addition of sugar and creamers to coffee is strictly prohibited, as is the consumption of flavored coffee.
Ultimately, when it comes to the Amish perception of coffee, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. What may be acceptable in one Amish community may not be in another, and it is up to the individual to decide what is best for them and their beliefs.
Can Outsiders Import Coffee To Amish Communities?
In general, it is not recommended that outsiders try to import coffee to Amish communities. This is because, in many cases, the Amish view the consumption of coffee as a spiritual issue, rather than a simple question of preference. As such, any attempt to encourage an Amish person to consume coffee may be seen as intrusive and in violation of the rules set forth by their local church.
However, this does not necessarily mean that it is completely out of bounds for an outsider to bring coffee to an Amish person. In some cases, it is possible for a church leader to grant permission for outsiders to bring coffee to Amish families, as long as it is strictly regulated and kept within certain guidelines. The best way to ascertain this is to inquire with a respected Amish leader in the community.
