Mormon vs Amish
Authority, community life, technology, and worship—plus a visual chart.
Key Differences at a Glance
Authority & Community
- Mormon: hierarchical leadership with prophets; modern revelation.
- Amish: Ordnung, local bishops/elders, strong community discipline; limited technology.
Worship & Practice
- Mormon: temple and ward life; family and missionary emphasis.
- Amish: simple home services; humility, separation from the world; no proselytizing.
Everyday Life Snapshots
Among Latter‑day Saints (Mormon)
- Sunday worship at local wards; emphasis on teaching, service, and family programs.
- Missionary service common among young adults; lay leadership is extensive.
- Health code (Word of Wisdom) encourages abstaining from alcohol and tobacco.
Among the Amish
- Bi‑weekly home services; strong mutual aid and community work.
- Plain dress, horse‑and‑buggy transport in many districts; technology use governed by Ordnung.
- Schooling often ends after 8th grade; trades and farming are common.
In‑Depth: Mormon vs Amish
On this page
1. Introduction
Mormon (Latter‑day Saint) and Amish communities represent distinct Christian‑related traditions with contrasting approaches to authority, technology, mission, and community life.
2. Historical Background
Mormonism began in the 19th century with Joseph Smith, continuing under prophetic leadership and temple‑centered worship. The Amish trace to the 17th‑century Anabaptist movement (Jakob Ammann) stressing separation from the world.
3. Authority & Community
- Mormon: Hierarchical leadership with prophets/apostles; correlated programs; global church structure.
- Amish: Ordnung and local bishops/elders; decentralized districts; discipline through community consensus.
4. Scripture & Core Beliefs
- Mormon: Bible plus Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price; ongoing revelation.
- Amish: Bible as sole scripture; Ordnung shapes practice; strong emphasis on humility and community obedience.
5. Worship & Practice
Mormon: ward services, temple ordinances, missionary focus, family programs. Amish: home services, a cappella hymnody, plain dress, regulated technology.
6. Everyday Life
Mormon: lay leadership, youth missions, health code (Word of Wisdom). Amish: trades/farming, mutual aid, limited formal education.
7. Geography & Demographics
Mormonism is global with concentration in the Americas and the Pacific; Amish are primarily in the U.S. (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana) with some communities elsewhere.
8. Cultural Impact
Mormon institutions (temples, universities, welfare programs); Amish craftsmanship, agrarian life, and tourism interest. Both influence public imagination in different ways.
9. Contemporary Issues
Mormon: global expansion, religious freedom, family policy; Amish: technology boundaries, economic adaptation, community retention.
10. Key Similarities
- Strong community structures; emphasis on family and mutual support.
- Distinctive practices that shape daily life and identity.
11. Key Differences Recap
- Authority: prophetic hierarchy vs Ordnung with local bishops.
- Mission/Technology: active global mission and modern programs vs separation from the world and limited tech.
- Scripture: multiple LDS scriptures vs Bible alone with communal rule.
13. Sources & References
- LDS.org (official resources); Amish community studies and reputable encyclopedias.
- Pew Research Center; Oxford/Britannica.
FAQ
Do the Amish do missionary work like Mormons?
What texts are central?
Methodology & Sources
Comparison charts reflect our internal tradition profiles built from publicly available catechisms, denominational statements, and reference works. Scores are normalized to a −2…+2 scale and summarize emphasis rather than exhaustive doctrine. Local congregations vary.
- Primary references: denominational catechisms, confessions (e.g., Book of Concord), and official FAQs.
- Secondary references: Oxford, Cambridge, and academic surveys where applicable.
- Updates: profiles are periodically reviewed; send corrections to support@religiousvalues.com.