Historical Roots Of Not Drinking Coffee
The history of Amish tradition does not include drinking coffee. For centuries, the Amish were known for abstaining from caffeine and adopting a much simpler lifestyle. The religious denomination of Anabaptist started in the early 1600s in Switzerland, Germany and other parts of Europe. They began to migrate to the United States in the early 1700s to escape religious persecution.
The Amish believed that the traditional act of abstaining from caffeinated beverages was part of their faith. In the Bible, Paul instructed Christians to “abstain from every form of evil.” This was taken as an instruction for complete abstinence from drinks that are considered by most to have a negative effect on health and spiritual beliefs.
The Amish upheld the traditional views of eschewing caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and tea, even when they settled in the United States. This was because they wanted to preserve their own culture and religion, whatever the cost. As such, coffee-drinking never became part of their lifestyle as it was synonymous with the outside world.
Religious Objections To Coffee
The Amish believe that engaging with the world outside their community is a slippery slope towards cultural assimilation. As the Wall Street Journal reported, this makes them perceive the beverage of coffee — and its inherently social atmosphere — as incompatible with their own culture.
In 2004, a senior Amish Bishop declared that consuming caffeinated beverages wasn’t compatible with the Amish faith. The 2002 edition of the Mennonite/Amish Directory had even listed caffeinated beverages such as coffee as forms of “modern indulgence” that should be avoided. This can be seen in the Amish value system, which puts greater priority on relationships, family, and a respect for the land.
For the Amish, the consumption of caffeinated drinks goes against the fundamental principles of a people who prioritize the simplicity of an agrarian lifestyle, a slow life and minimal consumption of processed foods and drinks. As the New Yorker explains this is because of a strong link between consumption of caffeine and modern society’s 24/7 lifestyle (which is unappealing to the Amish because of its lack of spiritual reflection).
Coffee Substitutes Used by the Amish
Although the Amish generally oppose drinking of coffee, there has been a development of coffee-like beverages. This non-caffeinated drink called Postum and it was created by the Postum Cereal Company (a subsidiary of Kraft Foods). Postum contains wheat bran, wheat, molasses, calcium and vitamin B1.
The Mormon church which originated in the USA in the early nineteenth century also abolished the drinking of coffee early on. The Church’s general beverage is called “Mormon Tea” which is brewed from the leaves of the ephedra plant that grows in North American deserts.
Coffee Consumption Today
It is only in the last decade that coffee-drinking, albeit in small doses, has started to be accepted among some of the Amish, who find the smell of roasting coffee irresistible. But it’s still not common practice for them to drink coffee, or caffeine-based drinks. For the most part, outside influences are still seen with caution, which means the Amish community still endeavours to drink its homegrown beverages, like hot chocolate rather than Starbucks.
In accordance with their traditionalist view of life, modern technology has been largely rejected by the Amish, who are often seen as a throwback to another era. As a result, many still abstain from the modern American tradition of drinking coffee, with the effects of caffeine seen as having a negative effect on culture and spirituality.
Cultural Implications Of Not Drinking Coffee
For the Amish, the decision to abstain from consuming caffeinated drinks is not just a matter of religious belief. It also has deep cultural implications. The lack of coffee provides a meaningful contrast between the Amish and Americans, which they use to reinforce their belief that they are different and distinct. This difference highlights the contrast between the Amish and mainstream American culture, and serves as a minor reminder that the Amish live in a cultural bubble of their own.
Additionally, avoiding coffee-drinking allows the Amish to stay true to a slower pace of life. The leisurely lifestyles of the Amish people, which involves spending a great deal of time with each other in their markets, schools and villages is seen as a meaningful contrast to the hustle of modern life.
The Amish’s steadfast refusal to condone coffee drinking ensures that this group is always seen as distinct from the modern world. Coffee has been a symbol of cosmopolitanism, and the Amish feelings of superiority and separateness from this world is part of what makes them so unique.
Financial Impact Of Not Drinking Coffee
The Amish’s stance against coffee has a financial impact, with the industry losing out on a potentially large customer base and the Amish renouncing an opportunity to gain the benefits of a stable market. Should the Amish choose to embrace coffee drinking, the industry would no doubt reap the rewards.
In the same way, the Amish are also missing out on an opportunity to grow economically. With the adoption of coffee-drinking, the Amish could expand their businesses such as home businesses, handicrafts, and farm shops. This would enable them to expand their markets, strengthen their industries, and build their economies.
Modern Consumption Of Coffee Among The Amish
Despite the historical and religious roots of the Amish and their refusal to engage with the consumer culture of coffee drinking, there has been a growing acceptance of coffee drinking amongst parts of the Amish community.
It’s a growing trend, and the market has responded with more and more Amish coffee brands and cafes dedicated to the coffee-drinking, traditionalist Amish. In the town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Amish-run Just Plain Country store sells several coffees from the region and traditional Amish favorites, such as homemade molasses and cinnamon buns.
Furthermore, the younger generation of Amish are more inclined to appreciate coffee. As the Amish people venture further and further from home, they are exposed to different cultures, and the smell of roasted coffee is one of those things that draws people in and entices them to try it.
Amish Coffee Choice And Consumption
Though the Amish are still the conservative, traditionalist people known since the early 17th century, there is an air of change and adaptation to certain modern trends. Although coffee is not part of the everyday Amish lifestyle, they have embraced specialty coffee as part of their culture.
The increasing availability of specialty coffees and instant coffee have made it easier for Amish people to escape the strict confines of the Church, while still maintaining their beliefs. Of course, this isn’t something they’re doing in public. Rather, the Amish drinkers opt for decaf coffees or coffees with lower caffeine content to maintain their beliefs and customs.
As well as drinking it at home, Amish people also opt for specialty coffee drinks as a way of catching up with old friends- such as iced cappuccinos, or attending events where coffee will be served.
Conclusion Of Coffee Drinking Among The Amish
It is clear that although the Amish have traditionally hated the concept of coffee drinking, it’s becoming increasingly more accepted among the younger generations. With the shifting opinions of the younger generations, the Amish are slowly beginning to adapt to a wider range of modern practices and norms, including coffee drinking.
This introduction of specialty coffee drinks and outlets, such as the Just Plain Country store, shows that the younger generations of the Amish have adopted a more flexible stance towards the beverage, while still adhering to the more traditional beliefs of the older generations.
In conclusion, although the Amish still prefer traditional drinks such as tea, hot chocolate, and limited quantities of decaffeinated coffee, they are slowly beginning to adopt coffee drinking while still maintaining their traditional ways.
