Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Amish Culture

Orthodox Amish culture do not allow hearing aids since they are considered "technology" and technology isn't permitted in Amish culture. Non-orthodox Amish and Mennonite people have cross-overed to the other side to live among the people who use technology. People often confuse the Amish and Mennonites that they think there's no difference between the two. Even though, their beliefs are very similar however the way that they express them, how they are in lifestyle and culture are different. Majority of the Mennonites dress like the rest of us, drive cars and have electricity in their homes along with ranges, washers and dryers and other appliances. On the other hand, the Amish are very strict about their clothing and don't drive cars or have electricity in their homes.

I wear hearing-aids and living in a technology world. If I was an Amish, I probably would not know what its like to be around with other deaf people in this world who are outside the Amish culture. What would it be like for deaf Amish individuals to live in an isolated like that? I have never met a deaf Amish person however, I came close to some. I believe that there are only three deaf Mennonite churches in the United States which are located in Lancaster, Penn, in New York and in Orville, Ohio, which is near Canton. Many years ago, I was a guest speaker at Orville's church where I have met several nice Mennoite families and church members. I was pleased to be a guest speaker there. It was quite an experience. Mennoite churches are like most Christian churches and they are basically Anabaptist believers which believe in peace and often called peace makers. They believe in non-resistance. I have been involved in a Anabaptist denomination for almost 20 years and I found Anabaptist do believe much of the Reformed Theologies except what separates their doctrines (i.e. Baptism, etc). Culture-wise, depending on Amish tribe and families. Some are really strict and some are not. Nation from the greek word "Ethnos". Strongs defines Ethnos as a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together as a company, troop, swarm. A multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus the human family a tribe, nation, people group (Culture). One thing I have learned when I was in the Anabaptist denomination, preferences aren't necessarily a doctrine issue, but can become serious when people in the church can't get along with each other because of their preferences. There are many Christian cultures because there are Christians who will follow their conscience, feelings, beliefs and personal worship preferences. In important example is that Orthodox churches including Anabaptist denominations encourage their women do cover their heads when they enter into church.