The Neo-Amish Movement: How To Preserve Tradition in a Technological World
by Andrew Torba, CEO, Gab.com
Our third child was born about five weeks ago and we felt it was time to get out of the house and do something fun with the kids before summer passed us by. So we got in the car and headed to Lancaster, PA or as many call it “Amish Country.” Growing up Lancaster was a spot we visited often as kids. I have great memories myself from those visits and wanted to give my kids those same memories this summer. It was also a refreshing and inspiring look at what is possible with a homogenous traditional Christian culture and society.
It’s certainly intriguing to explore alternative lifestyles that choose to limit or reject the adoption of new technologies. The Amish community, known for their simple and self-sustaining way of life, has long fascinated those like me who are seeking a deeper connection with tradition and nature. Many people wrongly believe that the Amish swore off “all technology,” but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The Amish certainly use technology. A wagon is technology. A plow is technology. We may consider these to be “outdated” tech, but they are still technology nonetheless.
These technologies are viewed as practical tools that enhance their self-sufficiency, yet they consciously draw the line at adopting more complex and potentially disruptive advancements. At some point in time a few hundred years ago the Amish decided that they weren’t going to adopt technology beyond its existing state. It’s admirable and honorable that they have been able to hold to this decision, cultural tradition and way of life. I think there’s a lot we can learn from them as we reach a point with technological “progress” now that is going to start eroding our very humanity.
Originating in Europe during the 16th century, the Amish trace their roots back to the Anabaptist movement. Seeking religious freedom and a simpler way of life, the Amish migrated to North America, with the first settlements established in Pennsylvania in the 18th century. Remarkably, the Amish community predates the formation of the United States by several decades, making it one of the oldest communities on the continent.
Contrary to the modern notion of an aging population or declining communities, the Amish are experiencing a remarkable surge in population. In fact the Amish are projected to take over the current US population in 215 years if their growth rate continues on pace. This growth can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a high birth rate, low attrition rates, and a deep sense of community. The Amish population doubles approximately every 20 years, highlighting their resilience and the appeal of their way of life to younger generations.
I often ponder the possibility of a Neo-Amish movement, where individuals embrace a deliberate halt in technological progress beyond a specific point, opting to resist certain advancements in the pursuit of a more balanced existence. This doesn’t mean we all become farmers and get rid of our cars and electricity, but rather that we place a firm line in the sand with technological advancement amidst the rise of the transhumanism agenda.
Drawing inspiration from the Amish way of life, the concept of a Neo-Amish movement emerges. This movement argues for a deliberate halt in technological progress beyond a specific point to ensure the preservation of core human values and prevent potential societal upheaval. The Neo-Amish movement encourages critical evaluation and resistance against technologies perceived as encroaching upon fundamental aspects of human experience, autonomy, and privacy.
Let me give you some examples.
Brain implants and other intrusive technologies that interfere with cognitive or physical functions raise valid ethical questions. Such interventions can undermine the essence of human identity and autonomy. They blur the boundaries between man and machine. By resisting these technologies, a Neo-Amish movement aims to safeguard the distinct human experience and ensure the preservation of individual freedom.
The rise of autonomous vehicles and the potential for them to be controlled entirely by software brings forth many concerns as well. Given the susceptibility of software to hacking and vulnerabilities, many people rightfully question the reliability and safety of autonomous systems. By choosing to opt out of technologies that compromise their security, Neo-Amish adherents can maintain a sense of agency and mitigate the risks associated with technology’s unchecked progress.
The recent emergence of mRNA vaccines has sparked global discussions about their effectiveness and long-term effects. Within the Neo-Amish movement, individuals may choose to resist these vaccines due to concerns about their rapid development and potential unknown consequences. This stance reflects a desire to tread cautiously when it comes to medical advancements, emphasizing the importance of thorough research, informed consent, and a commitment to natural healing methods. This approach is panning out very well for the Amish today with existing vaccines.
“The Amish are a perfect example of a large group of people who are largely unvaccinated,” testified Steve Kirsch to the Pennsylvania State Senate. “You won’t find kids with ADD, with autoimmune disease, with PANDAS, PANS, with epilepsy. You just don’t find any of these chronic diseases in the Amish. The US government has been studying the Amish for decades, but there’s never been a report out to the public. After decades of studying the Amish, there’s no report because the report would be devastating to the narrative. It would show that the CDC has been harming the public for decades and saying nothing and burying all the data.”
The Amish community’s story is one of remarkable perseverance, resilience, and unwavering commitment to their principles. As one of the oldest communities in North America, the Amish have not only withstood the test of time but continue to flourish in the modern era. Their rapid population growth and steadfast dedication to their way of life demonstrate that they are more than a historical relic; they are a living testament to the endurance of human values and community bonds.
The idea of a Neo-Amish movement invites contemplation on the role of technology in our lives and prompts us to question the potential consequences of unchecked progress. Many of us are already participating in this movement without even realizing it. While the Amish community provides a foundation for this movement, the Neo-Amish perspective urges us to carefully consider the technologies we adopt and their impact on our humanity, privacy, and autonomy. As society continues to evolve, the exploration of alternative paths, such as the Neo-Amish movement, encourages critical thinking and the pursuit of a balanced coexistence between tradition and progress.
As I’ve written about earlier this year our focus at Gab is on empowering people to speak freely and gain access to information about homesteading, homeschooling, and homemaking. In order to help with this goal we’ve partnered with our friends at Plain Values magazine to syndicate their content on Gab News. In 2012, the Miller family began the Plain Values monthly print magazine stemming from a simple discussion about how to share stories of mission and ministry work with their Amish community. It's a great high quality magazine and I recommend a subscription. We are using the technology we’ve built here at Gab to expand their mission even further and help our community learn about homesteading, homeschooling, and homemaking directly from the people who do it best in the process.
Similar to the Amish, at Gab we believe technology is tool that can be used to improve real life, not replace it. When technology transforms from a tool into a crutch for real life that’s a problem. We’re not trying to implant computer chips in your brain, get you in a self-driving car, or ship you on a rocket to Mars. We simply want you to speak freely and by doing so come to the realization that you can and will get out of the Matrix, not further into it.
Andrew Torba
CEO, Gab.com
Jesus Christ is King
